Editorial: Run up the colours and get behind the Kilkenny Cats!

It’s that time of year again — barbeques, warm weather, and a rush to hang the bunting up and get behind Kilkenny. It’s never to early to run up the black and amber colours!

Thoughts are already turning to the Cats’ upcoming All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday week. After last weekend’s deciders, we now know who our opponents — Clare, are expected to present a very stern test.

Before that matter can be attended to, however, we have a seriously-compelling fixture taking place here today. The Kilkenny minors are looking to do what hasn’t been done in a decade, by bringing home the Irish Press Cup. It would be great to see a huge crowd in UPMC Nowlan Park this weekend for the massive clash with neighbours Tipperary.

Kilkenny’s last minor All-Ireland triumph came in 2014, with a win over none other than Limerick. There were plenty of now-familiar faces on both panels.

Here’s hoping this weekend will reward Kilkenny minors for their stellar efforts, and set the tone for an exciting few weeks on the hurling field. READ MORE: Kilkenny minor team named for All-Ireland final

IBAL REWARD
Congratulations to everyone involved in the effort to keep Kilkenny looking its best, with the latest IBAL survey seeing the Marble City hold onto fourth place.

The council, groups such as Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, local businesses and residents all have a hand in the city’s continuing success in the IBAL league.

The An Taisce report for Kilkenny noted a number of areas that stood out, including areas that would typically see quite high footfall and lots of tourists visiting. It’s also particularly heartening to see areas that were criticised in previous reports — such as bring banks and the skatepark — now commended for their presentation.

Huge credit is due to everyone who put their shoulders to the wheel. With Tidy Towns judges also no doubt on the way, let’s hope we will have plenty more reason to celebrate Kilkenny’s successes.