Eye for an eye, and nature of forgiveness
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Twenty one years ago this month I was on a flight from Durban to Cape Town. I was on an assignment for the Irish Independent to write an overview on the first 10 years of the rainbow nation, it having thrown off the shackles of apartheid. About …
Patrick Rafter conducts an 80-piece orchestra this weekend in St. Canice’s Cathedral – Star Wars, Schindler’s List, Wicked and much more
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. …
125 West Street launched at Club House
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 …
Being a Christian is fundamentally about embracing our head, hands and heart
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 …
ANZAC Day at Kilkenny Peace Park
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 …
Easter commemoration at Freshford
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 …
Kilkenny Traveller lives in focus
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 …
Kilkenny Gears Up for Bike Week 2025: A Celebration for All Ages!
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 …
Zinuflex – Keeping your Joints Moving Freely, Naturally!
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, …
Black bread and a pinch of tea
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 …
