☔️ Weather Update: Rain Returns to Ireland

After a brief spell of sunshine, Ireland is bracing for a return to typical May weather. Met Éireann forecasts indicate that rain will spread across the country over the next two days, with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 16°C.

🗞️ Irish News Highlights

📬 Post Offices at Risk

Hundreds of Irish post offices face potential closure due to funding strains. The Irish Postmasters' Union is urging the government for an annual investment of €15 million over five years to sustain the network, emphasizing its critical role in rural communities.

🏏 Paul Stirling's Cricket Milestone

Paul Stirling has become the first Irish batter to surpass 10,000 international runs, achieving this during Ireland's 124-run victory over the West Indies in the first ODI held in Dublin.

📜 On This Day in Irish History – May 22

1998 – Good Friday Agreement Approved

On May 22, 1998, Irish voters overwhelmingly approved the Good Friday Agreement, marking a significant step towards peace in Northern Ireland.

1805 – Birth of Michael Doheny

Michael Doheny, a Young Irelander and co-founder of the Fenian Brotherhood, was born in Fethard, Co. Tipperary. He played a pivotal role in Irish nationalist movements both at home and in the United States.

📖 Irish Poem of the Week

The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W.B. Yeats

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:

Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,

And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,

Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;

There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,

And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day

I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;

While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,

I hear it in the deep heart's core.

This poem captures Yeats's yearning for peace and a return to nature, reflecting the tranquil beauty of Ireland's landscapes.

☘️ Irish Language Tips: Talking About the Weather

Embrace the rain with these Irish phrases:

• Tá sé ag cur báistí. – It's raining.
• Tá sé scamallach. – It's cloudy.
• Tá sé fliuch báite. – I'm soaked.
• Lá bog. – A soft day (light rain).
• Tá an ghrian ag scoilteadh na gcloch. – The sun is splitting the stones (very sunny).

😂 Irish Joke of the Week

Next Of Kin

A man was brought to Mercy Hospital, and taken quickly in for coronary surgery. The operation went well and, as the groggy man regained consciousness, he was reassured by a Sister of Mercy, who was waiting by his bed. "Mr. O'Toole, you're going to be just fine," said the nun, gently patting his hand. "We do need to know, however, how you intend to pay for your stay here. Are you covered by insurance?" "No, sorry, I don't have any insurance," the man whispered hoarsely. "Can you pay in cash?" asked the nun. "I'm afraid I cannot, Sister." "Well, do you have any close relatives?" the nun persisted. "Just my sister in America" he volunteered. "But she's a humble spinster nun." "Oh, I must correct you, Mr. O'Toole. Nuns are not 'spinsters;' they are married to God." "Wonderful," said O'Toole. "In that case, please send the bill to my brother-in-law."

Q: Why did the Irishman bring a ladder to the pub?

A: Because he heard the drinks were on the house!

🧠 Weekly Irish Quiz

Test your Irish wits with this wee quiz:

What significant event did Irish voters approve on May 22, 1998?

a) Joining the EU

b) Good Friday Agreement

c) Repeal of the 8th Amendment

d) Introduction of the Euro

Who recently became the first Irish batter to score over 10,000 international runs?

a) Kevin O'Brien

b) Paul Stirling

c) Niall O'Brien

d) William Porterfield

What new grant was introduced in Ireland's Budget 2025 for parents?

a) Childcare Support Grant

b) New Baby Grant

c) Parental Leave Bonus

d) Family Tax Credit

Which historical figure was born on May 22, 1805, and later co-founded the Fenian Brotherhood?

a) Daniel O'Connell

b) Michael Doheny

c) Thomas Davis

d) John Mitche

What is the traditional Irish symbol often associated with good luck?

a) Harp

b) Shamrock

c) Claddagh Ring

d) Celtic Cross

Answers:

b) Good Friday Agreement

b) Paul Stirling

b) New Baby Grant

b) Michael Doheny

b) Shamrock

Thanks a million for reading this week’s dose! 💚

If it gave you a smile, a fact to share, or a new phrase to shout down the pub—job done.

Until next week…

Slán go fóill,

Stephen from Irish Around The World

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