It’s true what they say, when the sun shines, there is nowhere better than Ireland. I was on the road last week, passing through 10 counties and what really struck me was how beautiful the green fields looked, with one spectacle capturing my attention, the hawthorn tree. With its large trunk and elaborate canopy decorated in the most vibrant white flowers, it heralded the start of summer.

I can’t remember a time when I witnessed so many of these trees in their beautiful blossom. It’s like they all burst into flower in unity and I found it quite mesmerising, remembering stories of childhood about the magic and summer surge of energy that arrives with its bloom.

So whether it was the sun on my back, or the energy of the hawthorn, it made me determined to dive into summer with my first sea swim of the year, and it was as refreshing, revitalising and enjoyable as I hoped. We had a family celebration last weekend, and so we made our way to Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Rosslare. Sitting in the beautiful gardens, soaking up the sun, with the gentle sounds of the sea interspersed with families laughing as they competitively battled it out in a game of crazy golf, well it doesn’t get better.

It’s like they all burst into flower in unity and I found it quite mesmerising, remembering stories of childhood about the magic and summer surge of energy that arrives with its bloom.

What struck me, is whether you’re one-year-old or 80, every generation and member of the family was catered for. Between kids’ clubs, dining experiences that ranged from relaxed to celebratory and nightly entertainment, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It’s a difficult thing for one place to achieve but it comes together seamlessly. I also had a lovely chat with two ladies who are weekly readers and dedicated attendees to our Women & Agriculture conference, which topped off the weekend.

Competition time

We have two fantastic competitions in this week’s edition. First up, we have extended the deadline for Rising Rural Stars until next Monday, 26 May. You’ll find the full details on page 15. We’re looking to celebrate our youngest readers in our summer edition of IFJ Junior – and there’s a prize fund of €2,000.

Young people are talented in many different areas so we’re casting the net wide. We’re looking for young farmers that show great passion and potential in the areas of dairy, beef, sheep, poultry, equine, tillage or farm safety. Perhaps you know a young sports star, a talented musician or a mini-chef who already has the wow factor. All you need to do is fill out our form online and send us a video or short written entry about why this young person should be celebrated.

Bloom is just around the corner and we’re looking forward to exploring the stunning gardens. We have 15 pairs of tickets up for the grabs and five of these pairs are a very special treat as the winners will get the chance to enjoy a three-course meal, as part of the new dining addition to Bloom this year. ‘A Taste of Bloom, curated by Neven’ is a menu developed by our resident chef Neven Maguire and he has described it in delicious detail on page 16. Full details are on page 5 so don’t miss the chance to enjoy Bloom.