Last week, we dedicated a couple of pages to holidaying in Ireland. These were upbeat pages. Feedback we received during 2020 told us that this is something that our readers want. Something that makes them smile. Although we have to wait another while to visit them with the new restrictions, there are many beautiful spots and historical places to visit in Ireland. So, we are delighted this week to print the worthy winner of our Hidden Treasures competition.
Winner of our local treasures competition was Yellow Water in the Mourne Mountains nominated by Rebecca McConnell.
Yellow Water in the Mourne Mountains, nominated by reader Rebecca McConnell features in the paper this week and it is now firmly on my bucket list. Thank you to everyone who entered.
Mike Magan is receiving similar positive feedback for his reader writes contributions in which he details his ramblings around his local area.
Mike Magan has been sharing his ramblings around his local area of Killashee, Co Limerick.
This week’s piece “Quare talk at Longford pig fair” uses some choice language. He has agreed I can direct all complaints directly to him, claiming that “the story simply couldn’t be told unless it was a true and authentic retelling”. Aside from raising spirits, Mike has also raised awareness of getting any dark skin spots looked at. He recently had a “nasty pesky tumour” removed and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Raising awareness is important. Sometimes, due to the fear of insult, upset or embarrassment, we can dance around certain health issues. The link between obesity and COVID-19 is one example of this. Rarely discussed, it has come to light more in recent days as President Trump, who is described as obese, has contracted COVID-19 and his weight adds a complication to his recovery. Teagasc research confirms the link and it is an important parameter to be conscious of. Dr Eva Orsmond of Operation Transformation fame is not one to shy away from the issue of weight. She spoke to Margaret Hawkins about how obesity puts us at risk of poorer outcomes if we get COVID-19.
There are two important dates coming up this week. The first being National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) which is on 14 October. We were blown away by the entries that we received to our Women & Agriculture Awards this year. Despite the setbacks and having to work within the COVID-19 guidelines, we will be announcing our winners in the coming weeks. For me, this served as a reminder of the tenacity and innovation of our female entrepreneurs. Mairead Lavery spoke with a number of those that have been nominated as “leading lights” for NWED. Their stories will certainly inspire. The event is moving online this year and it is completely free to join. All the details are in Agri Careers here.
The second date is 15 October. This is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Maria Moynihan has written the most powerful testament to the resilience and love of a mother of five who is without her children. I think I will probably always cry when I read stories like this and I doubt I will be alone in that. So many families will connect with this story in the most personal way. Although a story of much pain and loss, it is also a story of hope. I am taking that hope with me this week and I will be lighting a candle for the Wave of Light, to remember all the babies gone too soon, organised by Irish charity Féileacáin next Thursday.
Read more
Anyone else feel like they are being COVID-19 conditioned?
Does the food deliver ‘exactly what it says on the tin’?
Last week, we dedicated a couple of pages to holidaying in Ireland. These were upbeat pages. Feedback we received during 2020 told us that this is something that our readers want. Something that makes them smile. Although we have to wait another while to visit them with the new restrictions, there are many beautiful spots and historical places to visit in Ireland. So, we are delighted this week to print the worthy winner of our Hidden Treasures competition.
Winner of our local treasures competition was Yellow Water in the Mourne Mountains nominated by Rebecca McConnell.
Yellow Water in the Mourne Mountains, nominated by reader Rebecca McConnell features in the paper this week and it is now firmly on my bucket list. Thank you to everyone who entered.
Mike Magan is receiving similar positive feedback for his reader writes contributions in which he details his ramblings around his local area.
Mike Magan has been sharing his ramblings around his local area of Killashee, Co Limerick.
This week’s piece “Quare talk at Longford pig fair” uses some choice language. He has agreed I can direct all complaints directly to him, claiming that “the story simply couldn’t be told unless it was a true and authentic retelling”. Aside from raising spirits, Mike has also raised awareness of getting any dark skin spots looked at. He recently had a “nasty pesky tumour” removed and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Raising awareness is important. Sometimes, due to the fear of insult, upset or embarrassment, we can dance around certain health issues. The link between obesity and COVID-19 is one example of this. Rarely discussed, it has come to light more in recent days as President Trump, who is described as obese, has contracted COVID-19 and his weight adds a complication to his recovery. Teagasc research confirms the link and it is an important parameter to be conscious of. Dr Eva Orsmond of Operation Transformation fame is not one to shy away from the issue of weight. She spoke to Margaret Hawkins about how obesity puts us at risk of poorer outcomes if we get COVID-19.
There are two important dates coming up this week. The first being National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) which is on 14 October. We were blown away by the entries that we received to our Women & Agriculture Awards this year. Despite the setbacks and having to work within the COVID-19 guidelines, we will be announcing our winners in the coming weeks. For me, this served as a reminder of the tenacity and innovation of our female entrepreneurs. Mairead Lavery spoke with a number of those that have been nominated as “leading lights” for NWED. Their stories will certainly inspire. The event is moving online this year and it is completely free to join. All the details are in Agri Careers here.
The second date is 15 October. This is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Maria Moynihan has written the most powerful testament to the resilience and love of a mother of five who is without her children. I think I will probably always cry when I read stories like this and I doubt I will be alone in that. So many families will connect with this story in the most personal way. Although a story of much pain and loss, it is also a story of hope. I am taking that hope with me this week and I will be lighting a candle for the Wave of Light, to remember all the babies gone too soon, organised by Irish charity Féileacáin next Thursday.
Read more
Anyone else feel like they are being COVID-19 conditioned?
Does the food deliver ‘exactly what it says on the tin’?
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