Opinion
Budget 2026: Supporting families without overheating Economy
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As we gear up for Budget 2026 on October 7, the government faces a tricky tightrope walk as it tries to support the vulnerable while avoiding overheating an already bubbling economy. It is time to prioritize smart, sustainable changes over flashy giveaways. We’ve enjoyed years of lump-sum payments, tax cuts, …
Have we reached a tipping point?
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON The assassination of right wing commentator Charlie Kirk was described by Utah’s governor Spencer Cox as ‘A watershed moment.’ His words came as a warning to stop, take heed and realise that cataclysmic change is rapidly becoming irreversible. Like Malcom Gladwell’s ‘Tipping Point’, ideas can be like a …
Poets, musicians, and a mysterious “map” of Callan
BY JOHN FITZGERALD Fennelly’s of Callan has celebrated the first anniversary of its monthly Open Mic. The brainchild of poet/artist Julia Bohan, it aimed to create a new outlet for creative talent in the district. Over the past year, the old Hearse Room at Fennelly’s, once used to accommodate the dearly departed, has hosted a …
Country folk and the Emergency
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part three) (In his teens, Pat from Callan helped to thin a field of turnips, during the war time “Emergency”, and was distracted by girl also working in the field. You can read Part One on the Observer Website) Taking a break from the thinning, Pat and the girl chatted about their youthful aspirations …
Shamrocks show no mercy in ‘Comer cull
Eight teams remain in race for Tom Walsh Cup BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League/Championship A fantastic weekend of action saw four ‘fallers’ as the senior championship really takes shapes on Noreside. While O’Loughlin’s and Mullinavat lifted the league silverware, Clara and Dicksboro both progressed to the last …
Little bodies need play, not stillness
Little bodies need play, not stillness By Judith Ashton Many children have just started school and teachers see a lot of fidgeting. The infants being the “worst offenders”! It’s un-natural for a 3 – 6 year old to sit still for hours when the natural language of the body is movement, feeling and touch; these …
The plain man’s guide to My Future Found
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As two-thirds of retirees currently rely solely on the State pension, Ireland is gearing up for the launch of the ‘My Future Fund’ auto-enrolment scheme on January 1, 2026. This push towards compulsory pension enrolment will help many but it’s not a one-size-fits all. Many of you are wondering how …
Tips for marathon runners
BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you thinking of running a marathon this year? Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner, a marathon is a significant goal, so approach it with patience, dedication and a well-rounded plan. A healthy marathon training plan involves following a balanced diet rich in wholefoods, lean proteins and essential fats …
The Italian Job: the prices are a steal!
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON They say travel broadens the mind. Maybe too, it broadens the perspective on things we might try here in Ireland, or that we could do better. Holidays can be a source of take-away ideas to bring back home. Getting to Dublin Airport is a case in point. Taking …
Daniel: and the fate of missing migrant children
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The discovery of the remains of a three-year-old boy after a two-week excavation in Donabate in north Dublin is tragic news. The boy had not been seen for the last four years, leading to Gardaí investigating, folowing a tip-off that the boy was buried near where the …
