News
Credit for Quiet Land goes to a previous generation
Photos by Pat Shortall In the hidden Ireland off the new EU infrastructure of motorway and ring-road, two elderly farmers lean on a fence and talk in the low-key code of near neighbours. The Quiet Land is also a masterclass, served as it is by two actors, Ger Cody and Brendan Corcoran, who’ve accumulated between …
An Enchanting Evening of Celtic and Bulgarian Folk Music with Celtaura
Thomastown Concert Hall is thrilled to present an unforgettable evening of live music featuring the renowned duo, Celtaura. This special concert will take place on Friday, January 31st, showcasing a unique blend of Celtic and Balkan folk traditions that will captivate audiences of all ages. Celtaura, known for their mesmerizing performances and distinctive sound, brings …
Dan Stapleton, a man of many talents
Kilkenny won the first of its thirty six All Ireland Senior Hurling titles in 1904. As happened often in the early days of the G.A.A. the final was not played in the calendar year of ’04 nor indeed in ’05 but rather in June ’06. The final was played in Carrick on Suir on Maurice …
Dancing and Boxing in the Old Fashioned Way
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part Two) Like many Irish people in the fifties, Jimmy Walsh emigrated to England. He worked in a steel plant for three years, devoting every spare moment to his passion for boxing. He trained in the evenings after work and, together with fellow Callanite, Johnny O’ Donovan, boxed his way across London, winning numerous titles. …
Simple Exercise Habit
Exercising to maintain health for those who sit a lot By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). So many of us lead lives that require us to sit for long periods almost every day. The good news is that it is certainly possible to lead healthy lives, even if sitting takes up a …
Vegan Essential Foods for Balanced Die
BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you planning on trying a vegan lifestyle or planning a meat free day per week? Are you wondering where to start? I spoke with Cal in our Kilkenny store who is vegan and I asked him for some tips to help you on your quest. Cal’s top items to have in …
KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL HOSTS CIVIC RECEPTION TO HONOUR ST. LACHTAIN’S JUNIOR HURLING TEAM, FRESHFORD, ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS
Photographs by Vicky Comerford On Monday 20th January, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, along with the Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council, hosted a civic reception in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Kilkenny City, to honour St. Lachtain’s Junior Hurling Team, for their recent triumph as All-Ireland Junior Hurling Champions. In …
The Hairy Bikers: where adventure meets the kitchen
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan When I first stumbled upon the TV show The Hairy Bikers, I found myself drawn into a world where adventure meets the kitchen. Hosts Si King and Dave Myers effortlessly blended their love for cooking with the simple joy of exploration. Their show wasn’t just about recipes; it was …
Recalling Gary Lynch and ‘Moscow’ Larkin
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Gary Lynch passed away on January 17. I loved Gary. Did I tell him that? Don’t be daft. Men don’t tell each other that they love each other (but we should). I feel I’d known Gary all my life. That said I am desperately trying to remember when and where I …
Inflation: We’re not out of the woods yet
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As inflation eases and mortgage interest rates drop, 2025 brings a mixed bag for consumers. While new tax rules offer some relief, a slew of price hikes across energy, broadband, insurance, and groceries threatens to stretch household budgets. Here is a detailed look at what is rising and how you …





