THEY say you’ll always meet the Irish abroad which happened in droves during The Irish Field contributor Susan Finnerty’s visit to Australia. One highlight was meeting the Costello family in Perth.

Newly-weds Paddy and Lena, (nee Higgins), sailed to Australia in 1955 and guests since have included Lena’s brother Miceál, his wife Evelyn and two of their children, Ethna and Kieran, who worked in Australia for a number of years, including on the construction of the Olympic Park, now home to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Miceal’s Australian travels, from Albany to Kalgoorlie, left a big impression on him and are mentioned in The Irish Field feature about the late Coshla man.

That particular framed article is proudly displayed in the Costello family home 9,000 miles from Athenry, where the Miceál Higgins memorial trophy will be presented to the champion Connemara pony at the upcoming agricultural show (Sunday, May 22nd) by daughter Ethna.

Athenry is always on Susan’s list of shows and also pencilled into her diary is a belated celebration in Castle Kevin, near Mallow with another good friend, Kristene Hunter. Kristene, husband James, son Ben and daughter Emma, are still on cloud nine after breeding the Aintree Grand National winner Noble Yeats.