Crossword maestro Brendan Treacy has marked his 70th year by completing a mammoth 800km cycle from Mizen Head to Malin Head in July to raise vital funds and awareness for Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland (EOPD) in honour of his brother, John, who is living with the condition. By doing so, Brendan fulfilled a “boyhood ambition” alongside 14 others to cycle the length of Ireland, raising over €3,100 for EOPD in the process. The Dublin native, who is living in Drumree, Co Meath, has been compiling the crosswords in Irish Country Living for over 25 years. You can still donate at: eopd.ie/brendansjourneyforeopdireland

One of Ireland’s best-loved native breeds have taken up residence at Áras an Uachtaráin this summer, as Connemara mare Ruby and her foal Peaceful Pippa made their way from Kylemore Abbey in Co Galway to graze the front lawn of President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly’s official residence. Mother Karol O’Connell OSB, Abbess at Kylemore Abbey remarked: “The Connemara ponies are an integral part of the landscape surrounding Kylemore Abbey and have become part of everyday life for our Benedictine Community. “It is a privilege to share that joy, and this special part of the Connemara landscape, with President Catherine Connolly and the many visitors and international dignitaries who will visit over the summer months.” See kylemoreabbey.com

Do you have a book, event,product, craft, business, or local initiative that celebrates rural life in Ireland? The Country Vibes pages in Irish Country Living are always looking for unique finds and community happenings to share with our readers. Whether it’s a new book release, an upcoming festival, a handmade product, a farm diversification project or a special event in your area, we’d love to hear about it. Send us details, photos, and contact information for consideration. We can’t guarantee coverage, but we’re always keen to discover the people, places, and ideas bringing vibrancy to rural Ireland. Please send to Country Vibes icl@farmersjournal.ie

Bottle of Tea By Brendan McDonald, a Laois native living in Paris

An old Corolla arrives to the headland.

Its boot opens,

the smell of the kitchen set to relieve hungry work.

Stubble crunches under heavy boots and hot summer sun.

Tinfoil-covered plates of bacon and cabbage,

No dinner table needed here.

Let it not be said anyone

went hungry during the harvest.

Men sit in the shade

of round bales.

Knees peeping out through ripped jeans,

shirt sleeves turned up to elbows.

Quiet descends. Save for the

faraway hum of

machines yet to fall silent

for want of a dinner.

Low moisture, hard grain,

golden straw.

A bottle of tea, wedges of apple tart passed around.

About as perfect

as you can wish for.

If only all days were like this.

Back into the boot

go empty plates,

cups and an empty

bottle of tea.