Opinion

BY CLAIR WHITTY The perimenopause/ menopause is something that thankfully we are starting to talk more and honestly about. But we talk even less about the impact of hormonal changes on men as they get older. The male menopause is often referred to as andropause, which describes the gradual decline in testosterone levels that occurs …

AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON If Andy Burnham wore underpants over his trousers and donned a cape, he could hardly seem more like a superhero in the making… for now. The British PM-to-be has charisma, good looks and an optimistic, easy-going way with him. He even wears heavy horn-rimmed glasses like Christopher Reeve’s …

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Many of the 3,500 publicans represented by the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) can arguably identify with the horse who walks into a pub and the barman says: “Why the long face?” Understandably so, as their federation tells an Oireachtas Joint Committee that rising costs are contributing …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Irish shoppers ordering from sites such as Temu, Shein and many UK retailers are starting to feel the impact of new EU customs rules introducing a €3 charge on many low-value imports from outside the bloc. It marks the end of a system that allowed millions of small parcels to …

By John Fitzgerald Last week I recounted how the bells in Callan parish church rang out for all the sad and happy occasions…tolling to remind people of their religious obligations. But other bells rang out an altogether different, less welcome message. They were the ones that jingled on Canon Carrigan’s pony and trap when he …

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 …