October: Political sparring, business closures and more - Kilkenny Year in Review

While every month provides the usual mix of highs and lows, October was particularly significant with sporting and political dreams shattered while exciting new journeys began for others.

The race for the Aras dominated the headlines for much of the month with local councillors not shying away from the race for the Arás and and the subsequent Jim Gavin scandal.

Independent, Cllr Maurice Shortall described the withdrawal of Gavin from the presidential race as ‘a good thing’ after the former Dublin manager failed to repay a large sum of money to a former tenant.

READ NEXT: Plans to expand Kilkenny bus service revealed for 2026 

Cllr Shortall stated, "his short-lived campaign showed how deeply controlled and stage-managed our political system has become."

October also saw the beginning of one chapter and the closing of another in local business.

News emerged that a new Mr Price outlet would open its doors at the old IMC Cinema site on the Gaol Road. Meanwhile, one long running and established business in Kilkenny City confirmed 2025 would its final year in business back in October.

Rossiter Shoe Repairs and Pedorthics, based on the Butterslip, was in operation locally for 38 years.

"I can tell you I will miss the day-to-day craic and banter, your kindness, your concern and especially your thank you treats," owner Michael Rossiter remarked.

The second week of the month saw unusual scenes as a house and bridge were damaged in rural Kilkenny following a road traffic collision.

Images of the incident at Dunkitt, Kilmacow went viral on social media with a garda spokesperson confirming that a ‘large amount of damage was caused to a bridge and a house’.

Elsewhere, a Kilkenny family was soaring with pride this month as Mr Kevin John White SC from Granges Road in Kilkenny City was amongst 26 barristers called to the Inner Bar at a ceremony in the Supreme Court in Dublin.

Also known as ‘Taking Silk’, the call to the Inner Bar marks the transition from Junior Counsel to Senior Counsel for members recognised as possessing specialist skills and expertise in the practice of law and advocacy.

On the sporting fields, October means decision time in club hurling.

The Shamrocks moved to the the top of the Kilkenny SHC Roll of Honour after they claimed a dominant county final success over O'Loughlin Gaels in Henry Shefflin’s first year back in the managerial hotseat.

On the intermediate front, there was smiles all round for Danesfort who perhaps caused the shock of the year, beating a heavily fancied James Stephens (Village) team in the county final to return to senior life after two seasons away.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE