Hello and welcome to this week’s Spring Special issue of Ireland’s Own.

We are deligthed to feature one of Ireland’s greatest songwriters, Brendan Graham, on the 25th anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids conquering Europe in the Eurovision Song Contest. Read Brendan’s very interesting life story and how he went on to write the world-famous You Raise Me Up.

In ‘The Man Who Bought the Wrong London Bridge’, Jim Rees recalls American multi-millionaire, Robert P. McCulloch, who made a serious error when purchasing one of England’s most famous bridges

May Tennant, the campaigning social reformer was born 150 years ago, writes Paul Craven, while Ibar Quirke takes a look at old Easter traditions in Ireland.

In ‘A Murder Solved By A Dream’, Allen Foster relays a curious tale from County Waterford. P.T. Barnum – was he a mighty huckster or genuine genius? Liam Nolan takes a look at the real-life story of the man featured in the film, The Greatest Showman.

The Shroud of Turin – Is the famous piece of cloth associated with Jesus Christ the real deal, asks Tony Galcius. In her new Country & Irish Diary, June McDonnell begins a monthly round-up of all the news on the Country & Irish Music scene.

Jim Rees recalls the tragic loss of over 300 lives off the Wexford coast in 1859 when the Pomona ship sank. Emily McManus, the War Nurse who Loved Mayo is remembered by Fran Brady.

Katie Kennedy’s Corner returns, the old lady with the ghost stories is back with chilling tales from the past. We have all this for you to enjoy alongside memories, short stories, jokes, puzzles, songs, a 200 euro word search, and a €100 crossword.

Enjoy the read and have a pleasant and peaceful Easter, wherever you are celebrating it.                                                                                                 

                                                                                                         Best wishes,

Seán Nolan, Editor, Ireland’s Own