A time to celebrate

Paddy Egan,

Kenagh, Co Longford

We celebrate the end

of another year, as we

welcome the season of

joy and cheer.

The tree is up, the lights

are on, an invitation for

festive fun.

It’s very much a family

time, when folks return

from a foreign clime.

When members return

to the family nest,

to sit and chat, have fun

and fest.

It’s a time for presents to

old time friends, a time

to make up and make

amends, it’s a time of

joy for girls and boys,

when Santa brings their

chosen toys.

Christmas cards and old

tradition, sadly replaced

by hi-tech transmission.

Nothing could replace

the card in the hand,

especially one from a

foreign land.

For communities too

a time to remember,

as they gather to party

from early December.

For social groups a nice

reward, their voluntary

work in high regard.

Christmas is a time

to celebrate, to stop a

while to venerate.

But let’s not forget

where it all began,

when the son of God

was born a man.

Five Farms is a true farm-to-table product, crafted from single batches of fresh cream – sourced entirely from five family-owned dairy farms in Co Cork – that are combined with premium triple-distilled Irish whiskey to become a quality cream liqueur. Containing 10 times the amount of whiskey of typical Irish creams, setting it apart in the category and allowing for an intensity of whiskey flavour, Five Farms can be served simply over ice or used for a host of delicious cocktails.

See fivefarmsirishcream.com

Fifty Irish farmers have joined forces for a new book, The Farming for Nature Handbook, to give practical tips on how to protect land and nature, while farming. The book shares the positive ways farmers can enhance our natural environment, including the benefits they can reap, like reduced costs. The book was conceived and developed by Brigid Barry, researched and mainly written by conservation ecologist Dr Emma Hart on behalf of Farming For Nature and co-edited by Dr Brendan Dunford of the Burrenbeo Trust.

The Farming For Nature Handbook, €30, farmingfornature.ie

If you’re heading to the capital for some Christmas magic or a show, then treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel in the docklands. Their festive menu is crafted by executive chef Gareth Mullins and includes whimsical treats such as The Snowball, a Black Forest delight, The Christmas Wreath with indulgent chocolate-filled choux buns, and a contemporary twist on the Yule Log, adorned with candy cane macaroon and white chocolate ganache. Priced from €65 per person, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of the season.

See anantara.com/en/ireland

Legendary musicians come together for Ireland’s first ‘Folk iN Fusion’ event which will take place at the Gleneagle INEC Arena on 14 January at 7pm. Folk iN Fusion will bring together some of the most revered names in folk and roots music including Rhiannon Giddens, a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner, Liam Ó Maonlaí, the iconic voice of Hothouse Flowers and Peter Rowan, folk and bluegrass legend. Pictured: Rhiannon Giddens.

See inec.ie

Mind yourself and your loved ones this Christmas. Winter can be a challenging time, and new analysis from Peopl Insurance shines a light on some of risks posed to our health during these colder, darker months. It flags the occurrence of respiratory viruses, the poor road conditions due to shorter days and adverse weather, and the cold temperatures that can put extra stress on people’s hearts at this time of year. Make sure to look out for one another, and keep warm by wearing layers, taking regular hot drinks and soups and staying active to boost circulation.