Latest news with #MaryByrne
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford school revive old May Bush tradition at special community event
An old village tradition was revived at the school on the afternoon of May 2, as the school held a May Bush ceremony to mark the start of the summer. In accordance with the tradition, the first decorations were put up on May 1 (May Day), but the school held the ceremony the following day to coincide with Kilanerin National School's garden club and the mid-term break. More than 50 people turned up to celebrate including schoolchildren, the school band, local residents and people from across Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin and overseas. Niamh Clarke of Kilanerin Tidy Towns was one of the leaders of the event alongside the school's garden club volunteers and Principal Mary Byrne. Kilanerin Tidy Towns thanked the students for their involvement and for helping decorate and playing music. They also gave a special mention to their 'May King' and 'May Queen' as well as Maureen Bushe, who remembers a May Bush Féile from her youth in Ballyfuff around 90 years ago.
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Waterford farming family celebrate Tirlán award of Milk Supplier of the Year
Tirlán, a farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, celebrated excellence, innovation, and commitment among its family farm milk suppliers at its Dairy and Sustainability Awards. John and Mary Byrne from Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, County Waterford were presented with the Milk Supplier of the Year award. John is the fifth generation of his family to farm there and says the family farm is very special to him. 'We put huge emphasis on animal health, whether it be the calves or the cows. We try to keep their nutrition right at all times,' said John. 'Grass is number one and we try to get as much quality grass into them as we can. If we don't look after this country and this earth, nobody else is going to. We have to keep things right on farm. The vast majority of farmers are doing that and doing it very well.' A total of sixteen awards were presented across a variety of categories at the awards, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and innovation. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Byrne family from near Dungarvan in Waterford as Tirlán Milk Supplier of the Year. John Murphy, chairperson of Tirlán, congratulated all recipients, saying: 'These awards are a celebration of the passion, care and innovation that our family farm suppliers bring to their work every day. 'It all starts on the family farm and it's about so much more than milk. It's about the family farm business. It's about values, progress and pride in doing the right thing. 'The quality of Irish milk and of our Irish family farm model based on grass-fed is our unique selling point around the globe. It's something we're very proud of and it is winning us new markets and new customers every day.' Seán Molloy, CEO of Tirlán, added: 'We are incredibly proud of our suppliers and their commitment to quality and sustainability. They are the reason our products are trusted across Ireland and around the world. 'Working with our suppliers, we continue focus on innovation, enhancing biodiversity, protecting our waterways, embracing new technology and new ways of working to reduce carbon. Our strong focus on farming with nature and animal welfare ensures we are building a better, more resilient future for Irish dairy.' Tirlán family farm suppliers have a long heritage of delivering quality milk from well-managed, grass-fed herds for consumers to enjoy through many award-winning products, including the number one dairy brand, Avonmore. Suppliers have also been adopters of new technologies and continue to further enhance sustainability on their farms through a focus on reducing on-farm emissions and allowing space for nature. Over 99pc of Tirlán milk suppliers are signed up to the cooperative's Sustainability Action Payments initiative.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
X-Factor star Mary Byrne: 'I started taking CBD oil and it changed my life'
X-Factor star Mary Byrne has revealed her incredible health transformation journey after admitting she was plagued by "aches and pains" six years ago. The talented singer has spoken candidly about the realisation that it's never too late to get a grip on your health and well-being. Mary has also opened up about how the use of CBD oil has dramatically improved her sleep quality and helped her deal with anxiety, reports RSVP Live. In the past, Mary says she used to struggle to sleep and would wake up every two hours, but things have taken a turn for the better. Speaking to RSVP Magazine, she said: "I get around eight hours. I started using CBD oil from the brand Focus. It's all natural and produced in Ireland. When I take it, I sleep very well. Beforehand, I would get two hours of sleep and be up during the night, going downstairs to make a cup of tea. I've been taking it for over a year. "It really calmed my mind and helped me sleep. I take it an hour before bed, but I also take it in the morning. It keeps my anxiety levels low. It works for me, but I don't know if it would work for everyone." "When I take the oil, I find it makes a huge difference in my way of thinking," Mary added. "I went back to being me and being able to focus. When a problem comes up, I know I can work on it and solve it. Whereas beforehand, I would have panicked. I focus better with the oil. I also take anti-depressants. They work for me." Mary also expressed her happiness about the growing public discourse regarding the use of anti-depressants today. "Because when I first took an anti-depressant I had just started the change-of-life and was going through the menopause," she explained. "I've been on them since. I'm 65 now and I can't come off them. There's nothing I can do about that now, I just have to get on with it. I'm glad people are opening up about it because now you can look into your life and what reasons could be causing it." Mary is a fan of supplements, believing they lend a hand with her arthritis and keeping her calm. She said: "I take a multivitamin through the winter. I also take evening primrose, which I find fabulous. It keeps me relaxed. I also take turmeric. I have arthritis, so I take it. I don't know if it does any good, but I take it every day. I also have an amazing daughter who cooks for me. I eat a lot of greens and fruit." "I joined my local gym for €20. If it's a very bad day out and I can take my tablets to get rid of the pain, I go on the treadmill. I'll do 30 minutes. Then I'll go into the swimming pool. I try to do that two or three times a week," Mary added. Looking back on how her health mindset has transformed, Mary reflected: "When I was young, I was living my life and I thought it was the best thing ever. "I didn't think about dying. I thought I was indestructible. If I could go back to then, I would tell myself that you don't have to stop living life to be healthy. I used to play tennis and football, but then I'd go off with my mates and have a fabulous weekend. "I would tell myself to be healthy during the week, don't eat rubbish and have fun at the weekends. My health hit me six years ago. I started to get aches and pains. I realised I should have been looking after myself a lot earlier, but I'm trying now."
