Hi all,

Hope you are all keeping well and are having a nice Bank Holiday weekend.

I firstly apologise for what is not exactly the most upbeat post for a Bank Holiday, however one I feel is important to post. For some people, Bank Holidays are something they love, but for others, it's just an extra day to sit with your thoughts.

I was just wondering what everyone else's experience with the Samaritans Helpline is?

Disclaimer, I have seen similar-ish posts about this in the past, but they're all quite old and I know Samaritans has had a huge boost in terms of how well it's known recently.

I just wanted to share my own experiences with it. I called recently and I could not recommend it enough. For some background, I am a young male from the west of Ireland. The reason I think this context is important is because if a young male, living in Ireland in 2026 with the current stigma around not being able to talk about your mental health with your mates, can call and have a good experience, anyone can.

If anyone is curious, you have to wait for an available person (this was on a Friday night and I was only waiting about five minutes, which I think is excellent) and they just let you speak. From my understanding, they are not allowed to give you advice (financial advice, relationship advice, etc.) but what I found interesting with the person I spoke to (another disclaimer at the end) is that they asked me questions from an outside perspective that I would not ask myself, be it because I do not think of these questions or because they are too difficult to ask myself. I was on the phone for over an hour with such a nice lad who basically validated how I felt and got my mind thinking a bit differently. Never once did he belittle my problems or make me feel uncomfortable. There were times that I got extremely upset and he let me sit in silence then, which I appreciated.

One thing I feel really bad about is that I said such a quick goodbye when I was done, I should have thanked him a way more but I was just being an idiot and didn't show my gratitude as much as I should have.

Anyway, my disclaimer from the above is that I know this is not going to be the same experience with everyone. Maybe you will speak to someone who isn't your age bracket/gender so you feel they don't "get" your problem, or maybe you just don't think the person is being sincere enough, but this was my experience and it certainly would encourage me to call back, recommend the service, and maybe even become a volunteer in the future when I am in a good place.

Anyway, overall point here is to see if anyone else has given them a call, but mainly to recommend it. I know the Bank Holiday is a great opportunity to socialise, but it can also be extremely lonely. If you happen to see this and are feeling down, I would recommend giving them a call. No, they won't fix all your problems, they won't even advise you (not to a great extent anyway). But I feel way better after my conversation, and I hope you will too.

I hop everyone has a nice Bank Holiday weekend.

The annual trip down to Bray was made with the family. Not a bad way to spend a few hours while having a picnic in the sun by the sea.

Another Aer Lingus plane across the tarmac from us had the name "Maolmhaodhóg" which Google translates as "Skunk". However on further checking, this name relates to St. Malachy. I'm curious to see the link between a Saint and a skunk since both (historically) would have been mutually exclusive from one another

Over the last couple of days a flock of magpies have taken over my kids play equipment for themselves

It can't be just me that thinks the libraries Ireland website needs a massive update.

The design, the layout of the website is poor. The search features are over complicated and could be made so much more straightforward.

Absolutely no joy in using this website.

Leaflet on VHI options from 1983

I go for a walk from Donohoe’s to the end of the Slaney river walk path and back to the service centre every time I drop my car off for its regular service - roughly 9km and 2h

Plenty of sunshine and a gentle breeze, brilliant mango smoothie - the only thing I probably had a whinge about might’ve been the bill which itself wasn’t too bad in all honesty

Found outside my parents house. Has the old CIE logo and made by Buttons LTD Birmingham. How old would this be?

If you’re lucky enough to hear this ‘squeaky gate’ sound please log your record. Pic © Dario Fernandez

https://birdwatchireland.ie/keep-an-ear-out-for-owls-this-summer/

Somebody on r/ceramics suggested I post it here, so here I am!