COMMENT

Community spirit shines brightly to get needy through the crisis

IN times of trouble you know who your friends are and you also get to know your neighbours.

Storm Emma is over but in Wexford 90% of residents lost power or water with workers trying to reconnect supply.

All schools shut yesterday and many are unlikely to open today. In the face of adversity, residents have risen to the challenge and many shovelled tonnes of snow off the roads.

For many it was the first time they had spoken, despite living so closely. Many pensioners have been locked in for a week now and would be in dire straits if it wasn’t for others sharing.

By Sunday, only one supermarket had managed to replenish supplies

The advice came early, to stock up, but if you can’t drive, stocking up isn’t as easy you think. Likewise, wading through snowdrifts is unthinkable for anyone with small children. They rely on others to go to the Irish Water tanker at the local church and community centre.

A call went out on local radio and social media for drivers of 4x4s, tractors and diggers to transport the sick to appointments such as dialysis.

It seems the worst of the Irish winter has brought out the best in many of us.

BY SAOIRSE MCGARRIGLE