This article appeared in The Mayo News on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

On this day, the 2,547^th of January 2024, as hailstones rattle off the roof and darkness reigns until at least 11am, we have all surely had our fill of dark mornings, inclement weather and the general drudgery of January. But hope is on the horizon. The snowdrops are poking their heads, spring is around the corner, and – joy of joys! – the respite of a bank holiday weekend awaits.

St Brigid, I always said you were the soundest.