Features
The long haul was going to be tough
This week, The Kilkenny Observer welcomes Keela Ayres with her short story ‘The long haul’. Keela first submitted a series of short stories while a student at The Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny. By Keela Ayres “It’s not a bother to you Sadbh. He’ll open up to you for sure.” The sun cast its light over …
Family fun day a success as Auxiliary opens its doors
Some Kilkenny folk will know where the Auxiliary Hospital is in Kilkenny. For those who are unsure as to the location, it is that building on Wolfe Tone Street with the Mick Minogue elephant artwork on the outside wall. The venue is home to T.A.S.K. TASK (Training and Support Kilkenny) is a full time rehabilitative …
Kilkenny poet gives voice to the forgotten
By Frank Fahy Kilkenny poet Kathleen Phelan has published her first full collection of poetry, Missing and Other Poems, a book that blends memory, humour, and history with the unflinching honesty of lived experience. The book, published by the Write-on Group under the guidance of editor Frank Fahy, gathers almost sixty poems ranging from playful …
Raffle for Danny Brennan art to benefit Lake Productions
In 2024, Wexford artist Danny Brennan passed away. A noted artist, he regularly exhibited in Wexford and for many years at The Kilkenny Arts Festival. Lake Productions got to know Danny over the last 20 years, and a lovely relationship was formed. Danny’s brother, Terry, was set designer and builder for Watergate Productions and his …
St John’s bid farewell to Fr Raymond
The St John’s parish community gathered recently in the parish centre to bid a fond farewell to much-loved priest Fr Raymond Dempsey. After four years of dedicated service, the Kilmacow native leaves St John’s to embark on the demanding ministry as chaplain in St Luke’s hospital. A time for gratitude The St John’s parish community is …
Mother Knows Best comes to Gowran
Gowran Little Theatre is thrilled to announce its autumn production, Mother Knows Best, an out-and-out comedy written by the Irish playwright Jimmy Keary. The play runs at Gowran Parish Hall from October 17th to 20th, 2025, and promises audiences an evening of laughter from beginning to end. Directed by the experienced and much-admired Declan Taylor, …
CD launch to help Kilkenny charity
Being elected to the Council and to serve the people of Kilkenny is a great honour. One need only look back on the last 50 plus years and you will see great Councillors, men and women, who did amazing work for the city and county and whose job as ambassadors for the black and amber …
Bishop and Mayor praise Butts sense of belonging
The Butts town team held an end of summer party for the Community on Sunday the 21st of September. The event was held in the Community House at 19 Pearse Street. This house is part of the Butts regeneration plan for the community. Marie Smith, community liaison officer, works from this space where members of …
Dominican Abbey was ideal venue for story of Jesus
A review by Tom Dayton Photos: Ken McGuire During my years studying journalism, there was lots of advice handed out by our tutors. Students were advised on possible scenarios that might come our way. Meeting the apostles of Jesus never came up. So, it came as a surprise when this happened in Kilkenny recently. I …
Memories galore as Pres ladies enjoy reunion
Photos jbs On Friday 12th September, a special occasion took place at the Pembroke Hotel, Patrick St., Kilkenny. It was a reunion of the Presentation Convent Inter-Cert and Leaving Cert class of 1973/75. Over fifty former school pals gathered for the festivities. They travelled from America, Germany, Spain, England, Wales and various counties in Ireland …
