An evening at the Oscars An 80 piece orchestra performing your movie favourites such as Star Wars, Wicked, or Schindler’s List in the incredible setting of St Canice’s Cathedral? Or how about witnessing quite literally one of the world’s greatest pianists, Barry Douglas, join sensational Irish violinist, Patrick Rafter in a breathtaking program at St. …

117

Recently, The Kilkenny Observer attended the launch of Willie Egan’s eagerly anticipated novel, 125 West Street. The ballroom of the Club House Hotel was packed to capacity as family and friends of the author turned out to support the Mullinahone born writer. From a theatrical perspective, the Club House holds a unique place in the …

145

Homily of Bishop Niall Coll at Mass for Pope Francis RIP, St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny My phone started ringing within minutes following media reports of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Even though he has been ill, his death came as a shock to most of us. Immediately, a media statement had to …

138

Photos: Pat Shortall The sun shone as over 100 people gathered at Kilkenny’s Peace Park. Representatives from Australia, Turkey and New Zealand were in attendance, as were people from many Irish counties. Also present were various politicians. At 16.30 hours, Commandant Larry Scallan assumed his position. A long whistle sounded, and proceedings got underway. It …

136

The annual Easter Commemoration ceremony was held on The Green in Freshford at noon on Sunday 20th of April. Members of Kilkenny historical re-enactors led the parade, followed by the flying column with  Kilkenny Historical Re-Enactors. The event was MC’d by John Meagher, who opened the ceremony. The Proclamation was read by newly elected TD …

120

Traveller Pride Week is an annual event that celebrates the community, ethnicity, identity, heritage and culture of the Traveller community in Ireland. During Traveller Pride Week, both national and local events take place. Traveller Pride events are designed to create a greater understanding and acceptance of Traveller culture in Irish society and highlight the many …

124

Kilkenny County Council, in collaboration with Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership and Cycling Ireland, is thrilled to announce the return of Bike Week 2025, taking place from May 10th to May 18th. This week-long celebration offers a diverse range of events suitable for all ages and abilities, and all activities are free! This year, Kilkenny …

118

BY CLAIR WHITTY Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. This cartilage gradually breaks down, leading to bone-on-bone friction and pain. It typically affects the knees, hips, …

115

BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part three) As the European war and our own “Emergency” dragged on, an Irish wise-cracker parodied a Vera Lynn song of the time, Bless ’em All, with his commentary on the latest rationing headache: “Bless De Valera and Sean McEntee, they gave us black bread and a half ounce of tea”. McEntee was Ireland’s wartime Minister …

163

Stripeywomen on top as skort issue highlighted By Aoife Lanigan, PRO Leinster Senior Camogie Semi Final Kilkenny 4-11 Dublin 2-12 Kilkenny are through to the Leinster Senior Final after they defeated a determined Dublin in St Peregrine’s GAA, Dublin last Saturday. The match went ahead after the two teams had come out for the warm …

115