Our writers and bloggers comment on the latest news and life in rural Ireland.

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'Lovely things happen when families make an effort to come together'
Katherine O'Leary
A family get-together proves memorable in the local pub while farmers welcome the thaw after a week of hardship, writes Katherine O'Leary.
'Lovely things happen when families make an effort to come together'
Dear Miriam: Should I just stop making resolutions? I always feel like I fail?
15 January 2025 Ask Miriam
Dear Miriam: Should I just stop making resolutions? I always feel like I fail?
A lady in Meath seeks Miriam's advice on making resolutions.
Editorial: ‘If you’re caring for children at home, think about your pension'
15 January 2025 Editorial
Editorial: ‘If you’re caring for children at home, think about your pension'
With the recent announcement of monetary value of a stay-at-home parent being €57,140, it's important to get your PRSI PRSI contributions in order, writes Ciara Leahy.
Dear Miriam: how do I save my annual tradition after a family bust-up at dinner?
After a family argument threatens to disrupt the magic of Christmas Eve, a reader asks Miriam for advice on how to keep one beloved family tradition alive.
8 January 2025 Ask Miriam
'Keep the resolutions simple - I’m changing my mindset about treatment '
Katherine O'Leary plans to change her mindset about treatment, spurred on by a conversation with the lovely receptionist in the Bons Secours Hospital, Cork.
8 January 2025 Katherine O'Leary
Editorial: human kindness shined through in the snow
The stories of people helping each other in the cold would warm your heart, writes Ciara Leahy.
8 January 2025 Editorial
Dear Miriam: I don’t need house visits, how can I stop them from checking in?
A man who doesn't appreciate a local lady calling in to check on him every week asks Miriam for advice on how to end the arrangement.
1 January 2025 Ask Miriam
‘Wherever you are in your story, don’t give up, have a good cry and start again'
Wherever you are in your story - be it a cancer journey, a recent bereavement, a financial crisis - don't be set back by overwhelm. Have a good cry and start again.
1 January 2025 Katherine O'Leary
‘Let’s reclaim the simple act of calling each other for chats'
From texts to talks, why 2025 should be the year we reconnect in a variety of ways, writes Margaret Leahy.
1 January 2025 l2
Editorial: traditional Nollaig na mBan is still relevant today
Domestic duties may be more balanced but it's often still women thinking about the jobs.
1 January 2025 Editorial
Katherine O'Leary: ‘wonderful friends and neighbours are to be cherished'
Good neighbours and relations came to rescue during a terrifying flood ordeal for her daughter and grandson, writes Katherine O'Leary.
25 December 2024 Katherine O'Leary
Editorial: a Christmas miracle
'If you're longing for a baby this Christmas, I hope they will be in your arms next year'
25 December 2024 Editorial