‘I thought you were reading some book on mindfulness,” my husband said to me a few weeks ago. We were chilling on the couch and I was laughing at a piece in Dermot Whelan’s new book Busy and Wrecked about his father falling off a jet ski on a family holiday. Belly laughing might not be the image most people have of meditation and mindfulness but in the last few years, Dermot has been changing the dial on the subject, and it’s really resonated with people, especially men. With so many people feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and stressed, it’s so important for our mental and physical health that we take time to rest and relax.
‘I thought you were reading some book on mindfulness,” my husband said to me a few weeks ago. We were chilling on the couch and I was laughing at a piece in Dermot Whelan’s new book Busy and Wrecked about his father falling off a jet ski on a family holiday.
Belly laughing might not be the image most people have of meditation and mindfulness but in the last few years, Dermot has been changing the dial on the subject, and it’s really resonated with people, especially men. With so many people feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and stressed, it’s so important for our mental and physical health that we take time to rest and relax.
Health is a theme that runs through this week’s issue. You’ll feel inspired to put on your running shoes after reading Deirdre Verney’s piece about Collette O’Hagan running her 1,000th marathon, at the age of 75. But her message isn’t just about running, it’s about resilience and keeping going, even when the going is tough.
On page 14, you’ll find an interesting piece on Gabriel Faherty who runs Aran Island Goat’s Cheese. There are plenty of farmers and business owners who don’t feel they can step away from their busy operation.
But Gabriel had no choice after his doctor told him he had to have heart surgery. Afterwards, he couldn’t lift anything heavier than a kettle for six weeks, never mind a small goat. But by resting and recovering, he has come back to the business, stronger and healthier than before.
Of course, we all know how important good food is for our health, especially for young people.
The School Meals Scheme has been rolled out to 3,200 primary schools in the country – and warmly welcomed for providing a hot meal to many children in the middle of the school day. However, some parents have highlighted their concerns around the lack of nutritional information and ingredient sourcing available.
In April, the Government announced that a review of the nutritional standards would be completed by the end of the year, as detailed by Janine Kennedy. We’re interested in your feedback, so please fill out our questionnaire on page 15.
Speaking of schools, the kids might be just back after the Easter holidays but this last term of the school year always seems to fly by. It won’t be long until students are heading off on school tours and studying for their exams in sweltering heat.
We’ll be kicking off the summer holidays at the end of June with IFJ Junior, a 32-page paper that celebrates our younger readers. And in next week’s paper, we’re launching a competition to find those rising stars of rural Ireland. We’re asking moms, dads, grannies, granddads and teachers to get nominating.
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 that already has the wow factor. Or maybe you wish to nominate a young Gaeilgeoir, a science star, an environmental eco-hero, a budding entrepreneur or an enthusiastic volunteer.
There’s a prize fund of €2,000 and the winners will be celebrated on the pages of IFJ Junior.
The full details on how to enter will be in next week’s paper. In the meantime, get thinking about your entry.
SHARING OPTIONS