Is Leaving Cert worth the papers it’s written on?
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS So, here we are and another year. And a week plus into it. A time that, 50 plus years on, still makes me break out in a cold sweat. That realisation that I just haven’t put enough into it, enough preparation to sit a good Leaving Cert …
Board of Guardians debate the evils and benefits of drink
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part two) In the early 20th century a meeting of the Board of Guardians of Callan Workhouse became heated when a motion was tabled calling on the Board to back a protest against the drinking of imported booze in the county. Pat Keating vigorously opposed the motion. He was a fanatical teetotaler: a …
Forget three, five is a magic number
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran This week’s column is all about numbers. And starting with home, according to the 2022 Census, here is a list of the population of Kilkenny’s towns and villages. Kilkenny City: 27,184. Ballyhale: 184. Ballyragget: 1,116. Bennetsbridge: 664. Callan: 2,678. Castlecomer: 1,496. Clogh: 298. Fiddown: 410. Freshford: 593. Goresbridge: 317. Gowran: 847. …
Us and climate change…. we’re at a crossroads
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR The Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment (ICCA) Synthesis Report, completed on research done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2023, delivers a stark warning about climate change’s impact on Ireland. It urges rapid action to curb emissions and adapt to a warming world, but its assumptions and solutions invite scrutiny. …
Incognito an effective natural remedy for insect bites
BY CLAIR WHITTY We all dread this time of the year when we are prone to getting bitten by all sorts of insects. This can include mosquitoes, tiks, horseflies, or fleas. These insects bite to feed on your blood. Sounds horrible! The bite triggers an immune response, which leads to inflammation and itching. Not only …
Getting to the airport can be the worst part of a trip
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON The holiday season is set to begin and you know that familiar feeling; you have decided on the sunshine trip secured your flight, booked accommodation and any extra treats …. And then comes that sinking feeling. How are you going to get to Dublin Airport? It may boil …
Kneecap: a shot in the dark in the face of truth
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Kneecap have ruffled the feathers of Britain’s law and order makers who are charging the rap trio’s Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh with a terrorism offence after they unearthed a video of him waving an Hezbollah flag at a London gig. Liam, who performs under the name Mo …
Billy Burke enjoyed a distinguished hurling career
By Liam Burke Billy Burke first rose to prominence with the Kilkenny senior hurlers when he was asked to play in a tournament game against Clare in Ennis in early 1934. Following his display, he soon became a Kilkenny regular until he retired after Kilkenny’s defeat to Tipperary in the 1945 All-Ireland final. Billy who …
Civic reception for George O’ Hara
Following the May monthly meeting of Kilkenny County Council, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael McCarthy, hosted a Civic Reception for George O’Hara, originally from St. Francis Terrace in Kilkenny City who has retired after a glittering career as a pilot with Ryanair. The Cathaoirleach welcomed the extended O’Hara family, friends and guests to the Council Chamber. “It’s …
New book identifies those qualified for 1914 star
This is a body of research undertaken over fours years and a further year in developing, editing and designing and is a unique effort to determine for the first time the identity of all the Officers, NCOs, and men of the 2nd battalion Royal Irish Regiment who qualified for the 1914 Star (the Mons Star). …
