Opinion
I know her mother… she is my mother
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Watched a programme on the telly a while back called Sad Songs On The BBC. I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. A few tissues wouldn’t have gone astray. It kicked off with Paul McCartney singing, solo, Eleanor Rigby, one of the Beatles most poetic and poignant compositions …
Impact of Africa’s conquest on modern Europe
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan The European conquest of Africa was driven by a mix of motivations. Known as the ‘Scramble for Africa’, European powers like Britain, France, and Belgium divided the continent, neglecting indigenous societies. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was pivotal, marking Africa’s division without regard for existing cultures. Economic interests topped …
How to better help children with gift tax threshold
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR In today’s economic climate, passing wealth to our children has become more challenging. Rising property prices and tighter budgets mean families are more focused than ever on reducing the tax bills associated with gifts and inheritances. Recent discussions in the media about inheritance and gift tax thresholds highlight the importance …
Time to reflect on what masculinity means
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON The contradictory statements during Nikita Hand’s civil case against Conor McGregor brought to light the differences that can sometimes exist between men and women around sexual activity. During the trial Ms Hand claimed that she had said she didn’t want to have sex, whereas Mr McGregor claims that …
Christmas brings forth the big questions in life
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Yer Man at the bar says: “We won’t feel it now ‘til Christmas. The evenings have well gone back and that Hallowe’en nonsense is over. And then, be japes … are you ready for it”? “For what?” I ask. “The end of the world, no less,” he …
The Clonygarra Murder – Eviction ends in tragedy
BY JOHN FITZGERALD PART TWO Continuing the story of events surrounding the murder of Callan man, Patrick Devereux, in 1828, and the hanging of two men convicted of the crime, a tragedy that stills cast a shadow over the town. You can read part one on the Kilkenny Observer website) The local magistrate was Francis Despard of Killaghy Castle, Mullinahone. On September 27th, he …
The Perfect Christmas Gift
BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you looking for the perfect gift? We have a beautiful selection of top brand bodycare gift sets including Burts Bees, Tisserand, Trilogy, Urtekram, and Weleda. Take a look at Trilogy’s Jet Set Gift Set, ideal for the person who is always on the move. It contains a trio of skincare essentials …
A reflection on Dungan’s Land Is All That Matters
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan I approached Land Is All That Matters by Myles Dungan with interest and eagerness. Knowing Dungan’s work, I anticipated a book full of historical details and insights. The title hinted at exploring how important land has been in Irish history, which captured my attention. Dungan [pictured] writes that “land …
Mugshots and my missed chance to run
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Make no mistake, politics is a mugs game. And if you don’t believe me take one look at all those mugs, as in mugshots, staring at us from every pole in every parish in the city and county. And may I say, lest anyone think I’m being sarcastic, lads, and lassies …
Why election give-aways won’t bring happiness
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As we inch closer to a General Election, one thing is clear: we would be forgiven for thinking that the political landscape is been transformed into a giant cash bazaar. With billions from the Apple tax case and Budget 2025’s pre-Christmas giveaways, every party is playing Santa early. But is …
