Opinion
Facts are, Leo need not have apologised
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS I realise I’m skating on thin ice, being an urban man writing for a relatively rural readership, when it comes to commenting on Leo Varadkar’s statement about who pays for, and who gets more from, services in this country. Remarks that have caused more than a modicum …
War of words between Trump and the Pope
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The criticism of Donald Trump by Pope Leo XIV over the US president’s depiction of himself as Jesus and Trump’s dismissal of the American-born pontiff as “not doing a good job” is nothing new. Tensions between the two have been bubbling under since before this latest war …
The many sounds of silence
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton Recently, sitting alone, in the dentist’s waiting room, I became aware of an inane chat-show on the radio near me. It was annoying to say the least… bubble gum for the brain! I turned it right down, relaxed and tuned in to my own breathing pattern. Why is …
Callan’s ancient mariners
By John Fitzgerald (Part Two) As a rule, mariners shunned the North Side of the King’s River, despite the attractive potential berth located at the bottom of the steps at the rear of Mickey Kealy’s house. Boatmen also avoided sailing on the side of the river under Kealy’s hay barn. One possible deterrent, according to …
Musical Treat at Cleere’s Theatre
By John Fitzgerald Cleere’s Theatre in Kilkenny will host the long-awaited launch of poet/songwriter Peter Brabazon’s new CD, a collection of twelve numbers guaranteed to pull at the heartstrings. Among the topnotch musicians joining Peter on the night of May 6th will be the widely acclaimed Waterboys fiddler Steve Wickham The carefully chosen songs will showcase some of the …
Natural Solutions for Headaches
BY CLAIR WHITTY Headaches are a common health complaint with many different causes. It can be something simple like dehydration and needing to drink extra water. They can be connected to hormonal imbalance, related to food intolerance, stress or lack of sleep. Dips in blood sugar and not eating regularly can be a cause. Certain …
Styrofoam Winos, Horsebath and Kunta Kinte
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran The pubs of Kilkenny are alive with the sound of music this May Bank Holiday weekend. It’s Roots Festival (one of our most popular festivals) time. Time, folks, for some country and bluegrass, rockabilly, swing and more. And I have to confess that it’s all above me. Or beyond me. Whichever. …
Should changes be made to favourite brands?
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Isn’t there great comfort in familiar everyday things? But sometimes products change disconcertingly, take on a new format or disappear from the shelves altogether. There have been questions recently around an iconic Irish product. Kerrygold Butter, a favourite at home, seems to have changed I think, so do …
Let’s get focused for your exams
BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you studying for exams and struggling to retain what you are learning? This is a common problem that many students experience. There may be several reasons why this is happening. Start with a healthy diet and include complex carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds. Include meat, fish and dairy if …
Lessons for the future in our classrooms
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The exceptionally high level of engagement in the national Primary School Survey, with more than 200,000 parents and guardians submitting responses, alongside strong participation from school staff and boards of management, surprised even Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton. This significant response marks an important step in ensuring …
