Features
Pilgrimage mass to Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice – A man of hope
Few would deny that in our world today, there’s a growing sense of uncertainty, especially among our young people. Many, both young and old, feel lost in a society that promises everything but delivers little by way of true inner peace and contentment. Mental health challenges are rising. Anxiety and loneliness are common. So many …
Clear, Hold, Build is launched at James Stephen’s military barracks
Photos by Pat Shortall There was only one place where the book launch could take place. ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ – How the Free State won the Irish Civil War was launched at the Officer’s Mess at James Stephen’s barracks in Kilkenny. Reminders of the foundation and life story of Irish army life bedecked the walls. …
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 …
New publication chronicles the stories of the community of Callan and surrounding area
What Was It Like? captures the memories from a vanished Ireland, as collected by the Transition Year students of Coláiste Abhainn Rí 2023-2024. Coláiste Abhainn Rí and Mount Carmel are excited to announce the release of What Was It Like?, a new book created through a collaborative project between Transition Year students of ColáisteAbhainn Rí, …
Conflict and redemption as ‘Owls’ present The McGowan Trilogy
Barn Owl Players are thrilled to announce their most ambitious production yet, staging The McGowan Trilogy, a thrilling series of connected plays by renowned playwright Seamus Scanlon. Directed by the esteemed Philip Hardy, this electrifying production promises to be an unforgettable experience for local theatre- goers. This production marks the group’s first foray into Thomastown, …
I Do Not Like Thee, Doctor Fell
Laois Fourth Wall Theatre Group presents Bernard Farrell’s situational comedy I Do Not Like Thee, Doctor Fell directed by David Corri. 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), and Rita (Maeve Heneghan) reveal …
