Opinion

By John Fitzgerald St John’s well A Protestant Cleric’s daughter, Dorothea Herbert, kept a diary from 1770 to 1806. One entry offers a graphic account of true religious devotion at the well: “Old Mary Neal fancied herself obligated to go on a pilgrimage for the good of her soul to Saint John’s well. She returned …

Recently, The Kilkenny Observer welcomed Kilkenny student Keela Ayres as she presented a short story for our readers. As a newspaper, we attempt to cover as much news as possible on various topics. The inclusion of a young writer, such as Keela, with aspirations in that field, is something we are happy to promote. Today, …

BY NED EGAN Part 2 The tormenting of Jack took many forms. But the main one was the undermining of any idea he had of ‘bringing in’ a wife. And he was a handsome, pleasant lad. About 29. Had a ‘girl-friend’ – in a local village. Went on his bike to see her every Sunday …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR When running a business it is vital to plan for events that could adversely affect its success. All companies insure against  loss of profits from damage to its plant and machinery; against fire, theft public and employers liability. But so often neglect or lack the understanding as to the implications …

AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON There is an old fig tree growing against the wall outside my window and it reminds me of the story of Adam and Eve. The pair donned the big, five lobed leaves o cover their nakedness after they had eaten forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. These handsome …

BY CLAIR WHITTY Glutamine, what’s it all about? It’s an amino acid one of the building blocks of protein, the most common one in the human body. L-Glutamine is used in the body in the intestinal wall, immune cells and muscle cells. The times I most often get asked for glutamine on the shop floor …

THE FACT OF THE MATTER PAUL HOPKINS The childcare crisis continues, with 789 providers now having closed since 2017, according to the children’s agency Tulsa. There are currently some 4,700 providers but industry leaders say many more will close unless the Government, despite promises in the last five years, “significantly rethinks” its input to subsidise …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Ireland is one of the most expensive places to go to college in the European Union. Prospective first year students will soon know what and where they will study and depending on the University or college place that will determine how much their education will cost. College fees are never …

BY NED EGAN Part 1 Hard to imagine a time when a young man was paid £1 {2 Euro} per week. Said week being six ten-hour days. In the old currency, this worked out at forty pence per day – or three shillings and fourpence. A pound of butter was three and sixpence – forty-two …

BY CLAIR WHITTY Urinary tract infection or UTI’s as they are commonly called can be seen in adults, both male and female. Young children can have them too. A bladder infection can lead to kidney infection if not treated. Symptoms can include an uncomfortable feeling in your lower abdomen with pressure in the groin area. …