Words Ger Cody. Photos Pat Shortall I recently watched a documentary on successful sports people in Ireland. Sadly, too few were female, but the hope from the speakers was that the trend was changing. Arguably, one female who blazed a trail for sports in general, and athletics in particular was Sonia O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan stated: “There …

367

By Anthony Crawford The Marble City Music Festival, the brainchild of Kilkenny violinist Patrick Rafter, was launched in Kilkenny last week. People from Kilkenny and further afield will one day look back and be able to say that they were in attendance when this new festival was launched. And it is fair to say that …

192

Over 100 people attended the opening of an amazing tribute to KEY’s 40 years of helping young people move forward. The past and present trainees of KEY CTC stole the show on Tuesday 5th December at the Friary Hall in Kilkenny city where guest speakers shared their experience and fond memories of the last 4 …

272

By John Fitzgerald The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers re-connected with our Megalithic past at the weekend when they converged on the ancient passage tomb at Knockroe, near Windgap. I was honoured to accompany them on their trek. Situated in idyllic countryside, the site is located close to the Kilkenny.Tipperary border. Facing it about ten kilometers across the Lingaun Valley is the Neolithic cairn on Slievenamon. Though Knockroe gets a …

484

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Reading and the words we read are among the greatest gifts given to mankind (and the printing press!)  Here are a several books that not only make for excellent presents but also offer valuable insights (and a few laughs) not only for this Christmas and New Year but for the …

175

FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran Christmas was truly Christmas back then, precious and pure, like the children we were. I am maybe seven and the Christmas lights are twinkling, shimmering in the December dark; the shops on High Street, glittering, glowing, even the butchers with their pinky, red glow I find entrancing: turkeys, plump and pimply …

174

Kilkenny County Council Library Service was delighted to host the launch of “The Magic of Local Lore” exhibition on Friday the 8th of December, at Castlecomer Library, where families and friends of the students from the 5th & 6th class students in the Presentation Convent National School in Castlecomer gathered to hear stories of local lore. Under …

276

Photo by Vicky Comerford In a combined effort to enhance road safety and address the alarming rise in road incidents, Kilkenny County Council unveils its Road Safety Plan 2022-2030. Aligned with the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, this strategic initiative is the result of extensive consultation and collaboration with the Road Safety Working Together Group—a diverse …

226

Preparations are underway for the annual ‘Light up the Night’ tractor and truck run, which grew from a group of North Kilkenny natives’ desires to highlight suicide awareness, mental health issues, resources and supports. Established in 2016, its next event will take place in just 2 weeks time on New Year’s Eve. The initial aim …

370

With Yulefest scheduled to conclude on Saturday, December 23rd, anticipation is building for a final week of festivities. It’s the perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the festive ambience, buy last-minute gifts for the entire family, and gather with friends for a singalong at the bandstand on the Parade. The final weekend promises …

175