Ghosts and fairy folk in Callan
By John Fitzgerald Reminiscing on the people who lived in Callan years ago, the acclaimed newspaper correspondent Peter Roughan also commented on those who were supposed to be in it, but probably weren’t. “Then again, there’s no smoke without fire”, he cautioned, and if smoke was ever seen rising from the back of the Moat, …
Spring cleaning for mind, body and home
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton One recent bright, warm and sunny day, I lay out on my lawn soaking the heat into my bones. I really needed it after 60 days of rain. It was wonderful to feel the light and warmth on my body. I listened to the birds and watched them …
Community group gets top tips from Gardaí
The Eastern Environs Community Group in St John’s had a marvellous afternoon in the Parish Centre recently. Community Gardai dropped by to share loads of useful info’ on everything from passport apps to staying safe online and protecting your turf. The lively session covered passport applications, online security, safe banking, and beefing up personal and …
Kilkenny Artists Café – Gathering and Planning
Curated by Eamonn Maxwell Hosted by the Tea Houses and supported by Kilkenny Arts Office 10am, Saturday 25th April Back for a second year! The Kilkenny Artists Café is an initiative aimed at creating an informal space for artists to come together and discuss issues, discover new approaches and meet other artists, over a cuppa! …
Newly commissioned officer from Kilkenny as Minister attends Curragh ceremony
Photos Irish Defence forces The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, TD, attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 101st Army Cadet Class at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, at which 52 Cadets were commissioned as officers of the Permanent Defence Force. Among those commissioned was Matthew Russell from Kilkenny. Lieutenant …
Young Motorsport Enthusiast Launches Hugh’s Rallying Website to Promote Irish Rallying
An 11-year-old motorsport enthusiast has turned his passion for rallying into a growing online platform with the launch of Hugh’s Rallying, a new website dedicated to Irish rally photography and video coverage. Hugh O’Brien, aged 11, has developed a keen interest in rallying and motorsport and is now becoming a familiar face at rally events …
Lacey’s major sinks Lilywhites in U20’s win
Young Cats pull clear to secure victory BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE FULFIL LEINSTER GAA U20 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP TIER 1 GROUP 1 – ROUND 1 Kildare 0-10 Kilkenny 1-16 Henry Shefflin’s reign as Kilkenny U20 manager got off to a winning start with a hard-fought opening round win in the Fulfil Leinster U20 Hurling …
Community Connect Fund Opens for 2026 with €150,000 to Support Local Groups
In a time when communities continue to face uncertainty and rising pressures, St. Canice’s Credit Union remains a constant and reliable presence – supporting members, strengthening local initiatives, and reinvesting directly into the areas it serves. St. Canice’s Credit Union is delighted to launch the 2026 Community Connect Fund, making €150,000 available to community groups …
Paddy Molloy: The Soul of Wit
By John Fitzgerald Paddy Molloy might well have been Callan’s wisest and wittiest man of the 20th century. He was born in Callan on a sunny day in 1898. At age 16, following intensive schooling at the CBS, during which the Christian Brothers taught him everything they knew, an adventurous Paddy joined the army in …
Large numbers turn out for Good Friday walk
Over 300 people turned out for the Annual Good Friday Walk, which is the 22nd year of the walk, and was led by Bishop Ger Nash, Apostolic Administrator of Ossory, and Fr. Willie Purcell. Each walker received a St. Francis of Assisi cross in remembrance of the walk in this year of St. Francis. “It …
