Jimmy Walsh and the three Dr Ryans
BY JOHN FITZGERALD At 92, Jimmy Walsh is still head coach at Callan Boxing club, but he believes he wouldn’t occupy that exalted position in his hometown had it not been for some timely medical interventions In particular, Jimmy told me he’s grateful to what he calls a top-class family of doctors. He told me the …
Celebrating Local Voices – Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet 2025 Launch
Kilkenny Arts Office is thrilled to announce the launch of the 25th edition of the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet, which took place on August 14th in the beautiful Parade Tower as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the featured poets whose work was celebrated during the event. It was a …
Bridge Art Exhibition by Local Artist Paddy Cunningham
There’s something special happening in Callan this month – an art exhibition by the talented Paddy Cunningham has taken over The Mara Hall. If you know Paddy’s work, you’ll already be familiar with his fun and creative style, and this exhibition doesn’t disappoint. On display are some of his best-loved pieces, featuring familiar faces like …
Exploring Our Foundations: Heritage Week 2025 with Kilkenny County Council Library Service
Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to announce a rich and varied programme of events for Heritage Week 2025, celebrating the theme “Exploring Our Foundations.” This year’s activities invite the public to reflect on the stories, traditions, and innovations that have shaped Kilkenny’s cultural identity. Across our library branches, visitors can enjoy a blend of historical talks, …
Memories and plays to help St Columba’s Hospital
Kilkenny’s newest drama group, Mór Scéal Drama group, will present three one-act plays in Thomastown Hall on August 23rd and 24th at 8pm nightly and in Ryans Bar, Friary Street. These plays are Watermark and Lou Lou in Paris, by local writer Barry McKinley and The Duck Variations by David Mamet. Mór Scéal was set …
Exciting Developments at Loreto Secondary School
Loreto Secondary School is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Department of Education and Youth to proceed with a planning application for enhanced Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation. The proposed development aims to significantly improve the learning environment for current students, particularly those requiring additional educational support. The project will also …
Kilkenny club action delivers knock-out action in Round 3!
Loughs & Town unbeaten as Glenmore catch the eye again BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Glenmore claimed another big scalp in this season’s St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League in round 3, running out 4-point winners over Bennettsbridge at Inistioge last weekend. Having got the better …
Local vet qualifies for Deaflympics 2025
Shona Maguire, a south east based vet, has qualified for the Deaflympics which is being held in Tokyo in November this year. She will be the first woman to represent Ireland in judo in the history of the Deaflympics. Though hearing impaired from a young age due to damage caused by growths in both ears, …
Choir, theatre and the story of Jesus at the Abbey
This week, cast members of The Man Born to be King met at The Black Abbey church for a tour, kindly organised by the Prior Fr Damian Polly. In a way, it was a double celebration, with The Abbey celebrating 800 years in existence and The Kilkenny Gospel choir celebrating their 25th birthday. The meeting …
Kilkenny celebrates as creativity abounds
Celebrating creativity in every corner of Kilkenny By Ger Cody Photos: jbsphotoskilkenny Every Arts festival I think of the late Seán Kenny from Wellington Square in Kilkenny. Apart from being a very charming and charismatic man, Jack was a great artist and he proudly showed his wares during various festivals. Above all else, I loved …
