Remember, remember it’s time for Movember

Launching its annual nationwide campaign, Movember is calling on people across the country to get involved and raise vital funds for men’s health initiatives. This Movember, supporters are being encouraged to take part by growing a moustache, moving 60km over the month, hosting an event, or taking on a personal challenge. Speaking at the launch, Movember’s country manager Sarah Ouellette, said: “Every man is a son, brother, friend, colleague or partner and it is important that we all recognise this and strive to create a society and health system that is gender responsive and empowers men to reach out and seek help earlier. Earlier supports and treatments lead to more positive outcomes. See ie.movember.com.

Former Munster rugby player Simon Zebo, author and pundit Richie Sadlier, broadcaster Darren Kennedy and former Mayo GAA footballer Padraig O’Hora who are part of this year’s line-up of Movember ambassadors. \Movember

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The ‘Ol Christmas market

The spirit of local enterprise is shining bright once again as Karen Allison from CraftyCraic Candles, a local candlemaker from the Glen of Imaal, and Rachel Kane from Wicklow Marketplace, team up with Eamonn and Marie of Horan’s Bar and Restaurant in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow to co-host the Christmas Artisan Market at The ‘Ol Long Shed. Now it’s it fourth year, the much-loved market will showcase the best of local independently run businesses. So look for something a little closer to home this Christmas and invest in your local economy. The event takes place on Saturday 15 November from 12pm-5pm. Follow @wicklowmarketplace.ie on Instagram for updates and sneak peeks from the makers.

Christmas Artisan Market at The ‘Ol Long Shed in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow.

Beyond the forecast

Subject of endless conversations, the saviour of small talk, and famously unreliable, the Irish have a love/hate relationship with the weather. They Say It Might Rain – by Evelyn Cusack and Séamus Walsh offers a fascinating insight into Ireland’s weather. It covers everything from the science of forecasting to the folklore surrounding our famously unpredictable skies.

Drawing on decades of experience at Met Éireann, the pair blend expert knowledge with warmth, humour and affection for Ireland’s climate. Published by Gill Books, They Say It Might Rain is available in bookshops nationwide, €24.99.

Meterologists Evelyn and Séamus talking with Irish Farmers Journal, deputy editor, Adam Woods about their book at the Women & Agriculture conference. \Claire Nash

Fire in the autumn belly

If you’re heading to the capital for a day of shopping, it can be hard to know where to stop off for a bite to eat, given the selection. The Ivy on Dawson Street has a great atmosphere and is celebrating autumn with a menu full of warmth and comfort. Think creamy Cashel and walnut soufflé, fragrant Keralan sweet potato curry or a comforting shepherd’s pie. From cosy midweek dinners to special weekend gatherings, every dish is designed to feel like a treat. Head Chef Nicu Moisa calls it “comfort and indulgence for every occasion. The Taste of Autumn set menu is €55 for three courses, including a glass of The Ivy guest champagne. Yum!

The Ivy's new autumn menu designed to warm, comfort and delight. Runs until 11 November.

Health check success

The IFA Free Health Checks programme for 2025 has concluded its successful run. From marts to the Ploughing and Irish Country Living’s Women & Agriculture conference, over 2,000 health checks have taken place in rural and farming locations in recent months. The health checks took place in 30 locations run in partnership with CROÍ and support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Speaking about the nationwide rollout of health checks, IFA president Francie Gorman said, “The most valuable asset on any farm is the farmer, so anything that reinforces the importance of minding their health is essential.”

Routine health check can help to save lives. \iStock

Circus magic

The National Circus Festival of Ireland is celebrating 25 years of circus magic this week. A four-day convention full of intensives and adult workshops is taking place in Munster Technological University, Kerry Sports Academy, from 6-9 November.The circus convention is packed with skill, spectacle, and community. Some of the events include a film night with Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus on opening night; and there will street shows, parades and fireworks on Friday on Denny Street. This will feature new work by spectacle inventor and sculptor Hannes Jung.Day tickets start from €30. See circusfestival.ie.

Aerial Hoop Masterclass with Jenny Tufts.

Poetry Corner

The Cards We’re Dealt by Margaret Galvin, Co Wexford

Sunday afternoons,

Dinny Burke’s deck of cards kept in an old tin

smelling of tea leaves and soot.

‘Watch that lad’, he’d say of the Joker,

sprightly in his harlequin costume and Jester’s hat,

a no-good sort,

trick-acting, fast-talking, deceptive.

‘Four suits’, he’d say,

intriguing me with symbols

clubs, hearts, diamonds, spades, a fan of mystery

splayed on his kitchen table.

We consorted with Kings, Queens and Knaves,

longed for Aces,

their black opulence.

He’d shuffle and cut,

explain again and again

the rules of simple play: Old Maid, Begger me Neighbour, Snap,

ham up the atmospherics, tension and excitement,

my lust for picture cards,

my fear of the Old Maid, lone and unmatched.

When he went to make a cup of tea, I’d try my hand

at building a House of Cards,

He’d admire my earnest patience but warn

against the frailty of my paper pyramid,

Advising always on the merits of a solid foundation.