News
Have we reached a tipping point?
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON The assassination of right wing commentator Charlie Kirk was described by Utah’s governor Spencer Cox as ‘A watershed moment.’ His words came as a warning to stop, take heed and realise that cataclysmic change is rapidly becoming irreversible. Like Malcom Gladwell’s ‘Tipping Point’, ideas can be like a …
Poets, musicians, and a mysterious “map” of Callan
BY JOHN FITZGERALD Fennelly’s of Callan has celebrated the first anniversary of its monthly Open Mic. The brainchild of poet/artist Julia Bohan, it aimed to create a new outlet for creative talent in the district. Over the past year, the old Hearse Room at Fennelly’s, once used to accommodate the dearly departed, has hosted a …
€3.985 Million secured to safeguard Kilkenny’s Historic Carnegie Library, McGuinness confirms
Local TD’s sustained lobbying secures major funding for heritage building’s restoration and new future as archives headquarters. Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, John McGuinness, has warmly welcomed the announcement of €3.985 million in government funding for the extensive refurbishment and repurposing of the historic Carnegie Library in Kilkenny. The significant investment, confirmed to Deputy McGuinness …
A blanket of memorial and outrage for Gaza’s Children
A130-foot-long-hand crocheted quilt in Palestinian colours of red, black, green and white was displayed on Saturday in Kilkenny City Centre. The quilt is a memorial made by women across Ireland, in solidarity against the genocide of Gaza’s children. The quilt has over 2,600 squares, each one commemorating 10 of the more than 26,000 children killed …
Country folk and the Emergency
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part three) (In his teens, Pat from Callan helped to thin a field of turnips, during the war time “Emergency”, and was distracted by girl also working in the field. You can read Part One on the Observer Website) Taking a break from the thinning, Pat and the girl chatted about their youthful aspirations …
MEDIEVAL MARATHON EXPERIENCE
Julie Anne Ryan is visiting her father’s hometown and competed in the Medieval Marathon on 13 September which happened to be the anniversary date of her police graduation back in 2006. Julie is a serving frontline police officer in Queensland Australia. Julie comes from a sporting background, her grandad Richard Joseph Ryan, who established R.J. Ryan …
King Henry crowned U20’s boss
Brian Hogan leads impressive assembled backroom tea Henry Shefflin has been named as the new manager of the Kilkenny U20 hurlers, in a move that has surprised many on Noreside. The County Board released a statement on Monday night advising of the appointment: The decision not only to appoint the legendary ten-time All-Ireland winner, but …
Shamrocks show no mercy in ‘Comer cull
Eight teams remain in race for Tom Walsh Cup BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League/Championship A fantastic weekend of action saw four ‘fallers’ as the senior championship really takes shapes on Noreside. While O’Loughlin’s and Mullinavat lifted the league silverware, Clara and Dicksboro both progressed to the last …
Fr. Frank to deliver lecture at St Patricks
Bishop Coll is pleased to announce Father Frank Brennan SJ will present a lecture on “From Pope Francis to Pope Leo XVI: an Australian Perspective, on Thursday, 25th September 2025 at 7.30 p.m. in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy, Kilkenny. Fr. Frank’s great great grandmother was a native of Muckalee. Fr. Frank is residing at …
Wonderful memories as Fr Jim bids farewell to St Canice’s
Photos by Tom Beirne At Fr. Jim Murphy’s Retirement Mass in St. Canice’s Church, Kilkenny on 24th August, the congregation was addressed by Catherine Brady on behalf of the Parish Council in the unavoidable absence of its Chairperson, John Shortall, to bid farewell and pass on good wishes to Fr. Jim. Catherine spoke to a …
