Features
The great Kilkenny jail escape as forty seven prisoners abscond
Members of The Saturday Walkers group gathered on the green patch of ground at the intersection of St Rioch Street and Saint Francis Terrace The significance of a housing estate named Fr. Delahunty Terrace, a mere one hundred yards away becomes obvious. It was a cold Saturday morning. Scarves, woolly hats and gloves were the …
Con Downey – An appreciation
Con Downey, a Nonagenerian, passed away on Sunday last 28th November. He was 95 years old. He was the last surviving member of Kilkenny AFC which was formed in 1948 when soccer was reorganised in Kilkenny following World War 2. Con, along with a small group of people such as Jimmy McAlister, Billy Walsh, Johnny …
Kilkenny Street Christmas window blues
In the Build up to Christmas, The Kilkenny Observer newspaper will publish four short stories by Kilkenny authors. Each story will have a Christmas theme, and will, we hope, spark some beautiful memories for our readers. The Observer is delighted to promote the arts in general, and we wish to thank the four writers for …
Real life stories prompts new poetry album for Kilkenny man Ben Mac Caoilte
Beyond the Apple Tree is a first collection of poems from the pen of Ben Mac Caoilte. When the first lockdown rolled into our shocked consciousness in early 2021, Ben had just moved with his young family to rural Co. Wexford. Hiding his Kilkenny jersey beneath layers of coats he took to walking the quiet …
Coping with lockdown, results in new book by Mike Watts
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” So said composer Duke Ellington. In these days- indeed years-of Covid, Mr Ellington’s words ring loud and clear. Many people have had to dig deep to come to terms with ordinary everyday challenges as they experience this horrid pandemic. Coping mechanisms vary from person …
Maher’s majors seal ‘Comer victory
BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR ALL PIX BY DANNY LAHART Jamie the King of the castle with final hat-trick Permanent TSB U19 B Hurling Championship Final Erins Own 3-8 Bennettsbridge 0-13 @ UPMC NOWLAN PARK, Sunday 21st November Erins Own defeated a gallant Bennettsbridge side in the curtain-raiser to the A grade final Goals win …
Archbishop John Ireland
– son of Burnchurch, civil war hero, defender of the poor and ecclesiastical tornado (Compiled by Cois Céim and The Kilkenny Saturday Walkers Club in association with The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper) John Ireland was born 11th September 1838, in Burnchurch Co. Kilkenny. The eldest son of two and four daughters of Richard and Judith (nee …
Kilkenny Voices from the Western Front, Gives Insight into The ‘Great War’
In 2012 Kilkenny Families in the Great War was launched in Kilkenny. The book documented the careers of nearly 3000 men and women of Kilkenny city and county who were involved in the ‘war to end all wars’. It had taken the authors seventeen years to do the research. No other Irish county has such …
Learning to prioritise what is really relevant in life
“The Swedes have a word: ‘dostadning’ which translates as ‘death cleaning’, and it is all about decluttering now, so that others are not burdened by doing it after we have died. This practice makes it easier for our loved ones later.” A striking yet simultaneously thought provoking truth that has a profound impact as you …
New Cat on the Trail for Christmas
A new cat is about to join the trail for the hugely successful Kilkenny Cat Walk. The special edition sculpture has been specially created for Kilkenny Yulefest and will be unveiled at The Parade on Saturday December 4th It will be on display in the window of ‘The Kilkenny Art Gallery’ at 25 Patrick Street. The new addition is a …
