The KCLR Daily with Brian Redmond

Gareth Alcorn – chairperson of Kilkenny Tourism and owner of Nore Valley Park (pet farm and campsite) in Bennettsbridge. Kilkenny Tourism AGM was held in the parade tower in the Castle yesterday. He says tourism in Kilkenny is a mixed bag. He also wants to pay tribute to Eamonn Langton

Richard Cook - founder of the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival + MAYhem. When The Cat Laughs was little more than an idea in Kilkenny in 1995, Eamonn backed it. He helped fund that very first festival and, over the years that followed, was always there with venues, rooms and, very often, a solution when we badly needed one. There might have been a Cat Laughs without Eamonn Langton, but we wouldn’t bet on it

John McGuinness FF TD - wants to pay tribute to Eamonn Langton. He will also comment on the assault of Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae in Dublin yesterday.

Brian is joined by a multitude of people as they pay tribute to the late great Eamonn Langton. Clare McInerney Brown - Kilkenny Chamber President, John Purcell – KCLR CEO . Jackie - She had her wedding reception in Langton’s 28 year ago today, he came into the hotel with his little dog and finally Eamonn speaking to Edwina Grace from KCLR on the night he got the freedom of Kilkenny City in June. 

Clara Hutchinson will join Clare Kavanagh – deputy General manager & wedding coordinator at the Woodford Dolmen Hotelto discuss her work as a ceremony singer and the important role music plays in creating the atmosphere of a wedding ceremony. Clara will talk about choosing the right songs for key moments such as the arrival of the bride or couple, the signing of the register and the ceremony exit. She will also explain how she continues the musical experience after the ceremony, performing for guests in the hotel lobby while photographs are being taken and before the call to dinner.The discussion will highlight how live music can seamlessly carry the atmosphere from the ceremony into the next stage of the celebrations. 

ABSOLUTE UNIT (Nathan Doyle) - an independent rapper from Tullow. He joined us in studio in March to talk about his new single is called “Home”. He has previously had the opportunity to headline the Irish Youth Music Awards and one of his songs reached #1 on US radio. He wants to give his view on Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Irish-American solo artist Finneas, and Denmark's Lukas Graham announcing that they are leaving their guest slots on Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with the American rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour over his comments about Gaza. ABSOLUTE UNIT supports Macklemore

Roisin Hickey – from Kilkenny runs a company called ‘On your Rothar’ for the unsteady and half-ready peddlers to those looking to advance their cycling skills. She does a lot of work in schools around cycling. She wants to talk about an event she is involved in called ‘Wheels to Water’. It takes place on Tues 22nd & 29th Sept from 6 - 8pm. It involves a cycle + breathwork + a dip. Meet 6pm at The Parade and cycle to Bishop’s Meadows.It’s a bit of a different evening out – cycle, breathe and dip! We’ll start with a cycle around Kilkenny, meeting at the Parade at 6pm, cycle around the Kilkenny streets and then head to the River Nore at Bishop’s Meadows/Linear Park for a guided breathwork session with Marta Vera, followed by a dip in the river. Cycle starts at 6pm, Breath work at 7pm and dip afterwards. If people want to do either this is also possible. So you can do all or one or two of the activities. Marta is a breathwork and wellness practitioner who specialises in breathwork, movement and outdoor experiences. She’s a Master Breathwork Teacher and has also trained in the Wim Hof Method, and runs breathwork, cold-water and nature experiences around Ireland. Her website - www.martaverawellness.com You don’t need your own bike either, Specialized Ireland are supplying bikes, which can be booked for the evening. Bikes are limited. They just need to email Roisin to book one at [email protected]. It’s €10 per evening and is open to anyone who wants to try something a bit different and get outdoors. This event is being funded by the night time economy true Kilkenny County Council. She is part of the Kilkenny Cycling Campaign. 

