Features
A wrong number and I knew I’d lost my Penny
The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to present our ‘2025 Christmas short story series’. We invited five Kilkenny based writers to submit a short story or poems each week, which we hope you will enjoy. This is the Observers fifth year promoting creative writing in the community. We welcome Dr Joseph Kearney to week one …
Bishop Coll to return to Donegal
As Bishop Coll is appointed to the Diocese of Raphoe, The Kilkenny Observer reproduces his letter to priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Ossory. The news of my appointment as Bishop of Raphoe, my home diocese, means that my time as Bishop of Ossory has been all too brief. My heart is …
Gold for Involvement Centre as radio documentaries strike right note
When it comes to people showing resilience, there are few to match Nelson Mandela. In an interview with the world media, Mandela said: “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” Resilience and perseverance are just two of the many qualities needed …
High praise for Anne Kelly as new novel launched in ‘Comer
“From the first word to the last, The Heir by Anne Kelly brings the reader on a journey, immersing us in the lives and happenings of characters whose relationships are entwined in despair, loss, hope and love. Romance and mystery create a most compelling story of an arranged loveless marriage for the main character Elizabeth …
Jubilee of Choirs concert for Black Abbey church
2025 marks the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the Dominican church, the Black Abbey, in Kilkenny in 1225. As part of the year long commemorations, the Abbey will host a Jubilee of Choirs concert on Saturday 22nd November at 7pm. This promises to be a spectacular concert in the beautiful and historic setting of …
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. …
