News
There’s always that shed in the back garden
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS There’s a terrible irony that thousands of homes remain vacant despite a national housing crisis. New figures show that close to 81,000 residential properties were vacant in the final three months of last year. This has barely changed since the same three months in 2023, according to …
Cats seek to quieten Rebel yell!
Lyng will want points from Cork trip BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Round 5 Cork vs Kilkenny Saturday, 5PM, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh Referee: Johnny Murphy There was much anticipation on Noreside about the arrival of Limerick last week, but supporters and players hopes were dashed thanks to a …
The Cock Step of Light
By Dr Joe Kearney Photo of moon by Padraig Comerford She was referring to the extra light in the sky as we move from winter solstice towards spring brightness. She could feel that stirring in the air, something very faint and very subtle but nonetheless tangible. She knew the clockwork belly of the Earth was …
The realities of ‘free’ healthcare in Ireland
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan The term ‘free healthcare’ suggests medical services with no charge, but reality is more complex. While certain services have no direct cost to patients, not all are without charge. The Health Service Executive (HSE) defines ‘free’ care as covering essentials like GP visits for children under six, the elderly, …
Connolly’s Red Mills Race Day 2025
A resounding success Photographs by Kieran Harnett Connolly’s Red Mills Race Day 2025, held on Saturday, February 15, at Gowran Park, was a resounding success, attracting a large crowd of racing enthusiasts and fashion aficionados. The event featured top-class racing, including the Grade 2 Red Mills Hurdle and the Grade 3 Red Mills Chase, both …
Celebrating one year of TJ Reid Health & Fitness in Castlecomer
A milestone of strength, community, and wellness As we mark the first birthday of TJ Reid Health & Fitness, located in the heart of Castlecomer, Kilkenny, we reflect on a year filled with remarkable transformations, unwavering commitment, and a blossoming sense of community. Our small group training facility has become a haven for individuals seeking …
Cllr Joe Lyons welcomes the recent funding for Safety Works across the Callan Thomastown Municipal Area
Cllr Lyons has worked hard to secure an allocation of €27,500 towards a project that will make safer the junction at Ballyhall Cross, situated at the end of the New Line, below Callan Golf Club. For many years, Councillor Lyons said, this has been a dangerous junction, too many accidents have occurred at this junction …
Probiotics for Kids
BY CLAIR WHITTY Common childhood conditions that probiotics can support include: constipation, colic, eczema and allergies. Having a balanced gut microbiome with healthy levels of friendly bacteria may also help support immunity and reduce the frequency and duration of popular nursery and school bugs, such as the common cold. Re-establishing a child’s levels of friendly …
Cllr Dollard’s response to Ring Road funding
“I am happy to see the progress on the Ring Road by Kilkenny County Council Although it was disappointing to see no funding application go to the Department in 2023, a funding application and the relevant documentation and reports were finalised in 2024, clearing the way for the approval of this very welcome funding of €200,000 …
The Tans arrive in Kilkenny
Continuing the story of how a planned attack on the well-defended Woodstock House unraveled… BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part three) No sooner had Ernie O’ Malley woken the next morning when word reached the Hanrahans that a large military force appeared to be heading in their direction. James Hanrahan’s sister warned that the enemy could soon be on their doorstep. Incredibly, O’ Malley reacted …
