Irish Country Magazine Editor, Klara Heron, shares her favourite moments in the May|June 2026 issue, featuring Sharlene Mawdsley on the cover, out now
A decade is a significant milestone to reach and I’m thrilled to say that 2026 marks the tenth year of the Irish Made Awards. Irish Country Magazine’s annual award ceremony, which celebrates the best products made here in Ireland, started with humble beginnings.
Over 10 years ago, we began identifying Irish-made products on the pages of the magazine with a little green stamp. You, the readers, liked it so much that you asked for us to do more with it – perhaps showcase the best beauty products or the finest jewellery or highest quality food items. That sparked an idea to bring makers and producers from all over the island into one place and the Irish Made Awards was born.
Over those years we have seen thousands of business pitches cross our desks – each one as exciting and innovative as the next – and they all had one very distinct thing in common. They care deeply about being ‘made here’, sourcing ingredients and skills in this country, and relying on their local communities – and fellow entrepreneurs – to make their business tick. These awards have created a unique network of hard working, passionate visionaries and so we are excited to mark this milestone. Click here to find out how to enter now, the grand prize, and a fabulous new category – the Rising Star Award.
Speaking of passion and hard work, we are honoured to have Sharlene Mawdsley on the cover. The sprinter has delivered us so many moments of immense national pride in her career, from taking home a gold medal in the European relays, to very narrowly missing out on a podium spot during the Paris Olympics. The Tipperary-based athlete has sacrificed so much to put herself amongst the top in the world at what she does and Joanne O’Riordan’s interview showcases that level of dedication, while also dealing with very human challenges such as losing her father last year and the mental toll of elite sport. We enjoyed a stunning blue-sky day in north Tipperary for her photoshoot, see more inside the issue.
Elsewhere, we have delicious food recipes and a great piece by Dee Laffan on the topical debate of ‘ultra processed foods’ with low processed, Irish alternatives. Plus, beauty treatments that actually deliver bang for your buck, wearable summer style and, as always, lots of travel, home and gardening inspiration for the season ahead.
Happy reading,
Klara.
There is so much to enjoy throughout the new issue, in shops now, I hope you get lots from the pages. Find your nearest stockist here or subscribe to receive each issue on your doorstop here.
