Our writers and bloggers comment on the latest news and life in rural Ireland.

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Dear Miriam: how do I convince my partner to move back to the countryside?
Ask Miriam
This week, a reader seeks Miriam's help on finding compromise between her heart for the countryside and her partner's preference for the city.
Dear Miriam: how do I convince my partner to move back to the countryside?
‘Avoid going down rabbit holes with negative thoughts. Stay above ground’
12 March 2025 Katherine O'Leary
‘Avoid going down rabbit holes with negative thoughts. Stay above ground’
A visit from RTÉ's Brenda Donohue brings all of the family around the kitchen table and puts cancer treatment in perspective.
Editorial: Times, they are a-changing
12 March 2025 Editorial
Editorial: Times, they are a-changing
'It's about getting a fair representation of both genders, to have men and women’s voices at the table. '
‘I have a precious granddaughter at the centre of my heart – I’m a happy granny’
I have a new grandchild, my first granddaughter, Katie Margaret O'Leary has arrived. Our first meeting was a treasured moment.
5 March 2025 Katherine O'Leary
Editorial: ‘Isn’t it mad that it is now five years since COVID-19 took over?'
'Women are innovating, pushing boundaries and making their mark in industries that are for the most part, male dominated'.
5 March 2025 Editorial
Dear Miriam: my parents think our ‘sleep divorce’ means we are in trouble
A reader looks for advice on a 'sleep divorce' and how to explain to her parents that her marriage is not in trouble.
5 March 2025 Ask Miriam
Dear Miriam: my bachelor brother won’t change his ways – but wants to find love
A reader wants to help her bachelor brother to find love, but is worried he won't change his ways.
26 February 2025 Ask Miriam
‘Scammers rely on secrecy and deception – so keep looking out for each other'
Are scammers eroding our trust while taking our money, asks Margaret Leahy.
26 February 2025 l2
‘The busyness of the first three weeks of calving will always be a challenge’
The busyness of the first three weeks of calving will always be a challenge, writes Katherine O'Leary.
26 February 2025 Katherine O'Leary
Editorial: Modular homes in rural Ireland
Modular homes – if done right – could be the sticking plaster that might just stick.
26 February 2025 Editorial
Kate Durrant: 'I’ll buy it, my grandson will hold it, we share the joy'
Passing a gift shop last weekend, a flash of blue caught my eye.
19 February 2025 l2
'There is only one thing on dairy farmers’ minds and that is calving'
There’s always excitement about twin calves at this time of year, but it's vital the operation is organised.
19 February 2025 Katherine O'Leary