Hello there and welcome to my April newsletter from Ireland!  After a very busy March I’m glad that the evenings are beginning to really stretch, and Spring is in full swing here in Ireland.

We have had a 4-day weekend, and I must say I enjoyed the break as did the team in our workshop.

In the fields the early crops are well underway, and the birds are busy nest building. It is lovely to see the seasons coming around again.

But the weather in April can be treacherous – those famous April showers can bring an unexpected drenching if you get caught out on a day that starts out warm and cloudless so pack your wellingtons and umbrellas just in case!

My folklore sources tell me that It is in April that the cuckoo, corncrake, and swallow arrive, and it is the custom when one first hears the cuckoo or corncrake, or sees a swallow, to say “May we all be alive and in God’s grace next year. Amen,” or literally “May we all be alive this time again. Amen.” If one hears the cuckoo from behind, and in the right ear, and finds some hairs (at the same time) under his right foot, such a one will be lucky for that year. If the cuckoo is first heard in the left ear, it is an unlucky sign. Should the sowing of oats be deferred from any cause until the coming of the cuckoo, such sowing is invariably known as “cuckoo oats,” and is thus designated to mark the laziness of that particular farmer.

Finally, while I’m out walking, I can see that the last of the daffodils are still in bloom , but you can see them fading away now that April is upon us and I’m reminded of the words written by the English poet, Robert Herrick :

Fair Daffodils, we weep to see You haste away so soon; As yet the early-rising sun Has not attain’d his noon. Stay, stay, Until the hasting day Has run But to the even-song; And, having pray’d together, we will go with you along.

Finally, keep an eye on our website as we have a 15% Sale! We also have some gorgeous new pieces so get them while they are on offer over on my website at www.connemaramarble.com

Sláinte,

Stephen.

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