Heavy snowfall and wintry conditions in North Cork and South Limerick this week have placed a major strain on public and on local services, but the hardships of recent days have also brought about a wonderful community spirit as people came out of their homes to help neighbours in need, visit elderly members of the community and help to clear roads so that others could move around more easily.
This is the Ireland that has been celebrated for so many years in poetry and verse, and it was heartening to see this in recent days, people working together, for each other, comple-menting the work of the local councils, community organisations, Civil Defence, Fire Service, Red Cross, ESB, Uisce Éireann, Gardaí, and so many other organisations. The following is just a short sample of the many kind acts in recent days.
In the last few days, Charleville Fire and Rescue has been inundated with emergency calls, but with the help of Mallow and Kilmallock Fire and Rescue they were able to answer all the calls. And, of course, not forgetting the vital help given by the men and women of An Garda Siochána, plus farmers and people all over North Cork and South Limerick with their 4×4 vehicles and tractors who helped so many people in need.
Cork and Limerick County Council staff have worked all hours this week to keep roads clear, while ESB staff braved terrible conditions to restore power, and Uisce Éireann went all out to restore water supplies to areas in dire need.
Charleville Fire and Rescue has expressed appreciation to team member David Forde of Lee’s Centra who trekked through the snow to open up the Charleville forecourt in the midst of the snowfall so that Charleville Fire and Rescue could refuel its fire engines.
Martina O’Keeffe was very grateful to the Charleville Park Hotel which took in her group at 3.30am last Sunday morning when they were stuck for somewhere to stay. Also, locals who were without power were able to call into the hotel to eat or for a takeaway. Well done also to Shane Foley Plant Hire and his driver Joseph O’Halloran who drove around on Monday, clearing Charleville estates like Brindle Hill, The Pastures and Love Lane so residents could get in and out, and Shane Foley also helped clear snow from Ballyhea village and the local Costcutter. Good neighbours were also on hand to help when snow brought down the roof of an outdoor area in Geary’s Bar in Charleville, and these are just a few instances of good samaritans doing good deeds in their local communities.
Of course, the heavy snowfall was welcomed by the younger members of our communities, and snowmen and other wonderful creations sprang up all over North Cork and South Limerick. One snowman which got great attention was the 23ft. fearr sneachta which was built in Elton, while three teenagers built a fabulous igloo in Commons, near Newmarket. Many other wonderful snowy creations have adorned front gardens in recent days, and the expected thaw this weekend will be a moment of sadness for young people, who will not be sad for too long, as local sports grounds and other attractions will soon reopen for business.
With the beginnings of a thaw expected tomorrow, Friday, the public is asked to take care when driving, and to avoid unnecessary travel. Also, please avoid going to hospital Emergency Departments unless absolutely necessary, and check in with elderly neighbours to make sure that they are warm and safe.