Rural rhymes

Pig-slayer

Named after an Angel

Michael has blue twinkling eyes under bushy brows

owns a broad bladed knife, he carries

in a thong tied leather scabbard.

His long boned freckled hands hold

his stained brown hat

beige mackintosh (coat) flaps

around his tall frame when he limps.

Favours an up-ended barn door

as abattoir bench

shackled animal, tied by ropes

screams to the wind.

Meticulous rasping as steel kisses stone

blood curdling screeches echo back

morning has ended,

the butcher spits into the ditch

he regrets not marrying.

– By Margaret Kiernan

Money Mentor tip

The benefit of registering children as legitimate employees on the farm

A child can earn up to €8,250 without incurring tax. A sole trader farmer can pay wages to children (over the age of 15) through the Pay As Your Earn (PAYE) system; resulting in saving quite a sum of tax. Under labour law, it must be light work and no longer than 35 hours per week outside school term time (and revenue will require proof of payment).

Tweet of the Week

Instagram Inspiration

Pink marmalade, yes you heard us right. https://www.instagram.com/wexford_preserves/ are turning pink to raise funds for the @mariekeatingfoundation – which works tirelessly to help in cancer prevention, awareness and support.

Our Instagram pick of the week says: “For every jar of Wexford Home Preserves Sicilian Pink Grapefruit Marmalade sold, Wexford Home Preserves will donate 50 cent to the Marie Keating Foundation. Available in good food shops and online www.wexfordpreserves.ie”

So by buying pink, you’re supporting Irish and making a charity donation at the same time.

Photo of the Week

A host of golden daffodils: Aoife Gallagher, nine, from Co Galway, who painted some lovely spring daffodils.

Number of the Week

70%

Currently, approximately 70% of all organic fruit and vegetables are imported from other countries like Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Chile. Conventional fruit and vegetable imports are high, as well, at around 54%, so you can understand why many consumers choose to look for local over organic foods.

Quote of the Week

From Arthur O’Meara.

We have a hang up in Ireland about not putting trees near the house. We are terrified that they will knock the house, or that they are poisonous. But children don’t eat trees nowadays and they will find a lot more poison under the kitchen sink