Rory Best - former rugby union player who was the captain of the Ireland national team from 2016 to 2019. He played hooker for Ulster. He is currently walking from Carlow to Kilkenny on his biggest challenge yet to support children with cancer. Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo: the Trilogy ─ the 378km walking challenge around the island of Ireland currently being undertaken by rugby legend Rory Best and 21 business leaders for Cancer Fund for Children ─ will pass through Carlow and Kilkenny today. Cancer Fund for Children is an all-island charity that provides emotional, social and therapeutic support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer, including in Carlow and Kilkenny. Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo ─ the Trilogy is the final part of a series of three physical fundraising challenges led by Rory Best for Cancer Fund for Children, which have raised over €2.5 million to date. Today Rory and his team are walking 40km from Carlow Castle to Kilkenny Castle, passing through Williamstown, Cloghristick, Powerstown, Leighlinbridge and Moneybeg in Co Carlow, as well as Paulstown, Lackabeg, Kilmacahill, Shraugh, Ballyquirk and Clara in Co. Kilkenny. The Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo ─ the Trilogy challenge will finish on Sunday, 20th September in Cong, Co Mayo. Cong is the location of Cancer Fund for Children’s second Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break centre for children and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis, currently nearing completion and due to open in 2027. The fundraising target for Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo ─ the Trilogy is around €1.5 million, which will go towards equipping Daisy Lodge in Cong, and help get it ready for opening its doors next year to enable Cancer Fund for Children to support more children and families.

Ned Quinn – former chairman of the Kilkenny County Board and friend of Eamon Langton. The legendary Kilkenny businessman and publican Eamon Langton has died. He was, for many years, a prominent figure in Kilkenny’s community and cultural life, and a key driver of the city’s hospitality industry.

Alan Doherty & Fiach Moriarity from the music group Aldoc talk to Brian about the music they make and their upcoming shows . 

Gerry Farrell - Castle View Financial Services talks all things Finance wiht Brian. He looks at ways to help yourself with the interest rates, pensions and much more. 

Ailbhe Gavin – KCLR visited SETU to talk to students on their first day back in college

Brian Dermody – director at Tully’s Travel, Tullow Street Carlow. Tully's Travel is a leading Irish Travel Agency that have extensive experience in the Travel Industry and have been established for over 70 years. Their head office in Carlow was founded in 1949 and employs over 25 staff. They specialise in Horse Racing and Religious tour packages, the Cruise Market, Sun Holidays, City Breaks, Ski Holidays, Honeymoons, Group Travel and Corporate Travel.  Brian will answer any Travel questions

John Bryne – from Celtic House B&B wants to pay tribute to renowned local butcher John Joe Cullen in Kilkenny who has announced his retirement after over 50 years behind the counter.

A new service for the bereaved has opened in Kilkenny City which could save grieving families a four hour round trip on one of their worst days. It’s 126 kilometres to the nearest crematorium, Shasby’s Cremation Chapel will save people the ordeal of a two hour drive to Dublin and then back for what is a 15-minute service, said Michael Shasby. At Shasby’s Funeral Home staff provide a Chapel with screens for live streaming or a slide show and the curtains slowly close when the service is over. Shasby Funeral Directors will then take the remains to Dublin, which saves the bereaved family from having to do it. What first put the idea into Michael’s head was when a family following a cremation service in Dublin returned home to Kilkenny and prior to the family saying ‘good bye’ to him, asked would he consider a ‘cremation, chapel in his funeral home similar to the one in Dublin and avoid the four hour round trip. In another case a family who unfortunately had the experience of two cremations within weeks of each other in Dublin recently said to me that if there was a ‘cremation’ chapel at that time in Kilkenny, there is no way they would have travelled to Dublin from Kilkenny for a 15-minute service. Michael invites anyone interested in finding out more about the ‘cremation’ chapel in Shasby’s Funeral Home to make contact. It’s the first in Kilkenny

Jennifer Marnane O’Connor - Minister of State at the Department of Health has welcomed has warmly welcomed funding of close to €30 million for Carlow and Kilkenny under the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. The Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund replaced the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which supports urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities through the provision part-funding for applicant-led projects. Peter Chap Cleere FF TD - Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Rural Affairs and agriculture, he also welcomes this announcement.

