Opinion and debate from Irish Country Living

Women & Agriculture: why hearing women’s stories matters most

Ahead of the 17th Women & Agriculture conference, Katherine O'Leary reflects on the event’s evolution and the value of connecting with women navigating farm and family life.

KATHERINE O'LEARY 21 October 2026

Women & Agriculture: why hearing women’s stories matters most

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Dear Miriam: 'I want to leave my abusive husband but fear for my son'

Dear Miriam: 'I want to leave my abusive husband but fear for my son'

ASK MIRIAM 21 October 2026

Editorial: 'women farmers are innovators and agents of change' - Mary Robinson

Editorial: 'women farmers are innovators and agents of change' - Mary Robinson

EDITORIAL 21 October 2026

Editorial: the art of creating a Women & Agriculture conference agenda 2026

Editorial: the art of creating a Women & Agriculture conference agenda 2026

Editorial: the art of creating a Women & Agriculture conference agenda 2026

EDITORIAL 14 October 2026

FBD National Dairy Show: the future of farming depends on the next generation

FBD National Dairy Show: the future of farming depends on the next generation

FBD National Dairy Show: the future of farming depends on the next generation

KATHERINE O'LEARY 14 October 2026

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Dear Miriam: ‘how do I respond to adult daughter’s revelation of sexual abuse?’

Dear Miriam: ‘how do I respond to adult daughter’s revelation of sexual abuse?’

A reader seeks advice from Miriam as to how she should handle a recent revelation by her adult daughter that she suffered a sexual assault by her cousin when she was a young child.

ASK MIRIAM 14 October 2026

‘When we talk about dementia, the person must remain at the heart of the story'

‘When we talk about dementia, the person must remain at the heart of the story'

After a decade supporting her partner PJ through young-onset dementia, Kate Durrant reflects on language, dignity and the importance of putting the person before the diagnosis.

BLOG 14 October 2026

No superpowers needed: five habits for a healthier life

No superpowers needed: five habits for a healthier life

From meal planning to better routines, five tips that prove you don't need Thor's hammer to build healthier habits.

BLOG 14 October 2026

Dear Miriam: ‘my daughter feels low and left behind now her friends are in uni’

Dear Miriam: ‘my daughter feels low and left behind now her friends are in uni’

A reader seeks Miriam's advice on how to support her daughter who has refused to take up an apprenticeship and is feeling low since her friend group moved away to university.

ASK MIRIAM 7 October 2026

Editorial: remembering Corinna Hardgrave and celebrating Irish food producers

Editorial: remembering Corinna Hardgrave and celebrating Irish food producers

As Irish producers celebrate success at Blas na hÉireann, we remember Corinna Hardgrave, a gifted food writer whose reporting, reviews and voice enriched Irish food journalism.

EDITORIAL 7 October 2026

'Once a lifeline for the lovesick and homesick, phone boxes still connect us'

'Once a lifeline for the lovesick and homesick, phone boxes still connect us'

From little libraries to defibrillator hubs, Ireland's old phone boxes are finding new ways to serve their communities, writes Kate Durrant.

BLOG 7 October 2026

‘The heat and drought took its toll on the heifers; fertility had suffered'

‘The heat and drought took its toll on the heifers; fertility had suffered'

While grass growth has recovered, fertility results in this year's heifers point to the hidden costs of a prolonged summer drought, writes Katherine O'Leary.

KATHERINE O'LEARY 7 October 2026

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Why protein and grass-fed create a positive outlook for Irish dairy

Bord Bia Head of Dairy David Kennedy spoke to Julian Mellentin, New Nutrition business founder, to explore the trends influencing dairy and what they could mean for Ireland’s grass-fed dairy sector.

Why protein and grass-fed create a positive outlook for Irish dairy

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