Editorial: Celebrating the creative wonder in Kilkenny

August in Kilkenny is synonymous with the arts, and this year it has had an extra special feel as people marvel at and revel in the 50th anniversary of Kilkenny Arts Festival.

The streets are bustling with people as they go from exhibition to the next cultural event or live performance, and this August Kilkenny is home to three arts festivals all running simultaneously. Kilkenny is a unique place, renowned for its cultivation of the arts and craft over the decades and the fruit of the wonderful mix of supporting, funding and fostering the arts is clearly evident.

As well as KAF being recognised as one of Ireland’s best arts festivals Alternative Kilkenny Arts and Thomastown Creative Arts Festival are showcasing and providing platforms to expose more local talent and encourages others to come forward.

The festival calendar is fully stocked this weekend with the Town of Books in Graignamanagh and Keep Her Lit festival in Inistioge. Hopefully the better weather means both see a good turnout.

DOG CONTROL
A recent government report has highlighted that Kilkenny measures up as an overall responsible authority when it comes to dog control measures.

Unfortunately, one dog did have to be euthanised in the locality last year, but that number is actually commendable when compared to some other counties of a similar size. It shows the approach the council has taken is working.

This year was also the first year that the report recorded attacks by dogs on humans and other animals.

Dogs may well be man’s best friend but when not trained or controlled properly, the results can be devastating. All dog owners have a responsibilty to ensure the correct handling of their pets, and that cannot be stressed enough.

Local farmers know all too well the consequences that loose or poorly- controlled dogs can have on livestock.