I just wanted to drop a note to say, I love the new look of Irish Country Living. As an avid reader of the supplement I’ve seen it change over the years, so I’m delighted that the same unique content for rural Ireland has been kept alongside the new vibrant look.

My father, who is in his 90s, said he found the coloured sections much easier to follow, so that’s high praise indeed.

Yours sincerely,

Roisin, Kerry

Dear editor,

I attended the Women & Agriculture conference last week and I was totally blown away with the atmosphere. It was my first time going and I can safely say I’ll be back again, I‘ve never experienced anything like it. With 600 women in the room, there was so much love and open discussion around topics that touch our lives everday. From the importance of taking a holistic view to the sustainability of our food to some great belly laughs and making friends, it was a wonderful day out, and I can’t wait for next year.

Yours sincererly,

Mary, Wexford

Christmas has come early for Limerick entrepreneur and founder of Pressed Flowers by Nell, Nell Stritch, who has been selected as a finalist in The Pitch ’24, an initiative led by Brown Thomas Arnotts to champion Irish businesses.

Nell will showcase her exclusive pressed flower artwork at the renowned Arnotts Christmas Market from 14 November through to early January.

“Being part of The Pitch has been a dream come true. I’m so excited to unveil my exclusive ‘Love in Flight’ robin pressed flower design, created especially for this event,” she says.

All Irish 80s kids will appreciate this adorable tote bag entitled

‘The Messages’. After all, we were sent on many a trip to the shops back in the day for milk, bread, butter and teabags, the staple of most Irish households.

Made from 100% recycled cotton, it has long straps for over the shoulder wear. You’ll be getting plenty of smiles whenever you get your ‘messages’ with this custom vintage Irish design.

There was great excitement in Croke Park last week when Minister Humphreys

announced Ballincollig, Co Cork as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2024. This year, 904 towns were competing for the prestigious award demonstrating the continued national interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, which has been running since 1958. Minister

Humphreys also announced €1.5 million in funding to support the work of TidyTowns groups in their continued efforts nationwide.