Editorial: Latest water-based activity on River Nore is not a good look for Kilkenny

There are few nicer places than Kilkenny when the sun shines, and in recent days, many tourists have been making the best of it — taking strolls through the Peace Park, stopping to take selfies at the wonderfully-bright and floral Lady Desart pedestrian bridge, or enjoying the new park at the tea houses on Bateman Quay.

If they are lucky, they spot the swans with their cygnets paddling along, or if they are really blessed they catch a glimpse of the cheeky otter who likes to play close to where the Breagagh joins the Nore.
One aquatic mammal they will have no trouble identifying of late is a horse, spluttering along for dear life with its head just above the water, coerced and dragged by a young man on the riverside.

While horses can enjoy or benefit from swimming, context is crucial. The scenes witnessed lately - three times in one week - are clearly inappopriate. It is a danger to the horse who has nowhere to get out so far down river, and is prevented from turning back when it plainly tries to do so by being pulled by rope.

It is also dangerous for other river users in a place where people often jump in and swim, that is frequented by multiple water-based craft including two sightseeing river tour boats, kayakers, the dragon boats, and paddle surfers. It is distressing for people to witness, and is hardly the look we want for our modern, progressive city to have as a regular occurrence. Enough please.

EXAM RESULTS
The very best of luck to all students who will be receiving their Leaving Certificate results on Friday.
As in recent years, many students will choose to access the results online through the portal, while others will be keen to return to their schools, see their friends, and maybe get a few pats on the back from their teachers.

As big a deal as they may seem, the results will not define your life or your career; they are merely the starting-off point for countless options and endless possibilities.
Whatever comes next — the world of work, apprenticeships, third-level education — we wish you all the best.