Opinion
Tom Brennan: The People’s Publican!
BY JOHN FITZGERALD Kilkenny mourned the passing of a great publican last week. Tom Brennan, who ran Phelan’s Bar in Parliament Street, had served the tipplers of the city since he began pulling pints there in the 1960s. His many loyal customers underwent a different grieving eight years ago when Tom unexpectedly said goodbye to …
To what extent is Ireland an equal society?
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan As our elected representatives begin the business of the 34th Dail, there will be many references to the past including to the Proclamation of 1916 – a document that states: “The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens.” But to what …
Why we urgently need to get back to assisted dying
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The Coalition’s Programme for Government is decidedly guarded on many proposals, with much use of the words ‘explore’ and ‘consider’ instead of ‘will’. It is also deafeningly silent on some contentious matters. Such matters, however, aren’t going away any time soon. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted …
Dancing and Boxing in the Old Fashioned Way
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part Two) Like many Irish people in the fifties, Jimmy Walsh emigrated to England. He worked in a steel plant for three years, devoting every spare moment to his passion for boxing. He trained in the evenings after work and, together with fellow Callanite, Johnny O’ Donovan, boxed his way across London, winning numerous titles. …
Simple Exercise Habit
Exercising to maintain health for those who sit a lot By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). So many of us lead lives that require us to sit for long periods almost every day. The good news is that it is certainly possible to lead healthy lives, even if sitting takes up a …
Vegan Essential Foods for Balanced Die
BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you planning on trying a vegan lifestyle or planning a meat free day per week? Are you wondering where to start? I spoke with Cal in our Kilkenny store who is vegan and I asked him for some tips to help you on your quest. Cal’s top items to have in …
The Hairy Bikers: where adventure meets the kitchen
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan When I first stumbled upon the TV show The Hairy Bikers, I found myself drawn into a world where adventure meets the kitchen. Hosts Si King and Dave Myers effortlessly blended their love for cooking with the simple joy of exploration. Their show wasn’t just about recipes; it was …
Recalling Gary Lynch and ‘Moscow’ Larkin
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Gary Lynch passed away on January 17. I loved Gary. Did I tell him that? Don’t be daft. Men don’t tell each other that they love each other (but we should). I feel I’d known Gary all my life. That said I am desperately trying to remember when and where I …
Inflation: We’re not out of the woods yet
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As inflation eases and mortgage interest rates drop, 2025 brings a mixed bag for consumers. While new tax rules offer some relief, a slew of price hikes across energy, broadband, insurance, and groceries threatens to stretch household budgets. Here is a detailed look at what is rising and how you …
Negotiating the ‘smarts’ of the deal …
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON We have seen the results of plenty of wheeling and dealing recently. Some of the bargaining has resulted in deals being struck, while some have been abandoned or fallen apart. By far the most dramatic has been the sudden agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in …
