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

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‘The sight of those bright yellow ESB vans pulling into the drive was wonderful'
Deirdre Verney
After storm Éowyn, communities came together, neighbours helped neighbours and the ESB came to our rescue.
‘The sight of those bright yellow ESB vans pulling into the drive was wonderful'
Dear Miriam: my son is not pulling his weight at home with his young family
5 February 2025 Ask Miriam
Dear Miriam: my son is not pulling his weight at home with his young family
This week an annoyed reader asks for advice on her son not pulling his weight in his new family.
Building a home in rural Ireland
5 February 2025 Editorial
Building a home in rural Ireland
Road frontage is no longer the sexy term it was once was - with planning permission so hard to get.
Storm Éowyn reminds us how vulnerable farmers are to extreme weather events
We must future-proof our farm houses and farm buildings to be able to withstand the force of storms, writes Katherine O'Leary.
29 January 2025 Katherine O'Leary
If there was a blackout for a week in Dublin, would the response be different?
It’s expected that over 100,000 homes will still be without power this weekend, is enough being done around the country? writes Ciara Leahy.
29 January 2025 Editorial
Dear Miriam: My father is caught in a rut since his retirement – how can we help
This week Miriam responds to a reader worried about their father's lack of social interaction.
29 January 2025 Ask Miriam
'Love is finding happiness in the simplest moments'
Every day is an opportunity to show someone you love them with simple and caring gestures, writes Margaret Leahy.
29 January 2025 l2
Dear Miriam: am I selfish by wanting my daughter to keep in touch more?
Is it too much to ask for my daughter to stay in touch from sunny down under?
22 January 2025 Ask Miriam
Editorial: “you still have to pay the car park fee"
You visit a hospital and receive a diagnosis; you still have to pay the car park fee, writes Ciara Leahy.
22 January 2025 Editorial
Kate Durrant: ‘we are bonded by the unconditional love we call friendship'
Friendship is born at the moment when one man says to another - What! You too? writes Kate Durrant.
22 January 2025 l2
‘It’s back to basics, washing hands often, and wearing a mask'
A trip to Dinos Alive in Dublin falls foul of norovirus and in any case the display failed to impress us adults. It is suitable only for young children, writes Katherine O'Leary.
22 January 2025 Katherine O'Leary
'Lovely things happen when families make an effort to come together'
A family get-together proves memorable in the local pub while farmers welcome the thaw after a week of hardship, writes Katherine O'Leary.
15 January 2025 Katherine O'Leary