News
Kilkenny Arts Office Announces Archival Publication Documenting Five Groundbreaking Public Art Commissions
Kilkenny County Council Arts Office is delighted to announce a major new initiative that will complement and preserve the impact of its recently commissioned public art programme: a high-quality, full-colour publication documenting the creative journeys behind the five pioneering public art projects across the county. This publication will serve as a permanent record of the …
Killing the messengers: death on the frontline
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have killed 189 Palestinian journalists since the start of the war in Gaza and 242 have died in total. No, they’re not ‘combatants’. And, yes, targeting them is a violation of international law. Last year at least 68 media workers were killed in …
COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING GRADUATION
The College of Further Education and Training Kilkenny (formerly Ormonde College) hosted its annual Awards ceremony at the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny. The occasion celebrated dedication, ambition, and achievement, uniting learners, families, tutors, and the wider community. As always, the wonderful turnout brought a touch of glitz and glamour, reflecting the diverse range of courses …
Country folk and the Emergency
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part two) One Callan man, we’ll call him Pat, recalled his days working on a farm outside the town in the early 1940s. He learned at an early age that carpentry and plastering, at which he later excelled, were less labour intensive than working for farmers. Like almost every young lad in …
There’s often another way….
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton Have you ever seen a sign that reads, “Help Yourself” ? and sometimes we can be hesitant…. Something is offered for free…. What’s the catch? We are often suspicious when something is simply free to be taken away. We can help ourselves to free things… free samples or …
‘Boro facing relegation battle as season takes shape
Eoin Cody steers Shamrocks to ‘Comer clash BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League It was an afternoon of action across Noreside last Saturday as the lay of the land became clear in this seasons St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League. The big winners were Shamrocks Ballyhale who …
Celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day in Kilkenny
On 24 August 2025, the heart of Kilkenny was bathed in blue and yellow as more than 300 people assembled on The Parade to commemorate Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day. It was a deeply bittersweet celebration—a vibrant mix of joyful performances and heartfelt reflection that spoke of freedom, resilience, and solidarity. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian …
Kilkenny Bereavement Support: Thirty Five Years of Compassionate Care
For over three decades, Kilkenny Bereavement Support has been a quiet cornerstone of compassion and understanding in the local community and beyond. The voluntary organisation, founded in Kilkenny more than thirty years ago, offers free, confidential support to those experiencing the pain of bereavement. At the heart of the service lies a simple but profound …
Brewing up a storm with Gerard (aka Gerry)
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran So, fame at last. Kind of. I have recently been shortlisted. For the Booker Prize? No. For the Nobel Prize for Literature? Don’t be daft. I have been shortlisted – or at least my name, Gerard, has – for the name of a possible upcoming storm! So, Gerry, or rather, Gerard, …
So, will that be cash then sir, or Zippay?
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR In a significant development for Ireland’s financial sector, AIB, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB have announced plans to launch Zippay. An instant mobile payments service to be launched in early 2026. This initiative is aimed at counteracting the rapid rise of fintech competitors such as Revolut and is a …
