Opinion
Martin goes abroad for Christmas
The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to present our ‘2024 Christmas short story series’. We have invited five Kilkenny based writers to submit a short story over the coming weeks, which we hope you will enjoy. This is week two and we welcome Catherine Cronin. Melted cheese for Christmas dinner, Martin thought grumpily. What were …
JOHN MARTIN
BY MICHAEL O’LEARY A dramatic finish to one of the most spectacular League of Ireland campaigns, saw Shelbourne strike late with an 85th minute goal from Harry Wood to defeat Derry City 1-0 at The Brandywell and give Damien Duff’s charges their first Premier Division title in 18 years since 2006. With their nearest title …
Healthy Stress Balance
Tips to turn down the volume on stress to lead a healthier life By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). Stress is a perfectly normal and healthy part of being alive. In fact, it has been essential for our survival. However, persistent, frequent, unrelenting stress plays a key role in many health issues …
Kilkenny’s Great Escape!
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part One) The Kilkenny Heritage walkers braved torrential rain and high winds on Saturday to recall one of the most dramatic events of the War of Independence, the mass break-out from Kilkenny jail. It happened more than a century ago this month. Veteran member Paddy Neary was joined by dedicated locals, some of whom (including Deirdre Mansfield and …
Give the gift of an Irish Brand this Christmas
BY CLAIR WHITTY I know that many of you love to give an Irish, or locally made gift for Christmas. What better way to support some of the fantastic companies and people making products that we have here in Ireland. Here are some of the Irish gifts that we stock. A jar of local honey …
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 …
