Opinion
Why you should make Christmas Day matter
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS In an age where we are increasingly cynical, the thinking goes that Christmas is at best a hijacked pagan orgy, that of Saturnalia, and at worst a humongous hybrid of religious conditioning and monetary manipulation. Given the excesses in both celebration and in spending — for those …
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part two) Continuing the story of the magnificent St. Mary’s cathedral that dominates the skyline around Kilkenny… There’s an intriguing story behind a Madonna that stands outside the cathedral, but still within the grounds…a lonely but compelling figure that draws thousands of visitors annually to behold its heavenly visage. This six-and-a-half foot life-size …
Healthy sitting habits
Our ancestors have a few things to teach us about how we have adapted to sit By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). How we work has changed in the past few decades here in Ireland. Sedentary, seated jobs have been on the rise while more physical roles have been in decline for …
Christmas is not for everyone
BY CLAIR WHITTY Christmas is not for everyone, I write about this every year. I know that some of you can’t understand what all the fuss is about or just don’t like the busyness of the shops, restaurants and even the roads at this time of year. Financial strain can cause enormous stress and anxiety. …
St Mary’s: Cathedral of Light
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part one) For Kilkenny, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the chiming of the bells in St. Mary’s. Whether you hear them as a call to prayer, a reminder of an upcoming carol service; or just a harmonic interlude on a dark winter morning or evening, the sound has a soothing note to …
LONDON GAA
BY MICHAEL O’LEARY There is a large Kilkenny contingent plying their trade in London and playing with GAA Clubs in the English Capital, and over the past two months plenty of players from across the County have enjoyed success with London Clubs. Tara Camogie featuring Grace O’Donnell from Gowran and Helen Murphy from Glenmore made …
Festive Tips for Digestion
BY CLAIR WHITTY The festive season is fast approaching and the Christmas parties and get togethers have begun. Some of you may over indulge in food and drink and end up with uncomfortable digestive problems like heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, wind or cramping pain. If you suffer from heartburn there are several natural remedies that …
Do We Sit Too Much at Work?
Sedentary jobs are on the rise. Is it possible to lead healthy lives while sitting so often at work? By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). More and more of us spend our working days latched to a desk. Whether in the office or working from home, continuous sitting and working at a …
Role of the Brussels sprout in the Christmas feast
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan In the grand tapestry of the Irish Christmas feast, the Brussels sprout emerges as an unexpected star, a little green gem amidst a sea of traditional fare. Once a culinary outcast, it has fought valiantly for its place alongside the beloved spuds and succulent roasts. Historically, it was often …
Remembering our first Christmas card
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran The first Christmas card to come through our letterbox every year was from Jane – Jane O’Malley, married for 30 years to one of Ireland’s most renowned artists – Tony O’Malley who passed away in 2003. Jane, a highly-regarded artist in her own right, died 30 years later, in 2023. My …
