Thanking all those who stood strong when most needed...

As the country emerges from the lockdown it is important that we acknowledge and remember the vital role played by so many, for so long, at such a challenging time in our history. Our frontline workers, as always, have made us proud nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals and An Garda Siochana all put their shoulder to the wheel in coping with this once in a generation crisis, to help save lives and help families through the pandemic. There are many other essential workers, across a range of disciplines and industries, who also helped to keep us going during the past couple of months. Some of those we may have forgotten to consider and acknowledge are our local businesses. Right across our county and country, businesses and companies had difficult decisions to make last March - close the doors, and lose any source of revenue stream. For those able to stay open, the new guidelines brought increased cost with less footfall and an uncertainty as to whether it was viable. To those who were allowed stay open, we offer our thanks in this week’s supplement. Thanks, not only for providing your essential service - be it food, medical supplies or anything else - but thanks also for your diligence, company and sheer goodwill at a time of unprecedented difficulties. As we in The Kerryman have always been keen to emphasise, local businesses are more than just a service - they are a social hub, a part of the local furniture; they are part of us. While we must all remain vigilant and respect public health advice, consumers, too, have played their part in ensuring business survived during the pandemic and it remains vital to continue to support our local outlets as the country moves towards a full reopening of society.