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On THE 29TH OF July at 12 noon , Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Gerard Nash to minister simultaneously as Bishop of Ferns and as Bishop of Ossory. The two dioceses concerned are now united in persona episcopi, and will be pastorally administered by one bishop, Bishop Nash. The Kilkenny Observer, joined with hundreds of …

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Photos jbskilkenny The WW1 monument at the Peace Park in Kilkenny, has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since it was unveiled in 2018. Displaying over 800 names of Kilkenny men and women who took part in WW1, the memorial has been visited by locals and tourists alike. Many visit to remember a relative who …

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Kurt Vonnegut was an American author known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels. His published work includes fourteen novels, three short-story collections, five plays, and five non fiction works over fifty years; further works have been published since his death. So, it would be fair to say he knows a thing or two about …

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Photos: jbs photos kilkenny On a glorious Saturday afternoon, almost 100 people gathered at O’Sullivan’s on John Street for the launch of the 2026 AKA festival. Artists, producers, actors, photographers, sculptors, woodturners and a host of other artistic people joined to welcome another festival rooted in the community. Launching the festival was Ann Mulrooney. With …

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By Tom Dayton As Lake Productions enter the final few weeks before their production of ‘the Quiet Land’ by Irish playwright Malachy McKenna, Tom Dayton for the Kilkenny Observer newspaper contacted  Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere  a T.D for Carlow Kilkenny and  Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Affairs to ask him his thoughts on rural …

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By Kilkenny Observer reporter. Photos jbskilkenny In a time of online transactions and digital overload, the Loughboy Post Office is a rare sanctuary of genuine human connection. For several decades, the centre of that Post Office has been a remarkable woman named Claire Foley. Just forty years ago, Claire joined the L and N supermarket …

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By Kilkenny Observer reporter Photos: jbskilkenny The Butts is an historic, working-class neighbourhood in Kilkenny City. Originally a medieval archery range where citizens practiced their marksmanship on targets called ‘butts’, it has evolved into a tight-knit community celebrated for its deep-rooted cultural and sporting heritage.  Located at Butts Green stands the Butts Cross, a small …

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Written by Malachy McKenna, The Quiet Land is a poignant, bittersweet drama following two elderly, neighbouring farmers, Eamon and Nashee, who meet at a gate on a remote Irish hillside. Originally a radio play—which won the PJ O’Connor Radio Drama Award in 2014—it was later adapted into a successful full-length stage play. The original radio …

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By Kilkenny Observer reporter Photos: jbs kilkenny Councillor Joe Malone was elected elected as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny county council, taking over the office from Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh. The John Street council chamber attracted a massive crowd that included family members of the new chairman,, former colleagues from James Stephens barracks , many representatives from …

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In part 2, of The Kilkenny Mayfair ballroom, The Kilkenny walkers club look behind the scenes at the one time famous ballroom that saw not only famous bands from Ireland perform there but also well known American singers Part two of our look back at the Mayfair ballroom Week two of our look back at …

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