Picture of the week

Eve Myron celebrating her TY graduation with Tony the Pony in Co Wicklow.

Poetry corner

Home

by Liam Doherty, Moyne, Co Longford

Of all the places in the region

None means as much to me

As my homeplace with its tranquil farm

Near the village of Ballinalee.

Back when I was younger

With my grandad I would go

Up to the farm, and spend my time

Foddering in the snow.

As winter gave way

To the beauty of spring

Corn Hill awoke

With the dawning of the day.

When our cattle were ready

The mart we would frequent

One time a year, with our stores

Just before Lent.

Travelling the R194

I still remember

The excitement, the exhilaration

of Granard Mart day.

As the old saying goes,

All good things must end

I lost more than my grandfather

I lost my best friend.

Even though he is gone

He won’t be forgotten

His legacy lives on

In the hearts of all who knew him.

To conclude, I suppose

One thing is clear

Living in Longford has brought joy

And some tears.

Our rolling hills and rivers

Of north Longford’s land

Is my home and always will be

My unique homeland.

Pictured below: Sarah Finnegan, Brian Wildes, Cllr Erika Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Jake O’Neill, Jonathan Donnelly, President of Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, and Kathy O’Toole on Bray seafront for the launch of Bray Walking Tours.

What a Bray for a walking tour

Bray Tourism, in conjunction with Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, has launched a series of walking tours. The walks will be operated by local Leaving Certificate student Jake O’Neill (18), who hopes to bring a fresh perspective to tourism with two free tours celebrating the town.

“I wanted to create something that felt accessible, interesting and genuinely enjoyable for people of all ages,” says Jake, founder of Bray Walking Tours. “Bray has so much character and history, but there are also so many fascinating stories connected to music, film and culture that people walk past every day without noticing.”

See bray.ie/braywalkingtours or email:info@braywalkingtours.ie

Getting set for the biggest Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival yet are former Ireland rugby star Simon Zebo, joined by stilt walker Dee Tierney from Rossmore, Cork, and Clonakilty youngsters JT Lowney (9) and Bethany O'Donovan (11). /Cathal Noonan Photography.

The Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival, which takes place on Saturday 13 June, has grown into one of the region’s biggest summer celebrations and is marking its milestone 10th anniversary. Former Munster and Irish rugby star Simon Zebo, newly announced brand ambassador for Irish Yogurts, has hailed the community spirit of the carnival, which will bring music, food and fun to the heart of west Cork. Live Forever, the definitive Oasis tribute band, will perform as part of the free live music line-up, while circus performers and drumming workshops are among the activities for children. At the heart of the day is the carnival’s iconic long-table dining experience on Pearse Street. See www.clonakilty.ie