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Opinion


Health is influenced by the shape of the society in which we live By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). Political decisions affect the health of each and every one of us. Sometimes this link is straightforward and obvious – decisions about healthcare budgets, hospital beds and medication funding. But more often the …

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FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Yes, I have to confess to begging on the streets of Kilkenny, along with my best friend, and cousin, Bobby. And I blame the Black Abbey, celebrating its 800th anniversary this year. There were ever only sixteen altar boys in the Abbey and we were a happy bunch. The only downside …

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BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR In a dramatic meeting at Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort, the European Union has agreed a trade deal with the United States, the biggest deal ever struck, according to Trump. It feels, according to most commentators, less like a victory and more like a reluctant surrender by the EU. The …

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BY CLAIR WHITTY If you’re looking for a natural energy lift, hormonal support, or a simple way to boost your nutrient intake, Moringa could be just what you’re looking for. This vibrant green powder comes from the leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree, often called the “Miracle Tree” – and for good reason. Packed with …

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AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON There they were, hiding in plain sight. Normally illicit romance is clandestine, with trysts in anonymous hotel rooms hidden from the public gaze. But Andrew Byron and Kirsten Cabot seemed like any other couple canoodling on a date at a Coldplay concert at a stadium just outside Boston. …

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THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The American humorist and novelist Mark Twain said: “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” He might well have been addressing the more than students who have completed their Junior Cert and who, in 90% of cases, have the option of doing Transition Year. …

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FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran My mother, Brigid Moran, who passed away in 2004, in her 93rd year, spent the last six years of her life in a nursing home – Drakelands Nursing Home. At a time when nursing homes are getting a bad press I want to say how happy and contented my mother was …

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BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR It is nearly August and you’re staring at your bank account wondering how on earth you’ll cover all those back-to-school expenses without going into the red. Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. The Irish League of Credit Unions’ (ILCU) latest survey is out, and it’s got some eye-opening numbers that …

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AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Oh no, not that again! A UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has suggested that we rerun the amendment of article 41.2 of the Constitution. We hardly need reminding that the changes supported by politicians in every party, save for Aontu, which sought to …

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THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Some things in life we take for granted. Like water, particularly as we are literally surrounded by it. Although the unusual hot summer we’ve been having may have dampened a little, hosepipe bans introduced in several parts of the country appear to have also dampened local demand …

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