Features
Cody instils the belief to his panel that every game is winnable
BY: Padraig O’Náraigh Time was, in years gone by, the All Ireland hurling final was played on the first Sunday in September and it signalled the end of the summer holidays and a return to school on the Monday after the big match. Those of us lucky enough to be from the County that won …
The black and amber roar to be heard on ‘up for the match’ on Saturday night
Dunnamaggin can be traced back to at least the14th century , where churches, high crosses, a castle and river played important roles in the history of this almost 300 acre townsland. For those who do not need to reflect on the history side of things, then suffice to say that Dunamaggin is a beautiful spot. …
Stunning concert to celebrate club centenary
A seed bearing fruit – an orchestra is born As one drives through the flourishing countryside at this time of year one begins to notice the crops beginning to turn colour, signifying that a rich harvest is about to come to fruition. These fragile seeds sown in rich soil in deep winter and early spring …
John Cullen, Lord of the Lough, time in the army and his court martial
This week Cois Céim, in association with The Saturday walkers group explain the term ‘kishing’ that was very much part of the Kilkenny vocabulary in the 1700’s. The last ‘kishing’ was done in Kilkenny in 1780. Kishing was ordered for a jury when it failed to reach a verdict. The jury was taken in horse …
Remembering those from Kilkenny who died at the Somme
The Kilkenny Observer would like to thank Mary Anne Maher for the photos. On Sunday July 3, members and supporters of The Kilkenny Great memorial committee gathered at Kilkenny’s Peace Park. The annual commemoration of The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, has become a special day in the city. The …
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 …
