Opinion

AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON Where are we? Where are we going? Are we nearly there? When it comes to how we are progressing on our journey as a society, it seems to me that, in these days of fake news and 50 shades of views on social media, now more than ever we …

PART 1 Callan nuns blaze a trail down under BY JOHN FITZGERALD Callan’s Convent of Mercy is best known for its glittering academic achievements. For decades these have equalled and in many cases eclipsed those of many schools in Ireland. Aside from the odd case of a pupil escaping through a skylight or window to …

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS My only daughter when aged about 16 would repeatedly say to me: “Ah, Dad you have to watch Friends. It’s the best thing ever. Even the boys love it.” Knowing, vaguely, it was a comedy about young people hanging out and not doing much else, I figured …

BY CLAIR WHITTY Let’s talk men’s health: Movember is a global fundraiser that encourages men to look after their health. You will see a lot of men with moustaches this month in support of this initiative. Let’s encourage the men in our life to take action on their health. I think most of us know …

FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran Hardly a day goes by when I don’t find myself walking down the Parade. Or is it up the Parade? And is there a difference, I’m wondering? I guess if you’re walking from the Castle towards High Street you’re walking down the Parade as there is a bit of a downward …

BY JOHN FITZGERALD Part 2 Continuing the story of the two Callan-based curates who championed the rights of tenants in an era of oppression and widespread cruel evictions. The previous instalment can be read on the Kilkenny Observer website). At a meeting organised in Callan Father O’Keeffe made a passionate address to the tenant farmers …

FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran Purgatory is a place on earth. And it’s called an airport. There is no heaven on earth, this we know; we do know, however, that there is hell on earth. Look no further than Gaza. Indeed you may be going through your own personal hell at the moment in which case …

BY CLAIR WHITTY A.Vogel recently celebrated 100 years since Alfred Vogel opened his first health food store. I was invited to the celebrations. I have to say, it was a lovely day of training, meeting like-minded people, and learning more about Alfred’s life and where it all began. Alfred Vogel, who was born in Switzerland, …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Our homes are our sanctuaries, where we should feel safe and secure. As we approach another winter season, it’s crucial to ensure our homes are not only warm and cozy but also well-protected. Unfortunately, data published in the past decade by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveals a concerning statistic …