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Professor Gary Courtney consultant at St Lukes Hospital says they were blindsided by last weeks capital funding announcement for the hospital. He's described the funding announcement as really inadequate and outlined his disappoinment on The KCLR Daily this morning.

Kilkenny Councillor Seán Ó hArgáin's been outlining the revival of the Labour Party's Carlow town branch for KCLR News' Edwina Grace ...

A new report examining the enduring impact of Credit Unions on communities throughout Ireland was launched in Kilkenny this morning. Credit Union representatives were joined at the Medieval Mile Museum by Robert Troy, the Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance for the event, who formally launched the report. Following the launch, Dermot Keyes from KCLR's Newsroom spoke to Minister Troy about the role the Credit Union movement plays in Kilkenny, Carlow and across the island and why he hopes the Credit Union will elevate its investment in the Approved Housing Board Fund. Minister Troy also spoke to Dermot about the new savings scheme which the Government hopes to introduce within the next two Budgets and the fall-out from the controversy surrounding Special Needs Assistant numbers in our primary school system.

The KCLR Farm Show, brought to you by Tirlán, broadcasts on KCLR every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. with the programme repeated on Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. It is an agriculture based programme, focusing on current farming events, the people involved in farming, the Agri-sector and rural issues affecting the people of Carlow and Kilkenny. Matt O'Keeffe is your host, and you can contact the show by emailing [email protected]. This show was first broadcast on Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Tobi Saliami is one of two IPAS residents in Kilkenny who has developed the Global Dance Club, which debuted at last year's St Patrick's Day Parade in the city. The group has brought together dancers of many nationalities who are now embracing a range of different dance styles which will form the basis of their performance in this year's parade. Yesterday (February 25th), Dermot Keyes from the KCLR Newsroom caught up with Tobi for a chat about taking part in the parade and his lifelong love of dance.

The Royal Irish Academy has allocated funding for a fresh archaeological dig on the grounds of Ballymoon Castle, just a couple of miles outside Bagenalstown. The dig, which is scheduled to get underway in late April, will be led by a local man, archaeologist Niall O'Neill and will be conducted in partnership with Carlow County Council. Previous work at Ballymoon has revealed significant activity in the surrounds of the castle in the late 16th and early 17th centuries - but as things stand, nothing is known about what went on there between 1320 and 1550. KCLR's Dermot Keyes spoke to Niall about the pending project at a site where, intriguingly, construction of the castle was never completed.

Gowran's School Bus Group will hold a public meeting at the Parish Hall on Monday evening next (2n March) at 8pm to highlight the need for additional Bus Eireann services to ferry local secondary school students to and from the village. At present, approximately a third of students in Gowran have access to Bus Eireann school transport, which leaves the remainder getting to school in Kilkenny City through various means, primarily through parent carpooling. Brendan Hayes is a member of the group and yesterday, he spoke to KCLR's Dermot Keyes in Gowran about next Monday night's meeting, building a positive relationship with Bus Eireann while also discussing what can be done to animate the village.

St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny has introduced its new accessible audio guides, marking an important step toward enhancing the visitor experience and inclusion at one of the country's most prominent heritage sites. The project was funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme (2025) to help the general public engage more meaningfully with heritage sites across Ireland. At the launch, Dermot Keyes of KCLR News spoke to Tom Kennedy - who gave the new guide a 'test drive' - and Stephen Farrell, the Dean of Ossory.

On this mornings show, Shirley Lanigan chats about snowdrops and daffodils, award winning Irish art business owner Sandra Blanchfield tells us about her upcoming beginner art classes, Mary Meaney from Kilcumney Players drama group chats about some upcoming performances and Mary Brennan tells us about upcoming play 'Matches and Old Flames'. Actress and podcaster Norma Sheehan talks about her new podcast 'Middle Rage' with Jennifer Zamparelli and upcoming show 'Shirley Valentine', TD Peter Chap Cleere tells us about his backing of a culture card for 18 year olds and pharmacist Aoife O'Keeffe from Newpark Life tells us about the new scheme which sees pharmacies giving prescriptions instead of GPs for some common illnesses.

At a special meeting held on Thursday (19th Februrary), Kilkenny County Council recommended the refusal of Manogate Ltd's planning application to develop 10 wind turbines and associated works. However, the story is far from over, as the ultimate decision will rest with An Coimisiun Pleanala, with their adjudication expected in June or July of this year. Speaking to KCLR News, local Councillor Jenny Catt-Slattery offered the following reaction to Dermot Keyes.

At a special meeting held on Thursday (19th Februrary), Kilkenny County Council recommended the refusal of Manogate Ltd's planning application to develop 10 wind turbines and associated works. However, the ultimate decision will rest with An Coimisiun Pleanala come June or July of this year. Speaking to KCLR News, local Councillor Ger Frisby outlined why he felt the Council had reached such a conclusion.

Heatmerchants/Tubs and Tiles officially unveiled their flagship store on the Hebron Road yesterday afternoon. Branch Manager Joe Glynn spoke to KCLR News' Martin Quilty.

