Make a difference for Daffodil Day
Each year in Ireland, almost 45,000 people hear the words “you have cancer”, and sadly around 9,000 people lose their lives to the disease, which is why Daffodil Day is such an important date in the Irish calendar. It takes place nationwide on Friday 20 March, and the Irish Cancer Society aims to raise €6m to support its vital free services for cancer patients.
Wicklow Marketplace (a local e-commerce craft website) is just one of many businesses fundraising this year. Founder Rachel Kane says: “We all know someone who has been affected directly or indirectly by cancer, so it is a cause close to everyone’s heart. Donate to be entered into the draw for an artisan hamper. Together, with every contribution – no matter how small – we can help cancer patients and their families.”
On Daffodil Day, there will be people selling daffodils and daffodil pins in towns and villages around the country. You can also donate at: donors.cancer.ie/page/daffodil-day
Scan the QR code to donate to the Wicklow Marketplace fundraiser.
Volunteers raising money for Daffodil Day.
If you’re looking for a holiday read, The Island Retreat by Cathy Kelly brings readers to sunny Corfu, where a disgraced TV therapist opens a retreat hoping to help six guests confront the secrets weighing on their lives. Over one intense week, past mistakes and hidden truths begin to surface among the group. Warm, emotional and full of Kelly’s trademark insight into relationships. Published by HarperCollins Publishers, €14.99.
The Island Retreat by Cathy Kelly.
Easter at Dublin Zoo promises plenty for families this spring, with seasonal trails, workshops and special activities alongside the chance to explore more than 400 animals across the zoo’s habitats in Phoenix Park. It is a lively time to visit this time of year, making it an easy day out for children and grown-ups alike. Full details are under wraps for now, one thing’s for sure: there will be plenty happening throughout the zoo. Think egg-citing competitions, pop-up entertainment, playful surprises and plenty of opportunities for little adventurers to get involved. Tickets start from €22.50. See dublinzoo.ie
A keeper feeds a red panda. Over Easter there will be talks and feeding times, where you can hear animal stories straight from the experts.
Spring is a magical time at Birr Castle Demesne, where magnolias, camellias and cherry blossoms transform the gardens into a sea of colour. Often listed among Ireland’s most beautiful places, the demesne draws ‘bloom chasers’ each year hoping to catch its spectacular seasonal displays, from early snowdrops to wildflower meadows later in the summer. Set across 120ac in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, there is plenty to wander and discover. See birrcastle.com
Wisteria around the hidden pergola at Birr Castle Demesne. \Tina Claffey
Longford shows great A.B.I.L.I.T.Y
Longford County Council had reason to celebrate at the LAMA All-Ireland Community & Council Awards, taking home two honours on the night. The council won Best Inclusive Community Wellbeing Initiative for its A.B.I.L.I.T.Y coaching programme, which supports adults with additional needs to gain sports coaching qualifications. It also shared the National Impact Award with neighbouring midlands councils for a STEM education initiative reaching thousands of students across the region.
Seanie Morris, STEM engagement officer, Laois County Council; Siobhan Grealy, STEM engagement officer and Christine Collins, digital/broadband officer, Longford County Council; Antoinette Brennan, digital/broadband officer, Laois County Council; Kelley Keogh, STEM engagement officer, Westmeath County Council; Ray Bell, digital/broadband officer and Dean Hodge, STEM engagement officer, Offaly County Council celebrating the National Impact Award – Midlands Ireland.
Kudos to Katherine by Brid Ewing, Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal
On Country Living’s popular back page,
Katherine O’Leary holds centre stage.
Her column guaranteed to be top class,
A variety of topics from this talented lass.
She endears herself to thousands of us nationwide,
With her engaging stories from far and wide.
She writes of her hopes, triumphs and fears,
Confiding in her readers for over 20 years.
She shares her passion for farming, rearing her calves,
Her love of teaching, where she did nothing by halves.
She’s written heartfelt eulogies for friends she’s lost,
With tenderness and love, counting the cost.
She writes with such empathy and compassion,
She also loves her days out,
enjoying friendship, fun and fashion!
But in her columns what shines most clear,
Is her abiding love for her family so dear.
They’re familiar to us now – we know them all,
Recently, her adored grandchildren feature in her roll-call.
And her rock and soulmate,
her dearest Tim,
Always supportive in the background, she’s still mad about him!
Her articles have a positive and uplifting tone,
Even in the darkest hours,she refuses to moan.
She has faced her illness with dignity and grace,
Little sign of her suffering on her youthful face.
Down-to-earth and practical, with a loving heart,
She has no time for self-pity, she plays her part.
“Let life go on” is her clarion call,
Never more courageous than when her back is to the wall.
