The Cork Summer Show is now open for entries, with more than 800 competition classes announced for this year’s event. Running on 20-21 June at Curraheen

Showgrounds, it remains Munster’s largest and longest-running agricultural

showcase, celebrating farming, food and family life since 1810.

More than 200 events and attractions are planned.

See corksummershow.com

On 25 April, Knock Men’s Shed gathered at Brennan’s farm in Co Laois to plough for oats, with plans to cut the corn in late August using binders. Their annual threshing festival takes place on 12-13 September, with mills powered by petrol, diesel, TVO tractors and a steam engine. The weekend begins with the Ger Bowe Memorial Tractor Run, with funds supporting Knock National School and community workshop plans.

See Knock Vintage Club and Men’s Shed group on Facebook.

Coastal landscapes, history and archaeology fascinate us as an island nation on the edge of Europe.

A lavishly illustrated new book, Lords of the Sea: An archaeology of the medieval Gaelic maritime world by Colin Breen and published by Cork University Press, €59.99, takes that interest

one step further.

Drawing on three decades of research, it reveals the fascinating story of the social and political life of coastal communities along the western seaboard of Ireland and Scotland. Exposed to the ever-changing weather and shaped by the tempestuous sea, this hardback tome has been praised for its fresh and accessible perspective

on our rich past.

Burren Slow Food, Arts & Wellness Festival, Ireland’s longest-running slow food festival, marks its 21st anniversary on Sunday 10 May, at the Pavilion Hall in

Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Set in the heart of the Burren, the free festival features an artisan farmers’ market, food tastings and cookery demonstrations.

Some events are ticketed, with yoga, tennis and a historical walk also on the programme. A highlight of the weekend is the much-anticipated Burren Slow Food Banquet, taking place on the evening of Saturday 9 May at the Burren Storehouse. Chef Peter Jackson and his team from the Roadside Tavern will present a carefully curated long table style meal celebrating locally sourced ingredients and the unique flavours of the region.

See slowfoodclare.com

With warnings about jet fuel

shortages, ferry travel might be the way to go this summer. And new offers announced by Irish Ferries make sea travel that bit more appealing.

Irish Ferries’ Kids Go Free offer allows children (aged 0-15) to travel to Britain for free when travelling with your car, and those booking a short break who want to travel in style can enjoy half price Club Class comfort from just €12.75 per person.

Plus, Stena Line’s pet-friendly policies mean the whole family, including your dog, can come along for the ride.

See irishferries.com

Global Warming

by Paddy Egan, Killcommock, Co Longford

I sit by my window observing the rain

A torrent beats down on my window pane

Global warming is what the experts say

Extremes of weather are here to stay

Our friends in Europe face a burning sizzle

While here in Ireland there’s a constant drizzle

Bush fires in Greece over hill and plain

How they would welcome a spill of rain

Our way of life has caused the trouble

Over heating has burst the bubble

Our over use of fossil fuel

Has overpowered our natural renewal

Arctic ice has begun to melt

Its effects on nature now being felt

A temperature increase of two degrees

Deprives the Arctic of its power to freeze

Global warming is increasing year by year

Which the stronger powers don’t want to hear

Rainforest removal continues on

They won’t stop clearing till it’s gone

Our energy must come from sun and wind

Diesel and petrol we must leave behind

Farmers too must change their ways

No longer farm like the olden days

We can no longer live as in the past

For future generations the die is cast

The powers that be must now take heed

And do just what the experts have decreed.