Opinion
Reeling in the years, and getting older
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS It seems like it was only yesterday that I wrote in this column, Where did that year go, what with 2024 just upon us? Now, here I am again, wondering where the last 12 months went. I may not be any the wiser but I am, unfortunately, …
Now good time to reappraise your mortgage
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR The housing and financial markets are experiencing significant shifts as 2025 unfolds, driven by a robust economy, people’s changing needs and reduction in interest rates. Trevor Grant, of Irish Mortgage Advisors, notes an increase in first-time buyer mortgage approvals, signalling strong demand for home ownership. This trend, fuelled by uncertainty …
Playing the blame game only leads to trouble
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON In the wake of the devastating wild fires that reduced whole neighbourhoods of Los Angles to ash the blame game caught light. Locals blamed water shortages, cutbacks, possible arson and poor forest management for the inferno. President-elect Donal Trump, never slow to point the finger, accused local leaders …
Our Universe: What in the world do we know?
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS It is 2004 and I am traversing South Africa to write a major national newspaper report on the country celebrating 10 years of independence. I am travelling with the South Africa Ambassador to Ireland, Melanie Verwoerd – one-time partner of the late Gerry Ryan – the youngest, …
Supplements to support your new year fitness regime
BY CLAIR WHITTY Last week myself and AoifeRose looked at ways to get motivated for the new year and we promised that we would talk about some supplements that might help you achieve your goals. If you are worried about getting colds and flu if you go out and about mixing with people, I suggest …
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 …
