It's Good News Friday - thanks for all your happy stories

Let’s get cheerful!

Kids have been a source of happiness for many people this week.

Paula Farrell is “beyond excited" that her new baby nephew is visiting her house today for the first time and she “can’t wait for a cuddle”. And Sharlene Rocca is happy that her little boy learnt a new word but the “bad news is the word is no!”

Sue Dunne’s baby giggled out loud for the first time today and it melted her heart. She writes: “My body was overflowing with happy endorphins”.

And it’s Kelly Murphy’s daughter’s fifth birthday party is on sunday and she “cant wait to see her face when I show her the frozen duvet cover I bought for her”.

Other have been finding that it’s good to talk, especially with old friends.

Karolyn Ward and Orla McLaughlin both highlighted the fact that it’s World Mental Health Day.

Karolyn says: "We need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health! I intend spending this wonderful Friday encouraging and promoting positive mental health amongst my colleagues, clients, family and friends.“

Well said, Karolyn!

Orla marked the day by talking with an old friend andEnda Begley is also going to be meeting an friend that he hasn’t seen in years. Enjoy!

And people are really appreciating that their health is their wealth.

Susan Carroll received great news from the hospital this week: “after months of tests and worry....i got the all clear for bowel cancer and nothing seriously wrong with me”.

And Deirdre Lenihan Murphy hasn’t been well for a few weeks but she says that today “is the first day I feel well enough to go for a short walk” and she’s really looking forward to it. Enjoy Deidre!

Carl McDermott is thankful that he is finally able to walk again. He writes: “Couldn't use my prosthesis as I had a major infection in scar tissue. Now I will be able to help my wife with household jobs.”

And Julie Woolnough O'Loan is happier then she was last week because “two family members have been given the all clear from the big C this week...so it's a happy happy Friday!”

And others have been finding joy in hard work and the simple things in life.

Brendan Sewell has been working hard. He has the pallets chopped for the stove and while he has blisters and splinters, he also has a hot mug of tea so “lifes good!”

And Mags O'Riordan “went for a most beautiful walk yesterday near killarney. The holly berries on the trees were amazing. The sun shining on the lakes and the birds still singing. It's the small things in nature that are the biggest and most beautiful. Food for the soul .” Sounds wonderful, Mags!

And Debbie Sewell tells us that she “managed to salvage a day old scone by reheating it and spreading with jam rather than throw it in the bin. That's good news to me!” Nicely done, Debbie.

Now don’t we all feel a little happier?

Thanks for all the great submissions this week - it was hard to pick the winners .

After careful deliberation our five winners this week are Mags O’Riordan, Brendan Sewell, Julie Woolnough O'Loan, Carl Mc Dermott and Deirdre Lenihan Murphy. Congrats, guys - and don’t forget to email desk@breakingnews.ie to claim your prize. We’ll be able to hold them for up to two weeks.

Until next week...