Connolly’s RED MILLS celebrates sponsorship of Comfort Dog Alfie at Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny
On September 24th, Connolly’s RED MILLS visited Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny to officially launch their sponsorship of the school’s much loved comfort dog, Alfie. Alfie has become an integral part of daily life at the school, where his calm presence and affectionate nature have been providing vital emotional support to students and staff alike. From …
Mental Wellbeing Support Naturally
BY CLAIR WHITTY Stress, I think most of us feel stress on a frequent basis. I know I do. Mostly we experience short term stresses from busy lives, and life goes on, no major problem or impact on our health. However, if you experience something that is more traumatic, for example, bereavement, illness, buying or …
Budget 2026 unveils €9.4bn plan, restraint dominates
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Next Tuesday, Oct 7, will tell all for Budget 2026. Meanwhile the air is thick with anticipation and a healthy dose of realism. Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers are set to unveil a €9.4 billion package, split between €7.9 billion in spending and €1.5 billion in tax cuts. Coming …
Kirk: Have we reached a tipping point?
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON The assassination of rightwing commentator Charlie Kirk was described by Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox as “a watershed moment”. His words came as a warning to stop, take heed and realise that cataclysmic change is rapidly becoming irreversible. Like Malcom Gladwell’s Tipping Point, ideas can be like a virus …
For young voters, it doesn’t tick all the boxes
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The referenda on marriage equality and the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, in the last 10 years, saw young people turn out in their droves, even hastening home from abroad – on borrowed money – to exercise their democratic right. Those referenda outcomes were not a vote …
Gold Certification for Mayfair Library under the LEED
Kilkenny County Council Library Service were delighted to be informed that the Mayfair Library has been awarded gold certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED is an internationally renowned programme that recognises buildings that achieve excellence in sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. “We are delighted to receive this award” says …
The weekend back home from college
By Judith Ashton Many anxious parents await their precious offspring’s weekend return home from college with a mixture of trepidation and joy. It’s been their first foray out in the big wide world and you’re dying to know how they survived. It’s a minefield out there and seasoned parents know that the most important thing …
A much-anticipated bus shelter has been promised for Loughboy
The Kilkenny Observer met with Mayor John Coonan to discuss the urgently needed bus shelter at Loughboy, and he kindly responded to the concerns. “I have consistently raised and advocated for the prioritized installation of the bus shelters and am pleased to see progress being made,” said Mayor John Coonan. The city will install eight …
CD launch to help Kilkenny charity
Being elected to the Council and to serve the people of Kilkenny is a great honour. One need only look back on the last 50 plus years and you will see great Councillors, men and women, who did amazing work for the city and county and whose job as ambassadors for the black and amber …
Bishop and Mayor praise Butts sense of belonging
The Butts town team held an end of summer party for the Community on Sunday the 21st of September. The event was held in the Community House at 19 Pearse Street. This house is part of the Butts regeneration plan for the community. Marie Smith, community liaison officer, works from this space where members of …
