For one reason or another I find that these days I’m visiting Waterford more than any other county in the country. Last week I had the great pleasure of touring the gardens at Lismore Castle and even though shrubs and perennials were just coming into life, I could easily see how amazing the place will be in high summer.

On the way I dropped into Barron’s Bakery in Cappoquin with the intention of grabbing a cup of tea on the go and bringing home a treat. However, I couldn’t resist the lemon meringue pie which was absolutely delicious. I’m partial to tea brack and I have no problem in saying that Barron’s is the best I’ve ever eaten. It’s not a big brack, so having a slice doesn’t fill you with guilt. But the problem is whether you can stop at one slice. I couldn’t. This brack is moist and sweet and full of luscious fruit; it’s just gorgeous. I will certainly be back for more.

While in Lismore I drove a few miles out the road to see how building was progressing at Glencairn Abbey. This is home to Ireland’s only community of monastic women belonging to the Cistercian Order. It’s a vibrant, growing community that is backing itself for the future with a major renovation project for the Abbey, its accommodation and guest facilities.

Every time I call I find great peace in the chapel and if I’m lucky enough to be there during a time when the Divine Office is being said and sung, it really is quite special. Visitors are always welcome and I can vouch for the quality of the excellent cherry cake on offer. One of the new initiatives at the Abbey is the introduction of a miscanthus burner to heat the place and it appears to be working a treat. You can find out more at www.glencairnabbey.org.

On Sunday, the sun shone and huge crowds turned up in Castlemahon, Co Limerick, to support the Joanne McMahon walk, run and cycle. You may remember me telling you about Joanne, who was badly burned following an accident when lighting a barbeque at a family celebration. To say Joanne has had it tough for the past two years would be an understatement, but she has faced every day with hope and determination. Joanne spent 131 days in the burns unit of St James’s Hospital. She still attends weekly and has a long road of treatment ahead of her.

As a way of saying thanks to the burns unit, Joanne, her husband Mike and their families, along with huge support from neighbours and friends, organised 131 days of thanksgiving fundraising. This culminated on Sunday when 2,380 people walked, ran and cycled to support the cause.

Liam Woulfe is chair of the committee and he told me they were astonished with the turnout. “It was a great day, a day that showed community spirit at its very best.”

Handover of 100% of the proceeds from all the big and small events that took place over the past 131 days takes place on 10 June. The money will go to purchase/part-purchase specific advanced equipment to help future patients of the burns unit. If you want to support Joanne, just call Liam on 087-2410606. Really well done to everyone involved.