Local Treasures – the winner

Congratulations to the winner of our Local Treasures competition, Veronica Mannion, who submitted this stunning photo of her family’s farmland in Louisburgh, Co Mayo. She writes:

“Our farmstead is nestled between the alluring Killadoon hill and the wild Atlantic Ocean. From our kitchen window, we can watch the sea as it changes into a varied hue of colours; contingent on the mood of the weather. Further back sits Clare Island, home to the famous pirate Grainne Uaile (Grace O’ Malley). After all these years, this picturesque view has us in awe.”

Veronica has won a Thalgo Spiruline gift set valued at €250. The competition is closed, but we’d still love to hear about your local treasures. To reach out, email ICL@farmersjournal.ie.

Instagram Inspiration

This image of starlings captured by James Crombie, @inphojames, in Co Westmeath, caught our eyes. It also featured on the front cover of the Irish Times last week. This wasn’t just a case of being in the right place at the right time, it’s a picture where patience has prevailed. James says: “What an amazing few months it has been chasing the murmurations around Lough Ennell looking for the shot with, patience eventually paid off.”

Home economics with Katherine O’Leary

Examine how you work

Ever wondered how to do the housework more efficiently? Select two jobs, like setting the table and making breakfast. Do them as you normally would while counting your steps as you go. Use a smartwatch or pedometer if you have one. Now, here’s the fun part; consider how you could reduce your steps. Aim to get it done in the minimum amount of steps for maximum efficiency. Maybe relocate your table ware, or use a tray to carry more items at once?

Tweet of the Week

Number of the Week

<25%

Less than 25% of the STEM workforce in Ireland is female.

Quote of the Week

From Luke Joyce, on our My Country Living page.

When I went to college then with lads who would have come up from farms in Mayo and Galway, they were through and through farmers, you could tell. Whereas you’d probably pick up the street smarts as well living in and around west Dublin