To say that I am thrilled about making the front cover of this week's Irish Country Living would certainly be an under-statement. For those outside of Ireland this is the paper within the Irish Farmer's Journal}. Growing up on a farm in rural Ireland the Irish Farmer's Journal was always an essential part of the weekly reading and an ever important referencing tool. As I grew older the weekly Irish Country Living became a great topic for conversions as my Mother and Father would always find something of interest to share with me, be it about food, education or real-life stories of other country folk. Not a week passed but their Irish Country Living {ICL} was put to one side and saved for me to read.
Over the past few years I have had a few mentions in the Journal. In 2010 I won a recipe competition and got the opportunity to cook with Neven Maguire at The Ploughing Championships. The following year I was a runner-up in their monthly calender photography competition. Any of these mentions were met with huge pride from my father. Then just a few weeks before Christmas last year I was contacted by Aisling Hussey, a journalist with the journal, who was on the search of Christmas memories, which would feature in the Irish Country Living's Christmas edition. Obviously through the blog and my own columns I have featured in a range of magazines and papers for the past few years, but the news that I was interviewed for ICL was met with great excitement by my father. Sadly it was not published until a fortnight after my Dad passing away but I was so happy that he knew all about it. With all these factors to mind you may understand how significant this week's feature is to me. When someone important has passed away that feeling that you want them be happy or proud by your actions or achievements still remains. As I popped into my local shop last Thursday morning and was met by my face on the front cover of the Irish Country Living I truly felt proud. I'm heart-broken that my parents aren't here to see it, but I know in my heart that many copies of the journal would have been bought this week and distributed by them with happiness and pride.
I'm so honoured to be featured in Irish Country Living and even more delirious about being on the front cover. I have to thank the team at ICL, especially Carol Dunne for taking such splendid photos and the very lovely Maria Moynihan for interviewing me and then writing such a beautiful heart-felt feature.
I'm off now to enjoy another sunny Saturday out and about with the children. Have a great weekend!
7 Comments:
Gorgeous pictures of you Nessa. Your post brought a little tear to my eye. Know exactly what you mean about still wanting to make people proud. Well done on a great article. x
Thanks so much Caitriona. I'm thrilled with the feature. I hope you & yours are keeping well :)
So happy for you, a little bittersweet your Mom & Dad couldn't share in your joy, but you must know they are watching. Continued success in your chosen field.
You are right - it is a little bitter-sweet, but I'm ever so thrilled about the feature. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Nessa, this post actually brought tears to my eyes. , I so happy for you and because as you mentioned your parents weren't here to share your accomplishment.
I'm sure if there's a way to get a copy of ICL in heaven they have a copy and are smiling down on you and your wonderful family!
I hope you had a lovely weekend! It's been hot a blazes in the Northeast in the USA!!! Temps have been anywhere from 90 to 100+ degrees F, that's about 37C plus!!!
Again, congratulations on your achievement!
Mary
Mary, thank you so much for you lovely comment. I always tell the children that Granddad & Granny are together now and are having a wonderful time catching-up!
We've been experiencing some pretty hot days in Ireland too, but not as extreme as your temps. The children are loving it! Have a great week. Nessa x
this is very good job keep it up nessa
Post a Comment