Features
School is springing forward post Covid
On a bright morning on the 1st February, the children in Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Clontubrid, happily sat down to make St. Brigid’s crosses. This tradition, which has been enjoyed by many school children for generations, not only celebrates the life of one of our dear Patron Saints, it also signifies the start of spring, new …
The takeover of Kilkenny Military Barracks 1922
Part two Under the command of Brigadier General George O’Connor, troops take control of Kilkenny Barracks Photos of commemoration by Pat Shortall There are two main sources which narrate the events of the February 7th in Kilkenny City. James Comerford’s book ‘My Kilkenny IRA Days,’ gives a complete chapter to the takeover. This is a …
COMPETITION TIME WITH THE KILKENNY OBSERVER
WIN a €300 voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Back on track – Red Mills race day February 19th 2022 Red Mills Race Day is a day that racegoers have been longing for since the last outing in 2020. A great chance to meet up with friends again to enjoy all that this day at Gowran …
Centenary of the takeover of the Kilkenny Military Barracks
February 7th is a special day here in Kilkenny, marking as it does the centenary of the takeover of the Military Barracks. The Kilkenny Observer is grateful to Larry Scallan for his research into this period in our history and we are delighted to publish his observations. Over the coming two issues, we look at …
Our city, our history, as told by some famous Kilkenny Cats
Kilkenny is home to the most famous cats in the world. For over two hundred years, people everywhere have heard of the fierce Kilkenny Cats. They are part of our history; part of our DNA. They reflect Kilkenny in all its glorious past, its developing present and exciting future. The Kilkenny Observer has invited local …
Templemartin graveyard & St. Martin of Tours
Text and photos by Pat Shortall If a history teacher in any county in Ireland other than Kilkenny were to ask, “Where is Templemartin Graveyard?”, how many pupils might raise their hands to respond with the correct answer? The natural conclusion would be to suggest that the percentage would be extremely low. But, should the …
Kilkenny County Council Decade of Centenaries Grant Scheme 2022
Applications are invited from heritage societies, local historians, communities and artists who wish to commemorate events which happened in County Kilkenny in 1922. The scheme encourages projects which recognise all of the dimensions of this period in our history – the military activity, the political context, and social, economic and cultural aspects and …
Donall Mac Amhlaigh – the man behind the Irish Navy
This week, The Kilkenny Observer teams up with The Saturday Walkers group and we learn about the author of ‘An Irish Navvy-The diary of an exile’ Donall Mac Amhlaigh was born in Galway and grew up there and in Kilkenny. He left school at fifteen, and worked in various jobs before joining the Irish speaking …
Delight for history enthusiasts as they mark their 500th Kilkenny walk
All Photos by Pat Shortall Christmas Eve in Kilkenny is classy at the best of times. Add in the continuing growing festival that is Yulefest and Kilkenny comes into a league of its own. Such was the case this year. Thanks to the local authority and its workforce, the Parade looked radiant, as lights shone, …
Protect your family this January and throughout the year
As we find ourselves in the midst of a January like no other, it is more important than ever to support our immunity and in turn, give ourselves peace of mind and a mental boost. This is where SOMEGA, Ireland’s purest health supplement brand, comes in to its own. Co-founded by two Cork-based nutritionists and …
