Opinion

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Around eight o’clock one night my eldest son announced, very matter-of-factly, on Facebook that he was ‘now in a relationship with L’’, a certain young lady from Donegal. I knew he had met her about two months previously and that they had been, as they used to …

Social connection has real, measurable effects on your inner biology By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). Friendship is a soothing, protective balm for the body and mind. Scientists can literally measure the changes that occur in the body while in the presence of people we are close to – friends, family or …

BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part one) In the early years of the 20th century, Callan Workhouse continued to serve the community. The famine was in the past, and life had more or less returned to what passed for normal in the once again thriving market town. Apart from catering for the less-well-off and providing a measure of …

BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you struggling to maintain your weight? Many people struggle with stubborn weight gain or sluggish metabolism. Eat less and move more is generally the mantra we hear.  But in recent times we realise that’s over simplified and the real picture can be much more complex. Sometimes low mood or lack of …

FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran It’s that time of year, folks, Cat Laughs Comedy time. Time for a chuckle or two. Here are a few jokes that hopefully will engender a giggle. Apologies if you’ve heard them before – but, even if you have, feel free to chuckle or giggle … again. An elderly lady and …

FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran Last week I wrote about my brother John who passed away on May 7. This week’s column is an edited version of John’s daughter Aideen’s beautiful eulogy which offers a more intimate portrait of my brother, a proud Kilkenny man, who many people, apart from classmates, cousins and neighbours, did not …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR We are nearly halfway through the year and before we know it Budget 2026 will be upon us. Pre-Budget submissions are being, and have been prepared, on behalf on many bodies who wish to influence Government decisions when it has come to the Budget. Brokers Ireland which is the voice …

BY CLAIR WHITTY The sun is out but during these warm and sunny spells it is important to think about safety in the sun, not just at the beach or on a sunny holiday. We need to think about protecting out skin when out and about and in our gardens too. Overexposure to UV rays …

AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON One man’s adversity can be another’s gain, goes the saying. But the same man can benefit from adversity too. American academics and researchers who have lost jobs or funds due to Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) measures may land plum jobs here. This is …

BY JOHN FITZGERALD Abstract Art, far from having its origins in the 19th century, dates back more than 60,000 years. Research shows that Ancient Man, despite his presumed backwardness in so many other respects, made impressive art. Much of it involved symbols and patterns not far removed from those that we see in modern works by …