Today dawned cold and frosty but it was soon replaced by rain. I sometimes think we've
been cursed by the weather department and will eventually sink into the Atlantic ocean
due to the amount of rain we get.
Generally speaking our weather is relatively benign, miserable yes, but catastrophic, no.
This year, however, many parts of the country experienced record rainfall at the end of November and the
mopping up operation is continuing. Hundreds of families are still out of their homes
with no prospect of moving back in for Christmas, while farmers and business people are counting
the cost of flood damage. Having experienced flooding twice in the past 30 years, I can truly empathise
with those families whose homes have been flooded and have seen precious belongings destroyed by
the floodwaters.
The only silver lining which can be seen in times like this is in the comfort of strangers. Despite the fact
that few people in Ireland have escaped the effects of the recession, there has been an amazing effort
to help those affected by the flooding. Farmers have donated fodder and charities have been overwhelmed
by donations of everything from blankets and clothing to food and toys.