Halloween thrills

Fancy riding a rollercoaster under the night sky? Emerald Park After Dark returns this Halloween, giving thrill-seekers the chance to experience 13 of the park’s attractions after sunset. New to the line-up for 2026 is Swingosaurus, the 12m high family thrill ride in Lost Valley, alongside favourites including the Cú Chulainn Coaster, Na Fianna Force, Viking Voyage and Dino Dash.

The no-scare event runs from 6.30pm-10pm on 16-18, 23-25 and 30 October. For younger Halloween fans, Mega Monster Halloween will also run on selected dates, with a Pumpkin Quest, live panto, friendly characters and Halloween entertainment. See emeraldpark.ie

Picture of the Week

One-year-old Tessa O’Dowd with her mother, Jacinta, at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair in Co Galway. \Anne Tully, Co Roscommon.

Eight decades of Macra

Past and present Macra members will come together this November as Laois Macra celebrates its 80th anniversary with a special dinner dance. Taking place at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise on Saturday 14 November, the evening will celebrate eight decades of friendship, community and rural life since the county’s first club was affiliated in Mountrath in 1946. Photographs and memorabilia will offer a trip through Laois Macra’s history, while guests can enjoy a four-course meal followed by live music and dancing. Tickets are available through the Laois Macra County Executive or by contacting 087 2720949.

Back row from left, Niall Brennan, David Farrell, John Farrell, Stanley Seale, Hazel Seale, Andrew Mansfield, Katie Mulligan, Alex Ramsbottom, Andrew Dunne. Front row from left, Tony Heffernan, Michael Dempsey, Niamh Feighery, Joe Foyle, Emer Feighery and Jean Marnell.

Fragments and Faces

Young artists from Clonmel Training Centre are showcasing their work in Fragments and Faces, a new exhibition at Tipperary Museum. Created under the guidance of sculptor and artist Philip Quinn, the collection features works in wood, stone, slate, iron and reclaimed materials, inspired by the local landscape and the medieval carvings of Holy Cross Abbey. As part of the project, the learners also worked alongside Quinn in his rural studio, gaining hands-on experience of traditional materials and techniques. Fragments and Faces runs at Tipperary Museum, Clonmel, until 30 November. Admission is free.See hiddenhistory.ie

Fragments and Faces exhbition. \Tipperary Museum

Poetry Corner

Hard To Let Go by Bernadette Murphy, Clogherboy, Tuam, Co Galway

Beneath open skies

there’s music in the

landscape

the songs we all can sing

a rhythm of fiddle and banjo

touching what has gone before

cottage smoke curling

white wash and a half door

traces left behind

present but unseen

yet hard to let go.

Bushes dividing land

meeting the seasons

sunlight sitting on trees

birds freewheeling at ease

in the stiff breeze.

Winding blackberry boreens

rain beating down

on seeds sown

deep ties

lost between two worlds

nature or nurture.

Abandoned houses

stories not known

no one applauds

corrosion and cracks

lost in little ways

yet hard to let go.

Calling all poets

Do you have a piece of poetry inspired by the countryside and farming? Please send in your best work for consideration for the weekly Poetry Corner. We’re looking for short poems that captivate, inspire and reflect the landscapes, traditions, and culture of rural Ireland in the past or the present. About 200 words or so is the ideal length. Please send your poetry to icl@farmersjournal.ie or post to Irish Country Living, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.