Opinion
WHITE TWINE AND OLD SUITCASES
THE KILKENNY INVOLVEMENT CENTRE AND RECOVERY COLLEGE SOUTH EAST HAVE PRODUCED A WONDERFUL ANTHOLOGY OF POETRY AND PROSE. ‘WHITE TWINE AND OLD SUITCASES’ COMPRISES OF 128 PAGES AND 60 AUTHORS AND IS COMPLEMENTED BY SOME WONDERFUL PHOTOS AND ARTWORK BY TASK CAMERA CLUB. IT IS PRINTED BY MODERN PRINTERS. IT IS DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED READING FOR …
How Irish folklore can transform our learning
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan Irish folklore is enchanting and educational, with ancient stories like The Salmon Of Knowledge sparking curiosity and discussions. These vibrant tales, passed down generations, breathe life into classrooms, keeping students’ attention rapt. As a student and later as a trainer I found that integrating folklore into lessons invites creativity …
Why we need to talk about growing older
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS At the time of going to press, the US Presidential debate on CNN is still some hours away and so I am not in a position to comment on it, other than say it’s bound to be feisty. One thing does stand out, though – the ongoing …
A grim legacy: Kilkenny’s industrial schools
BY JOHN FITZGERALD A shadowy chapter of our past opened up for the Kilkenny Heritage Walkers last weekend when they confronted the mixed legacies of two former industrial schools: St. Joseph’s on the Waterford Road, and St. Patrick’s on the Kells Road. St Patrick’s first saw the light of day in 1879, when the Bishop of Ossory, Dr Moran, acquired …
MIA GRIFFIN
BY MICHAEL O’LEARY Four weeks from today (Friday July 26th), the opening ceremony will take place in Paris to officially mark the start of The Olympics. Team Ireland could potentially have their best Medal haul at an Olympics with so many prospects across a wide range of sports. Flying the flag from Kilkenny for Team …
Golden Memories
PART 3 BY JOHN FITZGERALD The Callan Electricity Board Twenty years before the advent of the ESB, Callan already had its own somewhat limited supply of electricity. Local business people, acting with the full sanction of the Town Commissioners, set up the town’s privately run electricity board in 1909. Seamus O’ Brien, in his researches, unearthed the names of the board …
Burying the hatchet and showing some leg!
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran This week, dear readers, some phrases, and catchphrases, that we are familiar with – but not with their origin. So, let’s start at home, well sort of – seeing as how many of us are Kilkenny ‘cats’ – here’s one that we all know very well – ‘letting the cat out …
The economy: some good news at last
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Six months into 2024, there is a growing sense of optimism about the global economy. Energy and food prices have decreased, inflation is gradually easing, and interest rates are falling. The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates by 0.25% earlier this month, with further reductions of about 1.5% expected …
So, let’s talk about buying a house…
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR First-time buyer (FTB) mortgages and household incomes in Ireland have reached record levels. A report, the latest Mortgage Market Profile Report from Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), provides a detailed analysis of the mortgage market. It highlights “significant trends and shifts in borrowers’ profiles and regional dynamics”. It outlines …
How emotional bonds shape seniors’ well-being
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan Choosing terms for our older friends stirs debate. “The elderly” sounds delicate, while “old people” feels outdated. “Seniors” carries respect, reflective of wisdom. “Elderly adults” finds a middle ground, embodying both formality and casualness. It’s the blend of respect with a human touch that truly matters. Ultimately, the significance …