At a special public meeting held at County Hall yesterday (19th February), Kilkenny County Council recommended refusal for the proposed development of 10 wind turbines at Ballyfasy near Mullinavat, citing insufficient information in the application submitted by Manogate Ltd. The recommendations made in the Chief Executive's Report were welcomed by the elected members, with Cllr Tomas Breathnach proposing the report's adoption, which Cllr Pat Dunphy seconded. However, this is not the final word on the proposal as the final decision lies with An Comisiun Pleanala, whose verdict cannot be appealed. Following the meeting, Dermot Keyes from the KCLR Newsroom spoke to Cllr Breathnach and got the following reaction.

The KCLR Farm Show, brought to you by Tirlán, broadcasts on KCLR every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. with the programme repeated on Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. It is an agriculture based programme, focusing on current farming events, the people involved in farming, the Agri-sector and rural issues affecting the people of Carlow and Kilkenny. Matt O'Keeffe is your host, and you can contact the show by emailing [email protected]. This show was first broadcast on Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Carlow Councillor John Pender's been chatting with KCLR News' Dermot Keyes re the N80's speed reduction ...

Minister James Lawless joined Brian Redmond in studio this morning on The KCLR Daily to discuss the Further Education Training campus at Joinersfolly in Kilkenny City. Minister Lawless outlined the latest developments in the project.

Cllr Joe Lyons has been reacting to yesterday's roads funding which includes significant sum for Callan ...

South Kilkenny Councillor Pat Dunphy's been reacting to yesterday's funding announcement which included provisions for the N24 ...

Dick Murphy of the N25 Road Safety Group has been reacting to the funds due to the stretch ...

KCLR News' Dermot Keyes has been catching up with Divisional Roads Policing Inspector Paul Donohoe after yesterday's road safety campaign in south Kilkenny ...

At February's Plenary Meeting of Kilkenny County Council, what could be viewed as an anomaly in the planning process was raised by South Kilkenny Labour Councillor Tomas Breathnach. It was a particularly timely intervention given that a special meeting will be held at County Hall on Thursday afternoon (19th February) regarding Manogate Ltd's application to develop a windfarm at Ballyfasy, just outside Mullinavat. Following the meeting, KCLR's Dermot Keyes spoke to Cllr Breathnach and began by asking why he had been prompted to table the motion, which won the support of his Council colleagues.

Divisional Roads Policing Inspector Paul Donohoe's leading a road safety campaign along the south Kilkenny / Waterford border - KCLR News' Martin Quilty's with him ...

Following yesterday's court appeal by a former partner of MEP Kathleen Funchion, she with Naoimh Murphy of Amber joined our Brian Redmond in studio for The KCLR Daily ...

Chef Edward Hayden who presents KCLR's The Saturday Show has been sharing his pancake tips for today's Shrove Tuesday with KCLR News' Martin Quilty ...

Deputy John McGuinness has been speaking with KCLR News' Martin Quilty re the latest search operation launched yesterday by those investigating the disappearance and murder of Kilkenny woman JoJo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob from Kildare, both of whom went missing three years apart in the 1990s ...

Gardai are searching an area of land in County Wicklow in relation to the disappearances of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob. Family friend Fr. Willie Purcell spoke to KCLR News' Martin Quilty about the search.

Local Aontú spokesperson Gary O'Neill has been outlining to KCLR News' Stephen Byrne some road funding concerns impacting those in Ferrybank on the Kilkenny / Waterford border ...

On this mornings show, Shirley Lanigan sharing her thoughts on roses, Carmel Doyle CEO Oesophageal Cancer Fund chats about her work, Michelle Harding from Pauls of Kilkenny shares some fashion trends and Niamh Sheehy tells us about the next Macra event. John Kelly Executive Head Chef at Mount Juliet Estate chats about their popular dishes and some fantastic awards, The Fabulous Pharmacist Laura Dowling talks about her book 'Love Your Vulva' and Conor King sings us a love song for Valentines Day!

St Clare's Hospitality Kitchen is in a 'comfortable' funding position following the success of its second Out Run Hunger event. Last night the Graiguecullen premises hosted a reception to present representatives of businesses, organisations and services with certs in thanks for the support they gave to the fundraiser. KCLR News' Edwina Grace was there ...

With Valentine's Day set to take place, Grow Mental Health is asking you to show Big Love for those in your life who help get you through. Former South East Manager, now based in the Mid West, Mary Purcell with Ballyhale powerhouse Mary Harrington joined KCLR News' Edwina Grace for a chat ...

The KCLR Farm Show, brought to you by Tirlán, broadcasts on KCLR every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. with the programme repeated on Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. It is an agriculture based programme, focusing on current farming events, the people involved in farming, the Agri-sector and rural issues affecting the people of Carlow and Kilkenny. Matt O'Keeffe is your host, and you can contact the show by emailing [email protected]. This show was first broadcast on Thursday, February 12th, 2026

It's a very busy week at Presentation Secondary School in Kilkenny City. Yesterday morning (Wednesday, February 11th), the school hosted 37 exhibitors showcasing a range of careers - with KCLR proudly among them, promoting broadcasting and journalism. Dermot Keyes from the KCLR Newsroom was there for us and he filed the following report on a very productive morning in Loughboy.

