September: Local political landscape changes and Tesco reality takes a step closer - Kilkenny Live

September was a month to remember with unforgettable highs and lows from the first to the final day of the month.
The month saw another change in the local political landscape as one Fine Gael councillor bowed out of office while another is looking to broaden his horizons.

Bennettsbridge based councillor Patrick O’Neill confirmed he won’t be seeking re-election in the next set of local elections in 2024.

The Fine Gael representative, first elected to Kilkenny County Council in 2014, has held a number of high-profile positions within the local authority, including roles as Mayor of Kilkenny City in 2016 and Chairman of the Callan Thomastown Municipal District in 2019. In 2020, Cllr O'Neill was selected as a Fine Gael candidate for the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency but missed out on election to the Dáil.

Meanwhile, fellow Fine Gael councillor, David FitzGerald confirmed he would seek nomination to be the Fine Gael candidate for the next General Election.

First elected to Kilkenny County Council in 2009, Mr Fitzgerald said, he was 'committed to representing the people of the constituency.'

It was a month to remember for Kilkenny based influencer, Niamh De de Brún who had her car stolen on the final Friday of the month. Niamh's white Range Rover, as well as her mother's black BMW, were both stolen from outside their home on the Ennis Road on the northside of the Limerick City. The car was later re-located much to the relief of De Brún.

The development of the Tesco site at the Old Mart in Kilkenny City took a step closer this month with retail giants inviting residential developers to submit expressions of interest to partner with them to provide a residential element at the location.

The Kilkenny People were told by Tesco sources that they continue to 'work closely with the local council'.

Butler Handcrafted Hurleys, located just outside the parish of Ballycallan in Co Kilkenny, welcomed a gathering of hurling fans and past players from the parish and further afield at the beginning of September, as the county's newest GAA museum opened its doors. The museum stores a vast quantity of GAA memorabilia, gifts, and handcrafted hurleys for all ages.

Christy's Bar, Upper Patrick Street in Kilkenny claimed a prestigious award at the end of September, scooping the 2023 South East Regional Winner for the Best Outdoor Space in the Irish Pub Awards.

There was also success for Xtreme Beauty in Ballyragget who were crowned South Leinster's 'Beauty Saloon of the Year' at the Irish Hair & Beauty Awards.

Meanwhile, September marked the end of an era for O'Donnell’s Bar in Inistioge who closed their doors after 60 years in business.

"Our time has now come to an end and I can’t thank everyone enough for all their help, over support, kind words and love given to me over the last year. A special mention to all my phenomenal staff and those who helped behind the scenes," a statement read.