News
Room for improvement in the smallest room
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON It’s a familiar story. It’s holiday time, you are out and about in an unfamiliar place, when nature calls. When you have to go, you have to go … but where? This is the point where calling toilets public conveniences can be an oxymoron. They may be far …
The Killing Fields: world more at war than ever
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS There can be no one who has not been moved to tears and outrage and a sense of helplessness by the daily images coming out of Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, of the thousands of innocent souls caught in the nightmare that is war. There too, in the …
Stamp of approval from family and friends as Claire says farewell
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 …
Glamour, Style & Top-Class Racing Await at Gowran Park Ladies Day
Photography by Vicky Comerford Saturday, July 25th promises to be one of the highlights of the summer social calendar as Gowran Park prepares to welcome thousands of racegoers for its spectacular Ladies Day. Always one of the most anticipated events of the year, Ladies Day combines high fashion, fantastic entertainment and thrilling racing in a …
Mortal Sins, venial Sins, and sins that weren’t sins at all
By John Fitzgerald (Part two) Last week I recounted how Fr. Bob (not his real name) led morality patrols around Callan and district in search of courting couples he believed to be in need of salvation. Another big issue in those days was the vexed question of what exactly was a sin. While many sins were …
Bishop Nash meets with family of Jo Jo Dullard to offer pastoral support
The Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Ossory, Bishop Ger Nash, met with members of the family of Jo Jo Dullard at the Diocesan Office this week to offer his personal support, prayers, and solidarity. The meeting provided a dedicated space for reflection and pastoral support for Jo Jo’s sister, Kathleen, and her husband, Seamus. …
Chasing sin: On Patrol with Fr. Bob
Last week I recounted how Callan PP, Canon Carrigan pursued courting couples with his horse and trap in the 1920s. In the nineteen forties and fifties, the town had other crusading priests who were committed to preserving morality in the parish. Fr. Bob (not his real name) was one of them. Like Canon Carrigan, he …
A visit to Tramore for Butts community group
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 …
The 85th Oldcastle Agricultural Show Returns with Excitement and Entertainment for All the Family
Sunday, 19th July 2026 | Gilson Park, Oldcastle, Co. Meath On Sunday, 19th July 2026, Gilson Park, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, will host the 85th Oldcastle Agricultural Show, promising a fun-filled day for all ages. With more than 480 competition classes, substantial prize money, live entertainment, and a wide range of family attractions, this year’s show …
The Quiet Land heads for Thomastown concert hall
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 …
