Have fun in the sun but be careful

IRELAND will bask in hot summer sun all week - so let’s all get out and enjoy it.

State exams are over so Leaving and Junior Cert students can let their hair down.

Families can head to the beach without worrying if it will rain by afternoon – it won’t for at least seven more days.

Farmers too will make huge inroads with hay and silage making and the countryside will be abuzz with the sounds of tractors and combine harvesters from dawn to dusk.

Turf cutters will see their peat dry in record time on bogs.

Pubs and hotels the length and breadth of Ireland will be busy every night this week.

And GAA fans can travel to matches knowing they won’t have to dodge the rain.

We have a beautiful country and now we can get to really appreciate it in all its glory.

But we must careful too. It will be very hot by midweek so slap on the sun cream.

Older folk should avoid the direct sun between 11am and 3pm – and keep hydrated.

Parents will have to be extra vigilant as kids will want to cool off in the nearest pool.

Don’t overdo it on the booze and never, ever drink and drive.

Be careful that food is properly cooked on barbecues – and don’t forget to keep an eye on the family pet. Never leave a dog in a hot car.

But overall let us enjoy this wonderful weather as safely as we can. We deserve it.