Facing up to the anti-ageing industry
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON When people make remarks about your appearance it’s hard to know how to take them sometimes. Like the former colleague I hadn’t seen for ages who commented: “I’m glad to see you haven’t had any work done.” Did she mean to congratulate me for not having a facelift …
Lessons for the future in our classrooms
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The exceptionally high level of engagement in the national Primary School Survey, with more than 200,000 parents and guardians submitting responses, alongside strong participation from school staff and boards of management, surprised even Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton. This significant response marks an important step in ensuring …
5 Spring Essentials for a Thriving, Diverse Garden
By the Horticulturists at Tirlán CountryLife Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your garden, support wildlife, and plan for a colourful, productive year. Longer days and warmer temperatures give plants the boost they need, and with a little planning, you can create a space that looks beautiful while supporting biodiversity. At …
Loneliness and the bus keep communities connected
Loneliness, social isolation and the war in the middle East. Everything is connected. We are all inter-dependent and I always think of Edward Norton Lorenz’s “Butterfly Effect” or Chaos Theory. A small action like a butterfly flapping its wings in one place can cause massive eruptions in another part of the world. If a butterfly …
Celebrating 60 Years of Rothe House
Photos: Vicky Comerford This past Friday, Parliament Street felt a little more vibrant than usual. While Rothe House has been standing since 1594, last week marked a milestone of a different era: the 60th anniversary of its opening to the public. It is hard to imagine today, when strolling through the meticulously restored buildings and …
My Visit to Lourdes with Rise and Shine
The Rise and Shine Trust, formerly The Irish Pilgrimage Trust, is an independent, self-funding, national, inclusive, and volunteer-led charity that provides supported pilgrimage holidays to guests with additional needs and respite to their families. In particular, their Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes is a week-long life-changing holiday packed with festivities, friendship, and fun. Starting in the …
No room for error as Yellowbellies come to town
Lyng seeks response after Galway defeat BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship 2026 Round 2 Kilkenny vs Wexford UPMC Nowlan Park Tomorrow, 6:30pm We move on to round 2 of the 2026 Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship, and it’s simple from here on in; there is no room for anymore …
Kilkenny County Council Praises Employee Brian Hayes’ Leadership in Disability Rights
When Brian Hayes walks into a government meeting, he is not there as an observer. He is there to make sure people with intellectual disabilities are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. Brian, Chair of the National Platform of Self-Advocates, has recently been appointed to lead the Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) Group under the …
Minister Jerry Buttimer officially opens N77 Ballyragget road safety Improvement Scheme
On Thursday 16th April the N77 Ballyragget to Ballynaslee Improvement Scheme was officially opened by Minister Jerry Buttimer-Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in the presence of the Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council and the Elected Members. Speaking at the official opening of the …
Callan’s Ancient Mariners
By John Fitzgerald Looking over the Big Bridge in Callan today, you can admire the scenic beauty of the Moat, or the rolling green sward of the historic meadow. But you won’t see a single boat navigating the serene or choppy waters of the King’s River. How different from the scene that would have greeted …
