Features
Love of land results in murder, gossip, isolation and silence as Kilmoganny stage The Field
Since they were founded in 2005, Shrughawadda Players from Kilmoganny have produced some wonderful nights of theatre. The man who started the theatrical ball rolling was Michael Dowling. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the players are now preparing to take to the stage again and will present The Field by J. B. Keane. Based in and …
Statement from Bishop Ger Nash
Bishop Ger Nash has been appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Ossory. The following statement, issued by Bishop Ger, has been received by the Kilkenny Observer newspaper. “I have been informed by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Montemayor, that Pope Leo XIV has appointed me Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory, to …
Thomastown Concert Hall to host McPherson’s The Weir
By David O’Brien (Kilkenny Observer) In 2018, a chance meeting between Seamus Quigley from Thomastown Concert Hall and Ger Cody from Lake Productions set the ball rolling for a great theatrical relationship. The week prior to this, Ger Cody and Emily Kelly had met and hatched a plan to form a new theatre company in …
First-class relic of Saint Brigid for annual service
This year’s St Brigid’s Day service, led by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir, will take place on Friday, 31 January (eve of the Feast of St Brigid) in St Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy, Kilkenny, at 7.30 pm. A first-class relic of Saint Brigid will be available on the night for blessing. Saint Brigid, ‘the Mary of the …
The Great War Widows of Walkin Street and Goose Hill, County Kilkenny
The Great War Widows of Walkin Street and Goose Hill, County Kilkenny (working title) is a forthcoming publication that will document the human cost of the First World War on two Kilkenny streets. Research on the lives of the widows and families left behind is underway. Over 150 soldiers who served in the Great War …
A powerful night of music in a breathtaking setting
The Dublin Gospel Choir & Band celebrate 30 years with a very special concert in St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, on Saturday, 28 February 2026. For the first time ever, the choir brings their full live band and signature sound to one of Ireland’s most iconic cathedrals. Expect an uplifting mix of gospel, soul, pop, and …
The Neighbourhood Hall where enjoyment is the priority
jbsphotos For the last three years, Steve Nolan has been putting on two sing-along events a year – one in the summer and one in the winter – tailored for an age-friendly audience and aimed at incorporating all the groups he works with. Steve is Project Co-ordinator at The Neighbourhood Hall in the Butts. And …
Community spirit shines at Newpark Christmas lunch
The Newpark community came together in the spirit of Christmas cheer on Saturday, 13 December, as locals gathered for the annual community lunch. The festive event, held at the Glendine Inn, saw residents come together to enjoy a traditional Christmas meal. The lunch was a chance for the community to connect, share stories, and have …
New Yorkers don’t mince their words as they praise John Street butcher
In today’s world of communication, we probably connect with family and friends more so today than ever before. In the blink of an eye we send emails, tweets and whatsapp messages like there were going out of fashion. However, when it comes to writing a letter, we are not that ‘flaithiúlach’. Although it is not …
William street bookshop hosts launch
Stephen Buck and Marian O’Neil prove that dreams can come through. They opened their own bookshop in 2019, and is nestled in the historic William Street in Kilkenny city. Over the past six years , ‘The Book and coffee shop’ has seen book-launches, plays and recitals. Marian and Stephen have held creative writing classes and …