Paul O'Brien – in Callan has served 13 years in the army & works as an army chef. He has served in Lebanon twice. About 2 years ago he started to take running seriously.  Paul did the Kilkenny marathon on Saturday and he runs the Dublin Marathon in 6 weeks. he is fundraising for Callan cardiac first responders

Harry Ewing – from Carlow is a Professional Golfer & Caddie. He was at the Irish Open in Doonbeg and was caddying for Thomas Higgins who was making his professional debut. Shane Lowry ended his four-year wait for a victory. The Offaly man famously won the event 17 years ago as an amateur and also claimed the Open Championship on Irish soil in Portrush. But he wrote a new chapter today with a stunning 11-shot success in front of US President Donald Trump. Hary is currently in Alicante

Cllr Joe Malone FF, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council and Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh FG , Municipal District of Castlecomer join Brian . Tributes have been paid to former Kilkenny City and County Manager Patrick (Paddy) Donnelly who has died and Michael Barry who has also died, he was a council engineer

JD Flynn - Director of Kytlers and founder of Kytlers Irish Whiskey. US President Donald Trump has said yesterday evening's move to lift tariffs on Irish whiskey applies to Ireland only and not the EU. Whiskey made in the Republic of Ireland that is sold into the US was subject to a 10% tariff, putting it at a disadvantage with Scotch and Northern Irish whiskey which currently has no tariff. Mr Trump announced the move at the end of the Irish Open in Doonbeg yesterday. His announcement has been welcomed by the Government and by the representatives of the Irish whiskey industry. JD Flynn says he has been trying to get their whiskey into the US market and this removes another obstacle. He welcomes the news

The Friday Panel is Chelsea Power – local potter in Loughboy, Kilkenny (Chels Ceramics), and the founder of Cré & Gael, a bilingual hand building pottery experience and Keith Sothern – from REA Sothern (Estate agents in Carlow). They are a 2nd generation business established in 1973

 Greg Kurtz - store manager at Apache pizza in Carlow. He is from Poland and has worked in Carlow for nearly 20 years

Senator Patricia Stephenson (SD) – A new campaign highlighting the prevalence of medical misogyny and calling for urgent national standards for pain relief during routine gynecological procedures in Ireland has been co-founded this month by patient advocate Claire O’Sullivan and Social Democrats Senator, Patricia Stephenson. The campaign highlights the stark contrast between the UK — where clear clinical guidance protects women’s pain — and Ireland, where no national standard exists and women’s experiences vary widely depending on their clinic, doctor, or county.

Paraic Kerrigan is an author and Assistant Professor of Information and Communication at UCD was among the 23 cast of The Traitors Ireland Season 2. He is the writer of ‘Reeling in the Queers: Tales of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ Past.

Brian is joined by Deirde Constance, Michael Patton and Ben Woodhouse as they look back on their memories of the September 11th attackson the Twin Towers in New York City in 2001. Deirdre is originally from Wicklow and has lived in New York since 1986. She will share her memories + thoughts on 9/11. Today is the 25th anniversary of the attack  Michael Patten was corporate affairs/communications director of Glanbia when he and a group of Glanbia directors found themselves at the White House on the morning of 9/11, 25 years ago this week. They were meant to be at the Twin Towers that morning.Ben Woodhouse is Acting Chief Fire Officer, Fire Services at Carlow CoCo. 

Carol Balf from Action Aid Ireland talks to Brian about the protest her group will be be a part of in response to Trump's visit to Doonbeg, this weekend. 

Carmel Nolan  from here in KCLR surprised Marie also from here in KCLR with a pair of new shoes to launch the opening today of the brand-new Carl Scarpa Maherdepartment in Goods Kilkenny. KCLR have a competition on this show next week.

John Crowley – wants to comment on yesterday’s interview with Nickey Brennan. The big elephant in the room is that Jarlath Burns wasn’t in favour of it. 

Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill FG TD - Minister for Health. Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre will officially open its new home, Cois Nore House, on the Waterford Road, Kilkenny, this morning. The opening will be performed by Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, marking a significant milestone for cancer support services in Co. Kilkenny. The new centre represents a major step forward in meeting the growing psycho-social needs of individuals and families living with cancer. As described in ‘In it together', “Every single day, in two homes in County Kilkenny, a bomb goes off: that’s what it feels like to receive a cancer diagnosis.” Cois Nore House has been designed as a healing space where shock, fear and uncertainty can be met with compassion, expertise and community solidarity.

