Ahoy, TPPers! And welcome to the March issue of The Primary Planet.
What a month to be an Irish sports fan. Not only do Ireland wrap up their Six Nations campaign with two home games at the Aviva Stadium this month – Wales on March 6 and Scotland on March 13, but Heimir Hallgrímsson’s Boys in Green dare to dream when they take on Czechia in the much-anticipated World Cup play-off on March 25. A victory in Prague will see us through to a final against either Denmark or North Macedonia. Oh, my nerves!
March also means National Tree Week – and this year, we're making a proper occasion of it. Did you know that trees can communicate with each other, share food and even send out warnings? It sounds like science fiction, but it is very much science fact. Our feature this month takes you deep into the secret lives of trees and what is happening beneath the forest floor. It's one of those stories that will make you look at the world a little differently. Find it on pages 16 and 17.
And of course, March would not be March without St Patrick's Day. This year, we've taken a closer look at what actually happens when our politicians head overseas for the 17th – where they go, who they meet and what it all means. Is it diplomacy, celebration or a bit of both? We'll let you decide.
Our Media Matters series continues this month too, so keep an eye out for that – and for the Irish-language version, Mealladh na Meán, which your teacher will have.
Right, that's plenty from me. Enjoy the issue, enjoy the learning – agus Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!
Stephen