Opinion
Dancing and Boxing in the Old Fashioned Way
BY JOHN FITZGERALD Every town and village in Ireland guards a treasure. It may not be gold, silver, or a cache of diamonds. More often than not it can be an heirloom, a prayer bush, a defining landmark, a hand-written poem; or some object of sentimental value to locals. A bugle takes pride of place …
The lonely life of a Kilkenny County Councillor
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan In Kilkenny city and county, the medieval streets reflect a long history of serving the community and the nation. Many are drawn to the idea of public service. Being a Kilkenny County Councillor is seen as a noble opportunity to improve the community and influence its future. The aim …
Poignant play performed by two Kilkenny greats
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Back in 2022 I attended one of the most touching, and poignant, pieces of theatre I had been to in a long, long time. Called The Quiet Land it was produced by Barnstorm Theatre in the Home Rule Club as part of the launch of their lunchtime theatre as part of …
How I see the world unfold in 2025
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Economy notwithstanding, Ireland is emerging from what has been a lost decade for many – in housing and health and emigration – and we are, hopefully, emerging with a new Government with a greater sense of what needs to be done. That said, Ireland’s growth rate is …
The Kilkenny man who won a VC in Afghanistan
BY JOHN FITZGERALD A County Kilkenny village has a “heroic” link with Afghanistan. It is unique on these islands for having yielded two winners of the Victoria Cross. Walter Hamilton of Inistioge died fighting in the war-torn country-but not in any of the recent conflicts in that part of the world. He met his end in September 1879, while …
Let’s Get Motivated!
BY CLAIR WHITTY At this time of the year after all the festive indulgence you’re probably feeling bloated, sluggish or tired; unable to summon the drive you need to kick-start your new year with some healthier habits. The festive holidays allow us to indulge, relax and retreat; very important for most people who juggle busy …
Healthy Office Movement
Moving and raising your heartrate in brief bouts may be key to office health By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). We often blame our desks, chairs and postures for those nagging aches we occasionally experience at work. But what if I told you that we have all been focusing on the wrong …
When our vote talks, and your TD doesn’t listen
Democracy — it’s a great idea and important that we defend it but sometimes it feels like we’re just shouting down a well, waiting for our vote to echo back with some sense of relevance. Many people across Ireland believe their voices are just polite suggestions in a boisterous Matt the Millar’s pub dialogue. There’s …
Contradicting the Bible and bare-legged women!
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran January – the month when folks try to predict what lies ahead in the coming year. I love to peruse the predictions in Old Moore’s Almanac (on the go for a mere 261 years) though they’re not always accurate. It predicted Kerry to win the Football All Ireland in 2024 and …
Despite all, the economy remains robust
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR In a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Irish corporate insolvencies have increased by 16% in 2024, the highest level in six years. Though the final count of 852 insolvencies fell short of the anticipated 900, it reflected an unexpected strength in the Irish economy. Retail and hospitality sectors bore the …