 Mary Harrington is the Administrator for Grow Mental Health in the South East Region, and Ann Matthews is a member of the Cois Nore Choir and also a member of Grow Mental Health.  Back in December 2025 Mary started looking into doing a fundraising event for Grow Mental Health. She met with Anne Marie in St. Canice's Cathedral and she was telling her about the installation of 7000 white paper doves as created by British sculptor Peter Walker. They looked at dates and noted that the 10th of October is World Mental Health Day. This event has grown from a conversation to getting Paul Byrom and the Cois Nore Choir on board to now having an event on World Mental Health Day. Paul Byrom is one of Ireland’s finest crossover tenors. Dublin-born singer has been in the music industry for over 30 years. Paul has performed in a wide range of productions, from operas  to musical theatre. We are all aware of how Fabulous the Cois Nore Choir are.  Tickets are €30 and are available at https://fundraise.grow.ie/event/paul-byrom/home or google An Evening with Paul Byrom and Grow Mental Health. All funds raised go to Grow Mental Health. There will also be a raffle on the night 

  Ann chats to Brian about the upcoming budget. She says the Government need to look after the working-class people. She worked all her life and is now retired. She knows people who don’t work who are better off than she is. The unemployed do very well out of the budget. She worked for 40 years 

Kathleen - has a prosthetic leg and needs an osteointegration procedure. It’s like a knee replacement. Its only done in London and will cost her £200k. She has no way of getting it done here in Ireland. She had a clot in an artery which caused her to lose half her leg above the knee 4 years ago. she doesn’t know how she’ll fund it 

Nickey Brennan ,former Kilkenny hurler & former president of the GAA wants to comment on Mary McAleese stepping down from her Gaelic games integration role. She says she is "devastated" and feels the momentum for integration is fading after confirming that she has stepped down as chairperson of the Integration Committee overseeing the amalgamation of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association. It comes after the GAA told the steering group that it could not commit to the definitive timeline for integration.  wants to comment on Mary McAleese stepping down from her Gaelic games integration role. She says she is "devastated" and feels the momentum for integration is fading after confirming that she has stepped down as chairperson of the Integration Committee overseeing the amalgamation of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association. It comes after the GAA told the steering group that it could not commit to the definitive timeline for integration. 

 Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale have two students who have won a gold medal each in a recent Balplex Art Competition.  It is a wonderful achievement for both students as it was a worldwide competition. The 2 students chat to Brian about the competition and their achievements with their teacher. The competition took place in BALPEX in Baltimore, Maryland! Caoimhe Corcoran was awarded a Gold Medal with 87 points for her exhibit, "Man’s Quest to Study and Conquer Space”, and went on to win the APPE Young Exhibitor Grand Award. Aoibhe Murphy also received a Gold Medal with 87 points for her exhibit, “Christmas Festivities Throughout the World”, and won the BALPEX Stamp Show Young Exhibitor Grand Award

Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh FG – Municipal District of Castlecomer wants to comment on yesterday interview with Geraldine about the light and manhole in Urlingford. She has been working on it 

Author Maria O' Rourke & Samaritans Volunteer Eileen Kelly chat to Brian about the Samaritans organisation and the work they do. Samaritans is one of Ireland's leading suicide prevention charities. With 24 locations across the island of Ireland, they provide a vital lifeline, answering around 1,300 calls for help a day. There is a information evening about Samaritans tonight (08/09/26) at the Lambarts Coffee House (R93 X086).If you wish to contact the Samaritans you can do so 24/7 on 116 123 or 018 920 963 for free (local call charges apply). Or visit them on the Waterford Road, Kilkenny County Kilkenny R95 RD92 or https://www.samaritans.org/branches/kilkenny/

Christy is on to chat about a scam call. 

John Ryan talks to Brian about the Kilkenny Industrial Development Company (KIDCo) project in Kilkenny. He talks about the history and how recently KIDCo has submitted a planning application to redevelop the property with an aim to include commercial and retail uses. 

