Global success for Jessie
Congratulations to Killarney native Jessie Buckley who won Best Female Actress at the Golden Globes, picking up the gong for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet. It was 17 years ago that Jessie graced the cover of Irish Country Living, headlining the issue of 11 April 2009. Jessie talked to Maria Moynihan one year on from participating in the hit BBC talent show I’d Do Anything, where she made it to the final two Nancys. When Maria asks 19-year-old Jessica to name her dream role, the young Kerry woman displayed some signs of premonition, saying she wants to do Shakespeare. Little did Jessie know that her moving performance as Shakespeare’s wife in Hamnet would secure her place in acting history.
Jessie Buckley on the cover of Irish Country Living, headlining the issue of 11 April 2009.
Centenary celebrations in Mitchelstown
The current committee of Mitchelstown Macra are in the throes of celebrating 100 years since the foundation of the Young Farmers Club in the area. First formed in 1925, and later becoming a Macra club in 1954, the commemorations kicked off last November with an unveiling of a commemorative plaque alongside that from the Golden Jubilee celebrations of 1975. The centenary committee has now organised a Centenary Ball for all members and most especially past members on Saturday 24 January in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.
For more information or to buy tickets, contact Kevin on 087 226 8392. The celebrations will conclude in the spring with an all-family Farm Walk and the publication of a commemorative book.
Some of the members of Mitchelstown Macra at the annual Field Day in 1975.
If you want something that earns its place on the table in 2026, it has to be Headlands, €45, by renowned Irish landscape photographer and gallery owner, Norman McCloskey. Weighty, tactile and beautiful printed with exquisite attention to detail, this is a stunning piece of work. McCloskey has been photographing the landscape in west Cork since 1992, and Headlands is the final part of a trilogy of books he has worked on over the last 10 years. See normanmccloskey.com.
Headlands by Norman McCloskey.
Making space for everyone
The European Motor Show is setting a thoughtful new standard this year, with a strong focus on inclusion. Taking place at the RDS on 31 January and 1 February, the event will feature sensory rooms, quiet spaces, autism-friendly hours and trained staff, helping autistic visitors engage comfortably. Adult tickets are €35 for a day or €52.50 for the weekend, with children under 14 free with a paying adult. See europeanmotorshow.com.
Pictured are James Fitzpatrick (6) from Dublin and Sophia Poveda (6), from Greystones, reminding families and car enthusiasts that the European Motor Show 2026 takes place at the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February.
Ireland’s youth music scene takes centre stage on 7 February as the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras celebrates its 30th Festival of Youth Orchestras at the National Concert Hall. A real highlight will be the live debut of Hope Springs Eternal, performed by the Atlantic Tri-Orchestra, bringing together young players from Donegal, Mayo and Galway.
Expect an uplifting mix of classical favourites, film music and Irish tradition. Tickets are €25, with concessions available, from nch.ie.
Orchestra playing in the National Concert hall. \Paul Soffe
Many of us are easing off sweets in January, but that doesn’t mean cutting out every small pleasure. Bean and Goose’s dark chocolate bars are rich, grown-up and not overly sweet, making them a lovely alternative. Made in Ireland with care and beautifully wrapped, they’re perfect for slow afternoons, good coffee and quiet moments.
A reminder that balance, not deprivation, is what really gets us through winter. Find the range at beanandgoose.ie.
Seascape Umami Seaweed Dark Chocolate €7.75. \ Bean and Goose
2026!By Michelle McCormack
It is a New Year
With a new me
There was even a
new moon
I will be starting my
resolutions any
time soon.
The past I will bid adieu,
as my intentions
are all brand new
I have new goals I
want to pursue
They are all full
of pride and virtue
All this holiday eating
has led to reflection,
I need a new direction!
I am finished with
Christmas cheer
Let me make that
perfectly clear
It would be great if this excess weight would
disappear
Then maybe my willpower would appear.
Now I could make a healthy Irish stew
But I would prefer a
gooey cheesy Fondue
Or a nice country
shopping spree with a farming high tea
You know New Year’s
resolutions are not all they are cracked up to be.
It is all such a hullabaloo
But maybe I will get a breakthrough
Like a bolt out of the blue
But sure look here comes February…
Phew!
