I WAS SHOCKED to say the least when I read last week that two teenage boys had been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years’ detention, with the final 18 months suspended, for the sexual assault and rape of a 16-year-old girl.

I GOT A CALL last week from a reader of this column (yes, believe it or not, some people do correspond with me to either complain or agree with my views on certain topics) to talk about the road works at St Mary’s Cemetery.

Ongoing work on Carlow's Dublin Road, which will include new cycle-lanes and traffic lights, has columnist Michael Godfrey wondering how necessary it is 

I urge people to set aside whatever misconceptions they have of events such as Pan Celtic and go to one or more of the events over the coming days. You may be surprised by what you find

I AM ALL FOR anything that will improve the overall appearance of Carlow.

I WONDER what the next ‘revelation’ regarding the misuse of public money will unearth.

Almost ten years after Ireland legalised same-sex marriage, Rebecca Beehan asks the question: when was the ‘tipping point’ for acceptance of queer relationships in Ireland?

The loss of one life is one too many. That may sound like a cliché, but just think of the heartache the death of a loved one causes to immediate family and friends.

There is nothing better than sitting in front of a roaring fire and looking out at the snow-covered fields for a few minutes, but then reality bites when the power will be restored?

I DIDN’T follow closely the case of Gisele Pelicot and how badly she was treated by her husband and up to 70 men who raped her, but, like everyone else, I applauded her courage in coming forward to ensure that her husband and his accomplices faced ...

AS we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, I’m conscious of all that we have to be grateful for. Many long for what so often we take for granted.

THANKFULLY, the election campaign is coming to an end. By Friday, or should I say Back Friday, the talking will be over and it will be time to cast our votes.

THANKFULLY, the election campaign is coming to an end. By Friday, or should I say Back Friday, the talking will be over and it will be time to cast our votes.

NEVER underestimate the incredible genius that defines our human spirit. The gift of creativity and vision always brings hope and optimism. Hope is a great gift and an important value to maintain and cherish these days.

IF I DIDN’T know better, I’d think I was living in Xanadu. For those who don’t remember that name, it was a song made popular by the late Australian singer Olivia Newton John in a 1980 film of the same name.

IN every community, often silently and heroically, are people who voluntarily care for a vulnerable loved one. For me, personally, those who care for a vulnerable loved one are truly inspirational.

I OFTEN complain about the fact that the ‘friendly’ tag we Irish so enjoy talking about is really a myth.

If one child, just one, gets to enjoy a few hours a day without the torment of something vile appearing on social media about them, I believe it is worth it

We all know it is a sensitive subject, but if we are being truthful, it is one we all have to face up to and talk about

After the biggest giveaway in the history of the state, some sections of society are not alone unhappy but actually feel completely ignored by government