Geraldine chats to Brian about a light from Pole 77 in Urlingford that is still waiting to be fixed. Geraldine has talked to politicans about the issue, yet in over a year nothing has been year. 

 Heidi Good - Managing Director of Goods Kilkenny joins Brian to talk about an upcoming event being help at the Medieval Mile Museum at which local employers and representitive from Retail Excellence Ireland are coming together to promote the idea of reducing PRSI for employers in order to offset the increase in the minimum wage. 

Staff at the Tullow Credit union are performing rolling morning strikes , as they push for trade union recogition. Dr. Gareth Murphy is the head of industrial relations and campaigns at the final services union and chats to Brian about the strikes. 

Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford  talks to Brian about the Investigation on the death of Evan Fitzgerald, which is being undertaken by the Garda Ombudsman. It is looking at Evan's death in relation to the shooting at Carlow's fairgreen shopping centre last year. 

Far Right political party Alternative for Germany Political Party (AFD) performed very strong in elections over the weekend as they surged to a record 44 per cent support in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. Carlow native Deirde Hecker not onyl lives in Germany but is the mayor of Breuberg and chats to Brian about the result and its impact in Germany and wider Europe. 

New KCLR recruit Owain Comerford and boxing writer with IrishBoxing.com , is a former boxer and was one of the lucky 80,000 patrons who got to witness Katie Taylor farewell bout in person in Croke Park on Saturday. Owain talks about the experience of watching Katie in Croker and looks back at the journey that got her there. 

Michelle chats to Brian about the difficulties of raising her son who has Autism and the daily challenges they face. Later they are joined by  Tricia Millar and Louise Moran who are members of Autism Heroes. 

Kilkenny author and romance novelist Pamela O'Rourke joins The KCLR Daily to discuss the launch of her latest book, Wild Sanctuary, as it marks the a transition from self-publishing to being traditionally-published. The conversation explores the nuances of the romance genre, including the varying levels of sensual content and the importance of providing readers with a happily-ever-after conclusion. O'Rourke explains that her latest series is set on a Montana ranch and follows a family saga filled with romantic suspense and protective male leads. She also highlights the collaborative editing process of professional publishing and the personal satisfaction of seeing her work reach a broader audience. Ultimately, we get a glimpse into the creative process and the growing mainstream popularity of modern romantic fiction.

Rita Cassin - from Leighlinbridge is on air to talk about World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place on Thursday, September 10th. 

Wedding entertainer Carol Campbell will join Clare in studio to talk all things wedding entertainment. The conversation will explore how entertainment can add atmosphere and memorable moments throughout the wedding day, from keeping guests entertained during quieter periods to creating unique experiences that people will remember long after the celebrations are over.Carol can also discuss how a magician or mentalist can interact with guests of all ages and how entertainment can be tailored to suit the couple, their venue and the overall style of their wedding.

Naoimh Murphy - Communications & Training Officer at Amber Women’s Refuge, a domestic abuse service for women and children living in Kilkenny and Carlow, offering 24/7 Helpline, emergency refuge accommodation and community-based supports.You can call for Immediate Support (open 24-hr) on 1800 819 999

Khan Kiely - owner of Khans Books in James’s Street, Kilkenny have announced that they are closing down after 32 years. Khans Books has been open for business since 1994, and began trading in a small premises in James’ Street, Kilkenny, Ireland. The shop moved four times over the coming years until settling back into a larger space in James’ Street, in 2000. What started out as a discount book shop evolved into providing a huge range of books, from best sellers to discounted books – always remaining true to Khans’ ethos – ‘everyone can afford to shop in Khans’ in James’s Street, Kilkenny have announced that they are closing down after 32 years. Khans Books has been open for business since 1994, and began trading in a small premises in James’ Street, Kilkenny, Ireland. The shop moved four times over the coming years until settling back into a larger space in James’ Street, in 2000. What started out as a discount book shop evolved into providing a huge range of books, from best sellers to discounted books – always remaining true to Khans’ ethos – ‘everyone can afford to shop in Khans’