Features
Gowran Park Ladies Day 2022
It’s BACK!!! After two Covid interrupted years we are delighted to announce our MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day will be returning to Gowran Park on Saturday July 23rd, bigger & better than ever! This year’s guest judge will be Kilkenny native and Fashion Blogger Lorraine Booth who will be assisted by …
Three Miles of Road
A wonderful work of storytelling and social history with treasured memories Ireland of the 1960’s was seen as a vibrant time. It was a time when worldwide, what was accepted as being ‘the norm’ was being challenged. Ireland also benefited from the economic boom and developing economy as policies of protectionism were abandoned and the …
Cromwell in Kilkenny
As the invaders prepared to lay siege to Kilkenny, Walter Butler was building up the garrison’s defences. He deployed correspondingly greater numbers of fighters to a part of the wall at which he figured Cromwell would be likely to attempt a breach. Behind the wall that stood between the invaders and occupation of the city, …
Reflections on Hurling
Following the All-Ireland Semi-final win over Clare, The Kilkenny hurlers will meet Limerick in the All Ireland Final. An apt time to remember the words of journalist Con Houlihan and his thoughts on Kilkenny hurling Con Houlihan The history of hurling is not free from irony: for generations the ancient game was patronised by the …
SEVEN GIANTS
Shem Downey: FinestWanderer Ballyragget, Conahy, Knocktopher, Lisdowney, Tullaroan: With no ‘parish rule’ in operation,Shem Downey (like many others) played for a plethora of teams throughout the county. He jokes about having more clubs than Arnold Palmer. He is proud of the fact that it took the legendary Lory Meagher to entice him to Tullaroan. Yet …
Commemoration at the Peace Park in Kilkenny to remember those who died at the Somme
The news from Ukraine everyday reminds us of the bloody and harrowing tales that go hand in hand with war As the years go by, and the world becomes smaller, stories of present day fighting is beamed into our homes on a regular and painful basis. When the ‘Kilkenny great war memorial committee’ unveiled the …
Community spirit alive and well as Mayor Fitzgerald attends Newpark fun day
(Photos by Pat Shortall) On Father’s day, Sunday June 19, The Kilkenny Observer attended the annual ‘Newpark community fun day’. Officially opened by newly elected mayor Cllr. David Fitzgerald, it was a day that saw a community come together and enjoy a good catch up, where fun and laughter was the call of the day. …
Fundraising, the hungry 70’s, a new school and Callans first and last lord mayor
The recently launched book ‘Coláiste Éamann Rís’ is 400 pages of the history and times of the CBS School in Callan, county Kilkenny. It celebrates 154 years and tells the story of the school from the early days and those who passed through the gates. One contributor to the book is Callan man Barrie Henriques. …
Parishioners, clergy and friends gather as Fr Jim celebrates Golden Jubilee
Photos by Edward Coady Friday June 10 was a special day for the parish and parishioners of St Canice’s in the heart of Kilkenny city. A thanksgiving mass for the golden jubilee of Fr Jim Murphy was held and a packed church joined in the celebrations for the much loved priest. Joined by many of …
The Christian Brothers, John Lockes GAA Club and the purchase of a Hilly field
Photos: Ignatius O’Neill Part one The recently launched book ‘Coláiste Éamann Rís’ is 400 pages of the history and times of the CBS School in Callan, county Kilkenny. It celebrates 154 years and tells the story of the school from the early days and those who passed through the gates. One contributor to the book …
