Opinion

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Watching the climactic moments of the World Cup over the past weeks brings to mind a conversation I once had. “You see one of your good friends do something good and you take your ball home and learn to do it yourself. Next day, you’re back and …

A sunny holiday is something many of us look forward to and being prepared is key. Let’s start with calming the nervous traveller I love the flower remedies for this and Healing Herbs Aspen is the perfect essence to aid relaxation. You simply add a couple of drops to water and sip. One of the …

CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton Most of us have many unnecessary possessions that we no longer use, and clutter bogs us down. We put off dealing with it and “I’ll get round to it” is a familiar mantra. There are now plenty of creative ways to declutter your home by simply and generously …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As Kilkenny people, we’re fortunate to live in a county where community still matters. Whether it’s through GAA clubs, parish groups, farming organisations, local markets or simply keeping an eye on neighbours, most of us understand the value of staying connected. That sense of connection becomes even more important as …

AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Why MANage women and make them wait at a crisis point in their lives? The question arises after Sinn Féin’s Bill to remove the mandatory three-day wait before their second abortion consultation. Thankfully, the Bill was passed by 86 votes to 70. But here’s the thing: a majority …

By John Fitzgerald Folk singers Niamh Bury and Zoe Basha have performed at venues nationwide, telling evocative stories through music and song and never failing to pull at the heartstrings, with soulful renditions of trad, jazz, and their own compositions. But Fennelly’s of Callan offered them a new experience. The courtyard had been set up …

By John Fitzgerald (Part two) (Continuing the story of the Catholic Church in Callan. Part one can be read on the Observer website) One of the most accomplished organists in those far off times (late 19th and early twentieth centuries) was Minnie Cuddihy. Having played the old organ for a while, she adapted brilliantly to …

CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton In her younger days, my mother had much to say about many things, but with age she would always come out with a proverb to back up her opinion. Proverbs teach us core wisdom, good judgement, moral behaviour and right conduct. “A stitch in time saves nine.” “You …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR If you’re one of the many people who were automatically enrolled in My Future Fund earlier this year, there’s an important date coming up. From July 1 until August 31, you’ll have the option to leave the scheme if you decide it’s not right for you. After that, you won’t …

AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON There are a number of issues about the now ‘settled’ row over consultants with public-only contracts engaging in private practice at the Rotunda Maternity Hospital which aren’t being addressed honestly. These include trust in the health service, equality of care and the need to improve maternity services. Let’s …