Rural Rhymes

Farmers Journal

Stashed away in a rusty tin box

over half a century on

dated nineteen sixty-five, yellow-brown, now

its paper pulp lignin oxidised, still legible

The article featured you, Father

with snapshots in frozen time

Left hand on knee, foot on limestone

the land type you were reclaiming,

in another you stood with your flock

And it is of little wonder I sense your presence

more these March mornings

as day lengthens and

we head fast to the equinox

lambing on the horizon

I recall your attention to the ewes

regular day and night inspections

to reduce losses

a team of midwives on the job

no let up

Huts, built with stone or timber, galvanised roofing

housed difficult cases

placed along the wall of The Hollow Field,

The Lambing Field

ready in advance of the annual onslaught

Early morning bleating

splayed legs, unsteady

two in a tea-chest beside the black and white range

Now, I dwell on your spirit self

out there

somewhere

Wonder what your gaze misses most of all

at this time of rebirth?

– Teresa O’ Connor-Diskin, Kilroe, Headford, Co Galway. Teresa’s parents, Sean and Peggy O’Connor, (RIP) and their eight young children including herself and her twin sister, Bernadette, appeared on the Irish Farmers Journal on 14 August 1965 (see above).

Money Mentor Tip

How to avoid extra fees and charges in banking

Use online banking to ensure your bank account is operating within its limits. If using an overdraft make sure you do not exceed your limit as this will lead to surcharges (c 1% per month). If you have a loan ensure you have sufficient monies in your account each month to make your repayment.

Tweet of the Week

Instagram Inspiration

Our favourite Instagram post of the last week had to be the announcement that @chefbrianmcdermott was named the @blasnaheireann Producers Champion.

The award which has previously been won by Neven Maguire from MacNean House in Cavan and Jess Murphy from Kai Restaurant in Galway acknowledges those who lift, promote and celebrate Irish producers every day through the work that they do. We were also thrilled that our very own Ciara Leahy was part of the highly commended list of nominees for her writing in Irish Country Living celebrating our farmers and food producers.

Number of the Week

200

The number of years that Cronin’s Yard, the famous meeting spot at the bottom of Carrauntoohil, has been in Katie Jane Cronin’s family.

Quote of the Week

From Gina Oglesby, who features in our Agri Careers pages this week.

We want employers to realise and acknowledge that the ‘career gap’ (the time spent working at home) wasn’t lost. It was very valuable and a huge amount of skills were accomplished during that time. Skills which these returners can put into a workplace context. That is what matters to us