Mayor of Carlow, Cllr Paul Doogue (FG) was on hand to cut the ribbon when officially opening the new Mr Price store at the Carlow Shopping Centre this (Thursday) afternoon. Having cut the ribbon, Mayor Doogue spoke to KCLR's Dermot Keyes about the latest retail vote of confidence for Carlow's town centre.

Sean Caven is Manager of Mr Price's newest store, which opened this (Thursday) afternoon at the Carlow Shopping Centre. Shortly after welcoming the first intake of excited customers, Sean spoke to Dermot Keyes of KCLR News on a big day for the fully-owned Irish retailer.

The biggest ever Mr Price store opened its doors at the Carlow Shopping Centre this (Thursday) afternoon. With 35 staff, the store will provide a welcome boost to the area, breathing new life into a previously vacant retail unit at a time when many retailers are scaling back. Dermot Keyes of KCLR News popped along to today's opening and got the views of many satisfied Mr Price customers.

CEO of The Good Shepherd Centre Noel Sherry has plenty to say re last night's Dáil vote on the Residential Tenancies Bill as he outlined for KCLR News' Edwina Grace ...

A significant boost for Carlow’s green economy is on the horizon, as a local solar energy company has unveiled plans to invest €20 million over the next two years. Sun Arc said the expansion will generate 50 new skilled jobs, increasing its workforce from 30 employees to more than double its current size. Managing Director Pat Thompson caught up with KCLR News' Martin Quilty to find out more about the company and the expansion.

Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has some good news to share for one County Carlow community as she outlined to KCLR News' Martin Quilty ...

Carlow Kilkenny TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere's had confirmation that St Luke's General Hospital's carparking facility yielded €1.2million in fees in the past three years, prompting him to call for the cost to be reduced as he outlined to KCLR News' Dermot Keyes ...

A documentary capturing the experiences of a Carlow-based aphasia support group will be screened at the VISUAL Arts Centre on Sunday, April 26th. The film will feature the 12 members of 'Talking Heads', each of whom is living with aphasia, an acquired language disorder which affects approximately a third of all stroke survivors. Group founder Paul Flinter and his wife Trish Doyle addressed Carlow County Councillors at their February meeting as part of an Acquired Brian Injuries (ABI) Ireland delegation which outlined the level of services ABI is currently providing in Carlow and Kilkenny. Following the meeting, they spoke to Dermot Keyes of KCLR News.

Following the death of popular publican Paddy Brennan of Paddy's Country Pub, fellow Kilkenny publican Anthony Morrison paid tribute on The KCLR Daily ...

Carlow Kilkenny TD John McGuinness says action's needed now to help the Glenmore native Seamus Culleton who's been detained by ICE in Texas since last September ...

Tiffany Smyth joined our Brian Redmond on The KCLR Daily to discuss the detention in Texas by ICE of her husband, Kilkenny native Seamus Culleton ...

Theme for today's Internet Safety Day is 'AI Aware: Safe, Smart, In Control' and KCLR News' Edwina Grace has been finding out more from Irish Internet Hotline CEO Mick Moran ...

THE KCLR DAILY: Caroline Culleton discusses her brother Seamus situation who's being detained by ICE in Texas he's originally from Glenmore (FEB 9, 2026) by KCLR96FM

Carlow's VISUAL Arts Centre and George Bernard Shaw Theatre will be fully decarbonised in a €1.5 milllion project, which will include the installation of modern heating and ventilation systems. Carlow County Council and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are co-funding the project, with Aramark Energy Ireland appointed as the lead design team. Fine Gael County Councillor Fergal Browne spoke to KCLR News about what this project means for the facility.

Cllr Fergal Browne chats to KCLR News' Dermot Keyes about hedge cutting in Carlow ...

KCLR News' Dermot Keyes has been hearing all about the two-day roll-out of QueerVision in Waterford this evening from Amy O'Riordan ...

The KCLR Farm Show, brought to you by Tirlán, broadcasts on KCLR every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. with the programme repeated on Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. It is an agriculture based programme, focusing on current farming events, the people involved in farming, the Agri-sector and rural issues affecting the people of Carlow and Kilkenny. Matt O'Keeffe is your host, and you can contact the show by emailing [email protected]. This show was first broadcast on Thursday, February 2nd, 2026

At the February meeting of the Piltown Municipal District, its Chair, Cllr Pat Dunphy (FG) raised a series of road-related issues affecting South Kilkenny, some of which have persisted for decades. From the Abbey Road in Ferrybank to the Rathkieran and Roadstone Junctions on the N24 and the problematic section of the N24 entering Mooncoin from the west (Carrick-on-Suir), Cllr Dunphy has found himself raising several of these matters month after month, year after year. Following the meeting, Cllr Dunphy spoke to KCLR News' Dermot Keyes about his frustrations and stressed why he needs to keep beating a drum on all of these matters.