Opinion
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 …
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 …
