Local pub wins big and the quest to find Jo Jo dominates November - Kilkenny Live

The final day of November was arguably the most important, not just of the month but of the year as Kilkenny people decided who would represent them in the 34th Dáil in General Election 2024, held on Friday, November 29.

After 16 counts, all five seats in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency were eventually filled with many election hopefuls left sweating it out in the Loreto Count Centre over the duration of the weekend.

Three of the elected candidates were primarily Kilkenny-based as John McGuinness (Fianna Fáil), Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere (Fianna Fáil) and Natasha Newsome Drennan (Sinn Féin) all secured election. Notably, sitting local minister, Malcom Noonan missed out on a seat in what proved to be a disastrous election for the Green Party, who garnered just a single seat nationally.

Also at the end of the month, Michael Lyng Motors was named the 2024 Kilkenny Business of the Year at the prestigious Kilkenny Business Awards held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel.

Hosted by popular broadcaster Marty Whelan, the event brought together over 600 representatives of local enterprise, to celebrate success, innovation, and excellence across the county.

Elsewhere, November marked the 29th anniversary since the disappearance of Kilkenny woman Jo Jo Dullard.

A breakthrough appeared to be made in the case following the arrest of a man in his 50s as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Ms Dullard, however he was subsequently released without charge.

There was also a jobs boost this month as, after much speculation, excited shoppers gathered on High Street to see Kilkenny City’s new Tesco Express officially open. Mayor of Kilkenny, Andrew McGuinness cut the ribbon to officially open the store alongside manager Colm Cleary and members of staff. The store currently employs 19 people.

A local family shared an experience of a lifetime with the public in November as it was officially confirmed the Cummins family from Kilkenny City would appear on RTE’s ‘Ireland's Fittest Family’. The popular RTE show, now in its 12th series will air on TV screens in January.

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Music royalty paid a visit to the Marble City in November too!

U2 frontman Bono was spotted in Tynan’s Bridge House Bar and Rive Gauche in the city.

The rockstar was joined by the hugely popular economist; columnist and festival founder David McWilliams and comedian David McSavage, who were amongst the line-up over the four day Kilkenomics festival.

‘Cheers’ to Malzard’s Pub in Stoneyford, who were crowned ‘Irish Pub of the Year’ at the Irish Pub Awards this month.
Malzard’s Pub is a fifth generation, family operated business that is all about family and community and according to judges it set the standard for excellence in exceptional hospitality, welcoming atmosphere and community spirit.

Also this month, Kilkenny County Council confirmed that construction has started on a new 42-unit mixed tenure housing scheme at Abbeyhill, Ladywell Street, Thomastown in a welcome boost for the area.

In education, the Kilkenny City Vocational School (KCVS) said a bittersweet goodbye to their cherished teacher, leader, colleague, and friend, Joey Holden.

Meanwhile, CBS Kilkenny shared pictures of works on their new campus which sped up considerably this month. The new school is expected to open in late 2025.