Features
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 …
Raffle for Danny Brennan art to benefit Lake Productions
In 2024, Wexford artist Danny Brennan passed away. A noted artist, he regularly exhibited in Wexford and for many years at The Kilkenny Arts Festival. Lake Productions got to know Danny over the last 20 years, and a lovely relationship was formed. Danny’s brother, Terry, was set designer and builder for Watergate Productions and his …
St John’s bid farewell to Fr Raymond
The St John’s parish community gathered recently in the parish centre to bid a fond farewell to much-loved priest Fr Raymond Dempsey. After four years of dedicated service, the Kilmacow native leaves St John’s to embark on the demanding ministry as chaplain in St Luke’s hospital. A time for gratitude The St John’s parish community is …
Mother Knows Best comes to Gowran
Gowran Little Theatre is thrilled to announce its autumn production, Mother Knows Best, an out-and-out comedy written by the Irish playwright Jimmy Keary. The play runs at Gowran Parish Hall from October 17th to 20th, 2025, and promises audiences an evening of laughter from beginning to end. Directed by the experienced and much-admired Declan Taylor, …
CD launch to help Kilkenny charity
Being elected to the Council and to serve the people of Kilkenny is a great honour. One need only look back on the last 50 plus years and you will see great Councillors, men and women, who did amazing work for the city and county and whose job as ambassadors for the black and amber …
Bishop and Mayor praise Butts sense of belonging
The Butts town team held an end of summer party for the Community on Sunday the 21st of September. The event was held in the Community House at 19 Pearse Street. This house is part of the Butts regeneration plan for the community. Marie Smith, community liaison officer, works from this space where members of …
