Did you know that May 1^st is a cross quarter day? It falls half way between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It’s traditionally the first day of summer in Ireland though you’d never guess that if you looked out the window early this morning. In ancient times it was the beginning of the summer pastoral season when cattle were driven out to their summer pastures and mountain grazing.

 Bealtaine has been celebrated on this day in Ireland and Scotland for centuries. It was greeted with bonfires and rejoicing as the winter was over and the earth was coming alive again.

So what better day to begin Ireland’s modern Bealtaine festival, a national festival which celebrates creativity in older age. It runs 1st-31st May. As I approach 50 I am pleased to see Ireland encouraging established and new talent in the over 50 age group. There’s an amazing amount of talent out there so check out some of the events on during the coming month.

 I hope the slogan, ‘you’re not getting older, you’re getting better’ will be true of my work in years to come. And I’m sure it applies to the every writer, artist and performer who will participate in this year’s festival.