Opinion

PART THREE BY JOHN FITZGERALD Continuing the story of the Callan “Street League” showdowns… The meetings at which match challenges were agreed upon were held at a variety of venues. Peter Roughan gave a few examples: Hickey’s Forge, the back of the Academy, and Jackie Croke’s barn. When a ball needed mending, Johnny Walsh, the …

FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran ‘Take care, old friend, and regards to Ka.” Those were the last words Billy Murphy shared with me some days before his passing on January 25. We bumped into each other, as we often did, in Supervalu in Loughboy. I don’t recall exactly what we spoke about (Man U, the team …

AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON The death of chief suspect Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has stirred up a further storm of questions over the unsolved case. Did Ian Bailey get away with murder as Joe Duffy bluntly asked on Live Line following Bailey’s fatal heart attack? Whatever the …

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS As I write, protesters are still outside a hotel in Co Tipperary demonstrating against plans to house international protection applicants. The Department of Integration said 160 beds – some now occupied – were being provided in Racket Hall, in Roscrea, the town’s only hotel. Most residents claim …

A chartered physiotherapist’s take on a misunderstood topic By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist.  We have had it wrong this whole time. Posture is not that important for back health. Yes, it’s a good idea to sit tall with your shoulders back at a job interview, and sometimes brief changes in posture can give temporary relief from pain. But for long-term back health, focusing on posture is …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Last week we looked at some of the changes coming down the line for the State pension (contributory). This week we look at the pension for caregivers. A Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, comprised …

AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON That term ‘property porn’, was new to me until it came up prior to the launch of  TV architect Dermot Bannon’s new series of Room To Improve where he helps transform humdrum homes. Bannon admitted that he might be to blame for people feeling inadequate when they didn’t have …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR In a recent landmark announcement, the Government has revealed a series of significant changes to the State Pension (Contributory), promising flexibility and improved benefits for those aged 66 and above. The most striking development is the decision to maintain the State Pension Age at 66, contrary to recommendations from the …

Part two BY JOHN FITZGERALD Miss Butler’s Team Spirit A woman who certainly made her mark in Callan was Miss Butler, who started the Minauns hurling and football teams in 1906. She was a sister of Colonel William Butler, who was also a great benefactor to the town. His granduncle, John Dunphy of Minauns, donated …

BY CLAIR WHITTY The mock exams are just around the corner, doesn’t time fly! This can be stressful and worrying for some of you. There are some things that you can do to help you feel more prepared. Having a study plan is important; start today if you haven’t already got one in place. Building …