Opinion
Our right to die, with our dignity intact
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS It is quite understandable that the Catholic Church, given its fundamental credence, is against abortion, taking of life as they see it. Also, too, they have issues with the upcoming landmark legislation to deal with infertility and domestic surrogacy in Ireland. The legislation deals with domestic ‘altruistic’ …
What is to be done to mend men like Cathal Crotty
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON After soldier Cathal Crotty walked free last month with a suspended sentence for a vicious unprovoked attack on a young woman, (The DPP has launched an appeal). I felt angry and despairing. How after all these years since the slow dawn of equality for women can this kind …
Be diligent: €98.6m. in fraud in Ireland last year
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Fraud is everywhere. Whether in the day-to-day of life or when we are on holiday we need to be wide awake to the very real risk of losing our hard-earned cash. Last year, a massive €98.6 million was stolen from bank accounts across Ireland. That is a 16% jump from …
Health Benefits of Lavender
BY CLAIR WHITTY I was sitting in my garden, on one of the rare fine evenings, when the vibrant colours of a Lavender plant caught my eye. I love the deep purple/violet colour, and if you rub the flowers between your fingers and hold them to your nose, you will be treated to the wonderful …
Reaching for the stars like Barry Keoghan
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON It used to be a fairy godmother who would grant your wishes or a genie who appeared with the rub of a magic lamp. Now it seems, we possess the power ourselves to make the good stuff come true, at least that is the word according to Barry …
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 …