Global success for Jessie
Congratulations to Killarney native Jessie Buckley who won Best Female Actress at the Golden Globes, picking up the gong for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet. It was 17 years ago that Jessie graced the cover of Irish Country Living, headlining the issue of 11 April 2009. Jessie talked to Maria Moynihan one year on from participating in the hit BBC talent show I’d Do Anything, where she made it to the final two Nancys. When Maria asks 19-year-old Jessica to name her dream role, the young Kerry woman displayed some signs of premonition, saying she wants to do Shakespeare. Little did Jessie know that her moving performance as Shakespeare’s wife in Hamnet would secure her place in acting history.
Jessie Buckley on the cover of Irish Country Living, headlining the issue of 11 April 2009.
Centenary celebrations in Mitchelstown
The current committee of Mitchelstown Macra are in the throes of celebrating 100 years since the foundation of the Young Farmers Club in the area. First formed in 1925, and later becoming a Macra club in 1954, the commemorations kicked off last November with an unveiling of a commemorative plaque alongside that from the Golden Jubilee celebrations of 1975. The centenary committee has now organised a Centenary Ball for all members and most especially past members on Saturday 24 January in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.
For more information or to buy tickets, contact Kevin on 087 226 8392. The celebrations will conclude in the spring with an all-family Farm Walk and the publication of a commemorative book.
Some of the members of Mitchelstown Macra at the annual Field Day in 1975.
If you want something that earns its place on the table in 2026, it has to be Headlands, €45, by renowned Irish landscape photographer and gallery owner, Norman McCloskey. Weighty, tactile and beautiful printed with exquisite attention to detail, this is a stunning piece of work. McCloskey has been photographing the landscape in west Cork since 1992, and Headlands is the final part of a trilogy of books he has worked on over the last 10 years. See normanmccloskey.com.
Headlands by Norman McCloskey.
Making space for everyone
The European Motor Show is setting a thoughtful new standard this year, with a strong focus on inclusion. Taking place at the RDS on 31 January and 1 February, the event will feature sensory rooms, quiet spaces, autism-friendly hours and trained staff, helping autistic visitors engage comfortably. Adult tickets are €35 for a day or €52.50 for the weekend, with children under 14 free with a paying adult. See europeanmotorshow.com.
Pictured are James Fitzpatrick (6) from Dublin and Sophia Poveda (6), from Greystones, reminding families and car enthusiasts that the European Motor Show 2026 takes place at the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February.
Ireland’s youth music scene takes centre stage on 7 February as the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras celebrates its 30th Festival of Youth Orchestras at the National Concert Hall. A real highlight will be the live debut of Hope Springs Eternal, performed by the Atlantic Tri-Orchestra, bringing together young players from Donegal, Mayo and Galway.
Expect an uplifting mix of classical favourites, film music and Irish tradition. Tickets are €25, with concessions available, from nch.ie.
Orchestra playing in the National Concert hall. \Paul Soffe
Many of us are easing off sweets in January, but that doesn’t mean cutting out every small pleasure. Bean and Goose’s dark chocolate bars are rich, grown-up and not overly sweet, making them a lovely alternative. Made in Ireland with care and beautifully wrapped, they’re perfect for slow afternoons, good coffee and quiet moments.
A reminder that balance, not deprivation, is what really gets us through winter. Find the range at beanandgoose.ie.
Seascape Umami Seaweed Dark Chocolate €7.75. \ Bean and Goose
2026!By Michelle McCormack
It is a New Year
With a new me
There was even a
new moon
I will be starting my
resolutions any
time soon.
The past I will bid adieu,
as my intentions
are all brand new
I have new goals I
want to pursue
They are all full
of pride and virtue
All this holiday eating
has led to reflection,
I need a new direction!
I am finished with
Christmas cheer
Let me make that
perfectly clear
It would be great if this excess weight would
disappear
Then maybe my willpower would appear.
Now I could make a healthy Irish stew
But I would prefer a
gooey cheesy Fondue
Or a nice country
shopping spree with a farming high tea
You know New Year’s
resolutions are not all they are cracked up to be.
It is all such a hullabaloo
But maybe I will get a breakthrough
Like a bolt out of the blue
But sure look here comes February…
Phew!
SHARING OPTIONS