Editorial: The Boss had Kilkenny Dancing in the Dark once again

He promised, and he delivered. Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band rolled into town and rocked Kilkenny ‘to the ground’.

Around the city, there was a carnival-like atmosphere throughout the weekend. Thousands of people thronged the streets of the city centre from early on Sunday, as the good weather helped make the best of it.

It was a huge boon to local businesses, in particularly, hospitality businesses, which were full to the rafters with visitors and locals alike enjoying themselves. KilkennyLive's picture galleries from the weekend had well over half a million page views.

When the man himself took to the stage, he greeted Kilkenny as a old friend. Now, despite some heavy showers at the beginning of this week, there’s a growing sense that the summer is almost here.

There’s lots more to look forward to in the weeks ahead, with festivals including Cat Laughs and Kilkenny Arts Festival all making big announcement in recent days.

This weekend, Patrick Rafter and his ensemble of talented musicians will delight crowds over three days in the Marble City Music Festival. In its inaugural run last autumn, the festival sold out its St John’s Priory venue, and owing to the huge demand, this year’s events will take place in the considerably larger St Mary’s Cathedral. Patrick is a highly-regarded violinist, and many of his performances are international, so this is an opportunity for him to perform in front of local audiences.

GREENWAY BOOST
It’s election season, with the June 7 Local and European Elections now less than a month away.

By a happy coincidence, there have also been some very positive funding announcements recently, including €1.9 million for a link from the Greenway to Glenmore.

It will provide a safe facility for people to walk and cycle safely between the village and New Ross. It is also hoped the greenway will serve as a catalyst that will encourage businesses to set up along the route, and bring more tourists to Kilkenny.