Social connection has real, measurable effects on your inner biology By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). Friendship is a soothing, protective balm for the body and mind. Scientists can literally measure the changes that occur in the body while in the presence of people we are close to – friends, family or …

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BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part one) In the early years of the 20th century, Callan Workhouse continued to serve the community. The famine was in the past, and life had more or less returned to what passed for normal in the once again thriving market town. Apart from catering for the less-well-off and providing a measure of …

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BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you struggling to maintain your weight? Many people struggle with stubborn weight gain or sluggish metabolism. Eat less and move more is generally the mantra we hear.  But in recent times we realise that’s over simplified and the real picture can be much more complex. Sometimes low mood or lack of …

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Lyng gets minutes into many as home side win BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Leinster SHC Round 4 Chadwicks Wexford Park Wexford 2-19 Kilkenny 1-15 With a provincial final berth already secured, Wexford took full advantage of a below par Kilkenny to record a fine win over Derek Lyng’s men. While the Noresiders gave …

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Goals to the FOUR as Cats crowned Leinster champs BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Leinster MHC Final Kilkenny 4-11 Galway 1-8 Kilkenny minor hurlers were crowned provincial champions for a 61st time following a thoroughly deserved victory of Galway in Laois Hire O’Moore Park last Saturday. Despite the terrible conditions in Portlaoise, both teams …

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Gypsy Ray (1949-2020), originally from the USA, lived and worked in County Kilkenny since 2000. Her rich artistic practice included photography, drawing and teaching. A native of Illinois, USA, Gypsy Ray studied drawing and photography at the University of Iowa, later receiving her Masters Degree in photography from Goddard College. Most of her USA based …

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Laois Fourth Wall Theatre Group presented Bernard Farrell’s situational comedy I Do Not Like Thee, Doctor Fell directed by David Corri recently at Thomastown Concert Hall. A group therapy session is led by the enigmatic and manipulative Suzy (Mary Dermody). The participants Joe Fell (John Kavanagh), Roger (Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick), Peter (Joe Murphy), Maureen (Alex O’Neal), …

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FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran It’s that time of year, folks, Cat Laughs Comedy time. Time for a chuckle or two. Here are a few jokes that hopefully will engender a giggle. Apologies if you’ve heard them before – but, even if you have, feel free to chuckle or giggle … again. An elderly lady and …

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FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran Last week I wrote about my brother John who passed away on May 7. This week’s column is an edited version of John’s daughter Aideen’s beautiful eulogy which offers a more intimate portrait of my brother, a proud Kilkenny man, who many people, apart from classmates, cousins and neighbours, did not …

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BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR We are nearly halfway through the year and before we know it Budget 2026 will be upon us. Pre-Budget submissions are being, and have been prepared, on behalf on many bodies who wish to influence Government decisions when it has come to the Budget. Brokers Ireland which is the voice …

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