The BCDL Knit and Natter group from Castletown Geoghegan, Co Westmeath, have been busily knitting and crafting for a great cause in Uganda in recent months. All items, from blankets to hats and clothing and much more, were made for the Rays of Hope Hospice, Jinja, Uganda, to support the daycare centre and babies within the community.

Last week, the group presented their beautifully crafted pieces to volunteer Olive Robinson, who has raised over €7,600 for the Rays of Hope Hospice and Walukuba West Primary school. The money will help to continue the amazing work being done by the Clare humanitarian John Conroy and his team at Hospice Jinja, which will greatly benefit local children and families, from building dormitories and teacher homes to supporting the hospice, school and promotion of sport among the pupils. See idonate.ie/crowdfunder/OliveRobinson

Every pet leaves paw prints on our hearts, and Paw Script helps keep those treasured memories close. Handcrafted in Blackrock, Dublin 4, each custom-engraved stainless steel keyring or necklace captures your furry best friend in a timeless keepsake. Whether celebrating a faithful companion by your side or honouring one who has crossed the rainbow bridge, every piece is made with love and care. This is a keepsake that’s pawsitively heartwarming. Paw Script is currently running a charity campaign with Wicklow Animal Welfare, donating 15% of all sales directly to support rescued animals until 23 July 2026. Prices for a keyring start at €20 and orders are taken via Instagram @pawscript.official

Fourth class pupil Sarah McInerney from Co Clare came out tops from 5,682 entries in An Post’s recent handwriting competition. Her impressive letter and illustration on this year’s theme, ‘Making Better Happen for Our Community’, wowed judges to become the overall champion. Sarah’s entry will be displayed on a postcard, available free of charge in post offices in the Ennis area. See anpost.com

Hailed as Ire­land’s queen of ‘rural noir’, Galway author and journalist Michelle McDonagh has recently released her fourth book – If These Walls Could Talk. The story opens with Hazel McNamara, a woman who appears to have it all – but a single phone call changes everything. During the call Hazel’s husband screams her name and she is suddenly cut off. His Porsche is soon found over­turned in a field and the secrets begin to unfold. If These Walls Could Talk, by Michelle McDonagh, €16.99, Hachette.

Chimac’s three-pack is a fun one for summer dinners, barbecues or anything that needs a bit of a kick. Priced at €23, it includes 350ml bottles of Sriracha Caramel, Korean Hot Sauce and K-BBQ sauce, all dreamt up in the kitchen of Sofie Rooney and Garret FitzGerald’s Dublin restaurant. Use them for dipping, stir-fries or marinades when dinner needs rescuing from being boring. See chimacsauces.com

Picking Gooseberries

By Catherine Sadlier, Dublin 18

We scanned the June hedges

for the largest and juiciest,

imagining that moment of exquisite bitterness

when, tiny hairy tail pinched between

finger and thumb,

the inner pulp squelched

onto our tastebuds

and our eyes screwed

into slits of tart regret,

then exhilaration,

as we chewed our way to the last trace,

our schoolbags forgotten by the roadside.

No rushing home for dinner

those warm days when nature

provided its own free thrills.

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.