Opinion
Music has forever been a component of my life
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Twelve years ago, I found myself dancing with a young woman in Durban by the Indian Ocean. It was a typical balmy African night as I endeavoured to keep pace with her beguiling Zulu rhythms, moving to the music of Mafikizolo, when the deejay stopped himself in …
Tax Inheritance: what the Budget might look like
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Tánaiste Micheál Martin has announced that reform of inheritance tax will be “on the agenda” for Budget 2025. While he ruled out the prospect of abolishing the tax on family homes, the potential changes could have significant financial ramifications for families across Ireland. In a recent statement he highlighted the …
Trials & tribulations of the short-distance runner!
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran The Olympics always remind me of the Waterbarrack where I got my first taste of competitive running and jumping. It was in the Waterbarrack that I got my first serious rush of adrenaline when, as a youngster of nine or 10, I lined up, taut and tense, to run the 100 …
Understanding political extremes: far-left and far-right
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan When I first dipped my toes into the murky waters of political ideology, I quickly realised that navigating between the ‘far left’ and ‘far right’ was like trying to find a sensible middle ground between a roller coaster and a merry-go-round. You see, the far-left dreams of a Utopian …
Rosealique 3 in 1 Anit-Redness Miracle Formula SPF 50
BY CLAIR WHITTY Last year I told you all about Rosalique a 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF 50. A unique formula designed to conceal redness instantly, reduce skin sensitivity, and provides UVA and UVB protection all in one product. It offers light coverage on your skin so you don’t feel like you are …
Quiet times but the Cats are still top dogs
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran The town is never quite the same when Kilkenny are not in the All-Ireland Final. I miss the buzz about the place. Miss the vendors flogging flags and match paraphernalia. Miss the black and amber displays in shop windows. Miss the arguments, predictions in the pub and, of course, I miss …
From spinning wheels to those digital bytes…
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan It’s fascinating to ponder how society has evolved from the days of spinning wheels to the era of digital bytes. I often reflect on how the transition from hand-crafted threads to automated textile machinery marked a turning point, ushering in what we now recognise as technological disruption. The weaving …
There has to be a bit of Shirley Valentine in all of us
By: PM O’Sullivan “The smell of the bakeries was just gorgeous…” Mary Cradock is talking about Kilkenny in the mid 1970s. Settling there simultaneously felt like destiny and the lucky side of mere chance.Her production of Shirley Valentine, with Clare Gibbs in the title role, will shortly be staged in The Home Rule Club. This …
FabÜ an Irish Brand
BY CLAIR WHITTY Some of you will be familiar with the Fabu brand. You may have seen it on the shelf in your local store. Did you know that this is an Irish brand formulated and developed by Laura Dowling? Laura is a scientist and an award-winning pharmacist and is passionate about the healing powers …
Remote work, war zones and beach babes …
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The woman at the checkout says: “It’s not great, is it?” I look at her quizzically. “For July. The weather.” I say: “Oh? Depends.” What is it, this obsession of ours, with the weather? When it’s hot, it’s “very hot, isn’t it”? And when it’s cold wet …
