Features
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 …
Closure of Immigrant Services at Fr McGrath centre a possibility due to lack of Funding
What a difference a few weeks can make. On May 25, The Kilkenny Observer attended the Fr McGrath Centre for the ‘Fáilte Isteach’ certificates presentation. The event was a joyous occasion and the room was bursting with energy, laughter and pride. Fast forward four weeks and the atmosphere has changed dramatically. From being a centre …
A dedicated professional soldier, Plunkett became an expert in trench warfare
In this, the second week, The Kilkenny Observer looks at the life Of Lieutenant Colonel James Frederick Plunkett, born into a Kilkenny military family, and who was to see war at first hand in many parts of the world Life in the trenches Plunkett’s indefatigable efforts throughout this grim period earned him the further reward …
Castlecomer is venue for the story of the Leadville miners
Castlecomer in county Kilkenny is the venue for a forthcoming talk on a memorial being built in Leadville, Colorado At 10,200 Feet in Elevation, Leadville is the highest town in North America. It’s also the site of the largest and most politically important Irish immigrant communities in the Rocky Mountain West, consisting of approximately 20% …
The Wake of Bryan Reilly, his last will and testament and an assault on the honour and dignity of King George
This week in The Kilkenny Observer, Cois Céim in association with The Saturday Walkers Group, takes a look at the life and times of one of Kilkenny’s well-known characters from Walkin Street by the name of Bryan Reilly In the 1830s there lived in Walkin Street a man named Bryan Reilly. He occupied the house …
Out and About in the heart of the community with the Kilkenny Observer
A selection of photos taken at the recent showing of “Business Class”, a short film recently filmed and edited by the Young Irish Film Makers Local Training Initiative Multimedia course. The script was written entirely by the Acquired Brain Injury Group Kilkenny and facilitated by artist Gillian Grattan. The initiative was overseen and funded by …
From Barrack Street in Kilkenny, James Frederick Plunkett saw action in some bitter battles
This week, The Kilkenny Observer looks at the life Of Lieutenant Colonel James Frederick Plunkett, born into a Kilkenny military family, and who was to see war at first hand in many parts of the world. This is part one of a two part series A soldier, man and boy James Plunkett was born into …
In the heart of the community with the Kilkenny Observer
The annual Fr. McGrath ‘Fáilte Isteach’ English Awards, were presented on Wednesday May 25th. This year’s presentation was made by Mayor Andrew McGuinness. The event was attended by an eclectic mix from around the globe – diverse cultures from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe all gathered together, each with their own story to tell. …
Free access to secondary education courtesy of Callan CBS
Coláiste Éamann Rís have just launched a book to celebrate 154 years in Callan County Kilkenny. It is a book chockablock with information, stories and photos that is a must for any former student or indeed those with an interest in the history of Callan. Many former students were asked to contribute an article to …




