News
The death of Johnny Barry leaves family and friends in mourning
By Ger Cody The death was announced last week of Stephen street resident Johnny Barry. His love and promotion of Irish country music, his easy going ways, his good humour and above all his daily acts of kindness made him a legend to family, friends and fans. Irish country music was Johnny’s true love and …
The thing with Debbie
This week, The Kilkenny Observer welcomes Kilkenny student Keela Ayres as she presents a short story for our readers. As a newspaper, we attempt to cover as much news as possible on various topics. The inclusion of a young writer, such as Keela, with aspirations in that field, is something we are happy to promote. …
Setting up a one-man pension scheme
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Have you what is called or are in the process of setting up a ‘one-man pension scheme’? A OMS is an executive pension plan with only one or two persons in the scheme. The OMS is different from a PRSA or a personal pension as it is set up in …
Revive the family for back to school
BY CLAIR WHITTY At this time of year, the whole family could do with a boost of energy and support for their immune systems after a busy summer of activities. Parents, students, and teachers can benefit from a boost of energy before heading back to school. This is where Revive Active comes in, they have …
Horse Whisperer
BY NED EGAN Part 2 But, cycling home from school one day a bee flew up her sleeve, and stung her. She was buried a week later. A huge crowd of devoted crying children, and ex-pupils, attended the ‘two days.’ Moral: for every flogging demon there was at least one gentle angel. Also close to …
Sabina, consorts, and doing the thing right
AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON What have Kate Middleton, Sabina Coyne Higgins and Rebekah Vardy got in common? They are each in a sense a consort. They are in the public eye through their marriages. If Kate, aka Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, was not wed to William, heir to the British throne, Sabina to …
When was the last time you spotted a plumber?
THE FACT OF THE MATTER PAUL HOPKINS Hi! I’d like bathroom tiles repaired please. When can you come? Tiler, Next appointment is in eight years. Man, Oh. OK, I’ll take it. Tiler, Morning or afternoon? One could be forgiven for thinking we were talking about Ireland today, with this quip doing the rounds in Eastern …
Stripey Women out to end Rebel’s dreams
BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR PHOTOS BY INPHO Camogie final could be epic Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Final Kilkenny vs Cork Croke Park, Sunday 7th August (Throw-in 4:15pm) Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare) Kilkenny camog’s will seek to be re-united with the O’Duffy Cup tomorrow when they face-off against the ladies of Cork in …
Luxury to a tea at Lyrath Estate
The five-star, Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny has created a glamorous and truly opulent residential package for guests to enjoy this August. The ‘Luxury to a Tea’ offer (from €280 per person) includes two nights bed and breakfast for two guests and a delectable Afternoon Tea with a glass of champagne per person in the newly …
A touch of class from local actors as ‘The Quiet Land’ comes to life at the Home Rule Club
By Chris Walsh Photo by Pat Shortall I had two great loves when I was growing up in Kilkenny. Being a resident of Patrick Street, I was reared on hurling. In particular James Stephens hurling. Like many ‘Village’ supporters I followed the boys in Red and Green with passion and pride. My second love was …
