Greetings and well wishes to our readers

FEW of us could have predicted the upheaval we have experienced in our everyday life over the course of the last 12 months, as the Covid-19 pandemic caused our county, country and indeed the world to adjust to the new reality.

Many have lost loved ones, others have had to isolate for extended periods, and for many, the opportunity to reunite as a family this Christmas will not be possible.

However, news in recent weeks of a vaccine arriving to our shores for roll-out in the not-too-distant future means we can end 2020 on somewhat of a high, and look forward to a better 2021.

For us here at The Sligo Champion, we want to extend our thanks to you, our loyal readers, for your continued support throughout the course of the past 12 months.

Over the course of the year, we have placed a particular focus on encouraging people to support local and keep our communities alive and well even in these challenging times.

It has been heart-warming to hear and see stories of communities throughout Sligo pulling together to provide the necessary supports and offer help wherever necessary in their own areas. As always, when Sligo was called upon, it stepped up to the plate.

The Sligo Champion is part of the community, and this year also brought about the introduction of our new ePaper, which we hope offers the Sligo diaspora all around the world a window into home each week through their smartphone or device.

While this Christmas is somewhat different, we hope you all can enjoy the festive season while adhering to the various public health guidelines which remain in place.

We look to continuing to bring you the very best in news, sport and entertainment in 2021.

From all of us at The Sligo Champion, may you have a peaceful, safe and a prosperous New Year.