Features
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part two) Continuing the story of the magnificent St. Mary’s cathedral that dominates the skyline around Kilkenny… There’s an intriguing story behind a Madonna that stands outside the cathedral, but still within the grounds…a lonely but compelling figure that draws thousands of visitors annually to behold its heavenly visage. This six-and-a-half foot life-size …
Shoulder to shoulder as Men’s Shed goes from strength to strength
By Ger Cody Photos: jbs photos Kilkenny Men’s sheds, or community sheds, are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia around the 1980s as a way to improve the health and well being of older men. However some have expanded their remit to anyone regardless …
The Christmas Thief
The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to present our ‘2024 Christmas short story series’. We invited five Kilkenny based writers to submit a short story each week over the last four weeks, which we hope you enjoyed. This is week five, and our final week. We welcome John Mac Kenna. The Observer wishes to thank: …
Fáilte Isteach at the Fr. McGrath Centre
Photos: jbs photos kilkenny It was the annual end of term Christmas bash at the Fr. McGrath Centre on Wednesday, when participants of the Fáilte Isteach English programme came together to celebrate the festive season. This international mix from around the globe was taking part in a programme to improve their spoken English language. The …
Tommy, a bestower of happiness
By Ger Cody The death has taken place of Tommy Harding, one of Kilkenny’s finest and most popular people. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, Tommy, quite simply, was a pleasure to know. Initially, I made his acquaintance through the SOS workshop. Later, whilst working at the Watergate theatre, I had a …
Bunbury lecture commemorates Ned Kennedy
The Inaugural Ned Kennedy Memorial Lecture, recently delivered by historian Turtle Bunbury, on the Irish emigrant was commemorative of our presence and contribution across the world. Not just in London, New York and Sydney as well-documented, but our political and economic service in the Caribbean, South America, our missionary work in South Africa, China, India …
Saoirse’s peculiar parcel
The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to present our ‘2024 Christmas short story series’. We have invited five Kilkenny based writers to submit a short story over the coming weeks, which we hope you will enjoy. This is week four and we welcome Keela Ayres. By: Keela Ayres Saoirse is a frequent daydreamer and a stickler …
Challenging times, and acute awareness of mortality was genesis for poetry book
By Ger Cody Photos Pat Shortall “Let us all unite to ensure that our library becomes not just a building of books, but a mighty engine for the uplifting and enlightenment of this beloved country. I appeal to the people of Kilkenny: may you recognise the potential of this building and its treasury of knowledge. …
Return of The Quiet Land for St Brigid’s Festival
Rural Ireland today! Two elderly small farmers who have witnessed much change in their community meet between their adjoining farms. An age-old ritual of small talk, farming news, sporting yarns is now peppered with uncertainty and fear. Eamon and Nashee are men of heart, of humour, of hardness but now they are faced with some …
When painting and creativity sparks joy in your life
This week, The Kilkenny Observer newspaper took a trip to Fennelly’s of Callan. Apart from being a fine spot for a meal, our mission on the day was to meet a gentleman by the name of Anthony Donohoe. Anthony lives near Callan and for the last number of years his love for painting has grown. …
