Editorial: Crime victims deserve a better system - Kilkenny Live

Our front page story this week highlights the concerns of two local men whose mother was cruelly taken away from them — murdered by a person who has never expressed any remorse for what he did.

Ronan and Jason Quinn are understandably distressed over the temporary day release of their mother’s killer. They recently learned he has been granted temporary release for two days a week to attend an educational course. This is despite him having been refused parole only in February 2023. The Quinn family has spoken out about the justice system, and they have also flagged concerns about the parole system.

Recently, another man spoke out over his own loss, and his concerns over a potential parolee. John Whelan, whose sister Sharon and her children were murdered, told of his relief when thekiller’s bid for parole was rejected, and the anguish his family faces every time it comes up — and it will again, in just two years’ time.

There seems to be a lot of problems with how things are currently operating, given the stress it causes the victims and the bereaved. Perhaps the Minister for Justice could get her thinking cap on and address the problems that seem to keep recurring.

Hard luck minors
Hard luck to the Kilkenny minor team who came up short against Tipperary in last Saturday’s All-Ireland final.
Sometimes, it’s just not your day. It’s a tough one to take after such a positive campaign, and the weight of expectation that comes with that.

These are young players, however, and they will bounce back more determined and more resilient than ever. As the old saying goes, you learn more from your defeats than your victories.

Thoughts now turn to our senior contingent, with both the Kilkenny senior hurling and camogie sides in knockout games on Saturday. Familiar opposition in Clare and Dublin respectively means nobody will be taking anything for granted. The very best of luck to all in black and amber this weekend.