Hello and welcome to this week’s issue of Ireland’s Own. We are delighted to launch our Writing Competition for 2018 this week. Every year our writing competition grows in popularity, and every year our judges are blown away by the high level of writing talent among our readers. If you have a story in mind, get writing over the summer months, the closing date is not until the end of September.

Our cover story this week features Jimmy Buckley, currently one of the most popular Country and Irish stars in the country. Jimmy tells Kay Doyle about his rollercoaster ride to the top.

The Treaty Port of Cobh was handed back to the Irish Free State eighty years ago, writes Billy O’Riordan, while Jim Rees tells us that Nelson Mandela was born 100 years ago, and explains how he received the Freedom of Dublin 30 years ago this month.

Paul Craven takes a look at the Irish flying ‘Ace’, George McElroy who had 47 ‘kills’ to his name during World War One. Much maligned for taking his place on a rescue boat while hundreds more perished on the Titanic, White Star Line chairman, J. Bruce Ismay, found shelter from the ensuing criticism in Co. Galway, writes Michael Dwyer.

Carl Marstrander, Viking of the Blaskets is portrayed by Oliver O’Hanlon, while Thomas Myler tells the rags-to-riches-to-rags story of boxer Tom Molineaux who ended his days penniless in Galway.

Noel Coogan looks back on the career of cyclist Shay Elliott who was the first Irishman to Wear Tour de France Yellow Jersey. Seán Hall concludes his look at the Seven Modern Wonders of the World by exploring the ancient city of Petra.

We have all this for you to enjoy alongside your monthly favourites including Miss Flanagan, Cassidy Says, GAA County Ground Names, American Irish gangsters, Stories Behind the Songs, health advice, Eddie Ryan’s monthly sports column, jokes, pen pals, competitions, puzzles and much much more. Enjoy the read and I will look forward to talking to you all again next week.

                                                                                                               Best wishes,

Seán Nolan, Editor, Ireland’s Own