Make a difference for Daffodil Day
Each year in Ireland, almost 45,000 people hear the words “you have cancer”, and sadly around 9,000 people lose their lives to the disease, which is why Daffodil Day is such an important date in the Irish calendar. It takes place nationwide on Friday 20 March, and the Irish Cancer Society aims to raise €6m to support its vital free services for cancer patients.
Wicklow Marketplace (a local e-commerce craft website) is just one of many businesses fundraising this year. Founder Rachel Kane says: “We all know someone who has been affected directly or indirectly by cancer, so it is a cause close to everyone’s heart. Donate to be entered into the draw for an artisan hamper. Together, with every contribution – no matter how small – we can help cancer patients and their families.”
On Daffodil Day, there will be people selling daffodils and daffodil pins in towns and villages around the country. You can also donate at: donors.cancer.ie/page/daffodil-day
Scan the QR code to donate to the Wicklow Marketplace fundraiser.
Volunteers raising money for Daffodil Day.
If you’re looking for a holiday read, The Island Retreat by Cathy Kelly brings readers to sunny Corfu, where a disgraced TV therapist opens a retreat hoping to help six guests confront the secrets weighing on their lives. Over one intense week, past mistakes and hidden truths begin to surface among the group. Warm, emotional and full of Kelly’s trademark insight into relationships. Published by HarperCollins Publishers, €14.99.
The Island Retreat by Cathy Kelly.
Easter at Dublin Zoo promises plenty for families this spring, with seasonal trails, workshops and special activities alongside the chance to explore more than 400 animals across the zoo’s habitats in Phoenix Park. It is a lively time to visit this time of year, making it an easy day out for children and grown-ups alike. Full details are under wraps for now, one thing’s for sure: there will be plenty happening throughout the zoo. Think egg-citing competitions, pop-up entertainment, playful surprises and plenty of opportunities for little adventurers to get involved. Tickets start from €22.50. See dublinzoo.ie
A keeper feeds a red panda. Over Easter there will be talks and feeding times, where you can hear animal stories straight from the experts.
Spring is a magical time at Birr Castle Demesne, where magnolias, camellias and cherry blossoms transform the gardens into a sea of colour. Often listed among Ireland’s most beautiful places, the demesne draws ‘bloom chasers’ each year hoping to catch its spectacular seasonal displays, from early snowdrops to wildflower meadows later in the summer. Set across 120ac in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, there is plenty to wander and discover. See birrcastle.com
Wisteria around the hidden pergola at Birr Castle Demesne. \Tina Claffey
Longford shows great A.B.I.L.I.T.Y
Longford County Council had reason to celebrate at the LAMA All-Ireland Community & Council Awards, taking home two honours on the night. The council won Best Inclusive Community Wellbeing Initiative for its A.B.I.L.I.T.Y coaching programme, which supports adults with additional needs to gain sports coaching qualifications. It also shared the National Impact Award with neighbouring midlands councils for a STEM education initiative reaching thousands of students across the region.
Seanie Morris, STEM engagement officer, Laois County Council; Siobhan Grealy, STEM engagement officer and Christine Collins, digital/broadband officer, Longford County Council; Antoinette Brennan, digital/broadband officer, Laois County Council; Kelley Keogh, STEM engagement officer, Westmeath County Council; Ray Bell, digital/broadband officer and Dean Hodge, STEM engagement officer, Offaly County Council celebrating the National Impact Award – Midlands Ireland.
Kudos to Katherine by Brid Ewing, Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal
On Country Living’s popular back page,
Katherine O’Leary holds centre stage.
Her column guaranteed to be top class,
A variety of topics from this talented lass.
She endears herself to thousands of us nationwide,
With her engaging stories from far and wide.
She writes of her hopes, triumphs and fears,
Confiding in her readers for over 20 years.
She shares her passion for farming, rearing her calves,
Her love of teaching, where she did nothing by halves.
She’s written heartfelt eulogies for friends she’s lost,
With tenderness and love, counting the cost.
She writes with such empathy and compassion,
She also loves her days out,
enjoying friendship, fun and fashion!
But in her columns what shines most clear,
Is her abiding love for her family so dear.
They’re familiar to us now – we know them all,
Recently, her adored grandchildren feature in her roll-call.
And her rock and soulmate,
her dearest Tim,
Always supportive in the background, she’s still mad about him!
Her articles have a positive and uplifting tone,
Even in the darkest hours,she refuses to moan.
She has faced her illness with dignity and grace,
Little sign of her suffering on her youthful face.
Down-to-earth and practical, with a loving heart,
She has no time for self-pity, she plays her part.
“Let life go on” is her clarion call,
Never more courageous than when her back is to the wall.
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