Features
Nickey inducted into GAA hall of fame
If you were speaking about Nickey Brennan, the Irish word ‘neart’- strength/ability- would be appropriate. Certainly, when discussing the Kilkenny man’s energy and commitment to complete the most difficult of tasks with consummate ease, ‘neart‘ fits perfectly. Although Nickey Brennan is retired from professional life since 2014, his current roles as a community volunteer include …
Remembering our fallen soldiers
In Kilkenny’s MacDonagh railway station, and at The Peace Park on the River Nore, Kilkenny folk who fought and died in WWI are remembered. The Kilkenny Great War Memorial committee was founded in 2011 to promote and honour the memory of over 800 Kilkenny men and women who gave their lives in WWI for the …
Kilkenny host first black history month celebrations
Kilkenny marked a historic milestone on Monday, October 20th, as the city hosted its first-ever Black History Month celebration at the Mayfair Library Gardens. Organised by Dr. Toluwani Akaehomen of Phenomenal Ventures, the event brought together students, community members, and civic leaders, including Mayor John Coonan. Keynote Keynote speaker Dr. Philomena Mullen of Trinity College …
Heritage group celebrates 700th walk
By John Fitzgerald The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers celebrated a major milestone on Saturday with their 700th outing. Starting at the castle scores of people from all over the county treaded the streets, lanes, slips, alleyways and bridges en route to the historic Home Rule Club, where a luscious birthday cake and an afternoon of fond reminiscence …
Ossory pilgrims make faith-filled journey to Fatima
Fifty-five pilgrims from across the Diocese of Ossory travelled from Kilkenny to the world-famous shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal earlier this month as part of the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage. The week-long pilgrimage was led by Fr. Willie Purcell, who was making his 30th visit to the Marian shrine. He was joined by Fr. …
Cities of the World at Butler Gallery
Butler Gallery, in association with Kilkenny Arts Festival, is delighted to present an exhibition exploring the theme of ‘Cities of the World’ by two artists, Kathy Prendergast and Chris Leach. The two have never met, but are intrinsically linked by this subject matter which they realise in very different ways. Kathy Prendergast, an Irish London-based …
Great work ethic as Men’s Shed host showcase event
photos jbs On Tuesday the 14th of October the Kilkenny Men’s Shed held a showcase event. Friends, supporters, members of Kilkenny Men’s Shed and Deputy Mayor Cllr Maria Dollard were in attendance. Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Cllr Dollard commented “Kilkenny Men’s Shed continues to be a great friend of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful. We have …
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 …
