MeghannMix: The summer’s only starting!

IT HAS been a very busy summer and there's even more to come!!

From sport to music and other events, we are spoiled for choice right into September. I like to plan ahead, book tickets, organise accommodation and perhaps even source a tent on time instead of getting stuck with the last one left in the shop - small and not waterproof - which I had to learn the hard way at a festival one year.

World Cup: The FIFA Women's World Cup kicked off this Thursday. It's taking place in Australia and the Republic of Ireland narrowly lost 1-0 to the hosts in Sydney. Also in Group B alongside us are Nigeria and Canada.

We play Canada on July 26 and Nigeria on July 31. Quarter finals take place on the weekend of August 11/12, with the semi-finals August 15 and 16 and the final takes place on August 20. There's added interest in Limerick as Claire O'Riordan from Newcastle West is part of the Irish panel.

Music Festivals: There has been an abundance of music festivals all summer long but the fun doesn't end yet. There's still a number of chances to get the tent, wellies and rain gear out. Indiependence takes place in Mitchelstown, Cork from August 4-6. On the same weekend, All Together Now, is happening in Waterford. The big one, Electric Picnic is September 1-3 in Stradbally, Laois. There's a mystery performer on Sunday night with rumours swirling about Lana Del Rey, Foo Fighters and Fatboy Slim.

Tag Rugby: It's a big year for tag rugby as the International Tag Federation World Cup is coming to the University of Limerick from August 2-5. There's a number of divisions from men’s to women’s, mixed and senior with a whole host of Irish teams taking part.

Flag Football: The Flag Football European Championships are also happening at the University of Limerick. Flag is the non-contact sport of American football where tackles are made by pulling off a flag which is worn by all players (similar to tag rugby). Teams will take to the pitches from August 18-20.

Strongest: Ireland's Strongest Man and Woman is coming to Limerick. The Markets Field will host the competition on August 6 with Ireland's Strongest Man and Woman being crowned by the end of the day.

Horse Show: The Royal Dublin Show is taking place from August 9-13. It's the biggest and most prestigious horse show in Ireland. Show jumping, showing, pony club, loose lunging, dressage, you name it, it has it all - even a racehorse to riding horse class where some of the greatest thoroughbreds take to the ring. Two-time Grand National winner, Tiger Roll, took to the arena last year but it was his stable mate, General Principle, winner of the 2018 Irish Grand National, who took that red rosette.

Golf: The KPMG Women’s Irish Open is back at Dromoland Castle County Clare from August 31 until September 3. See the top female golfers from around the world including our very own Leona Maguire take to the course. I went last year and it's a superb event and the grounds are amazing.

Three days later it's over to the men as The Horizon Irish Open 2023 will be played at The K Club from September 6-10. 2016 champion Rory McIlroy will tee it up alongside fellow Major Champion Shane Lowry and Séamus Power, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour.

Ploughing: The National Ploughing Championships is the biggest festival of its kind in Europe in terms of attendance. It's taking place in Ratheniska, Co Laois again this year. It happens from September 19-21 and is every farming enthusiast’s dream, featuring stalls to machinery, dancing, fashion, livestock and, of course, ploughing!

So there you have it, the rest of your summer and early autumn plans are sorted with plenty to look forward to! Enjoy!!

Rogha na Seachtaine

TASTE: I was treated to some lovely cocktails in The Savoy Hotel. French Mules are a combination of vodka and ginger beer and the vodka used was Tito's, an American spirit produced in Austin, Texas.

MUSIC: He wowed the crowd in Thomond Park as he warmed up for Dermot Kennedy but now Cian Ducrot is getting his own Limerick gig. He plays in Dolan's Warehouse on August 5.

He has seen massive success with his song, All For You, which he performed with Ella Henderson. He also has over 1 million followers on TikTok.

WATCH: All-Ireland fever has taken hold of Limerick so if you cannot get the golden ticket to Croke Park, make sure to get to Pery Square  to watch the match on the big screen. Can Limerick skin the cats and make it four-in-a-row? Let's see on July 23!!

Contact Meghann by email - meghannmix@limerickleader.ie