In spite of the recent high winds that put the whiteheads back on the sea waves, there appears to have been very little debris on the beach.  Plenty of stone which will self- dissipate in due course as it always does. But no obvious pollution.

The everlasting motion of the stone and sea shells on the beach are under God’s law, like life itself i.e. The Lord Giveth and the Lord taketh away.  our hope and prayer is that scientific endeavour along with a measure of celestial intervention might banish the corona virus from our shores.

The most striking and heart-warming feature of village life was to see the vast majority of people complying with the sensible rules of self-isolation.  It is not easy for everyone to remain indoors not knowing when, or how, it will all end. 

Lockdown affected all of us.  And still does. But rising to the fore was the rallying response of good people to assist the community in every way possible.  Neighbours looked out for neighbours with a sense of concern and camaraderie the likes of which had not seen at any time previously.  The generosity was expressed in many ways and no one was left out in the cold, so to speak.

It all goes to show that, in spite of the ugly news events that darken our lives from time to time, neighbourliness and humanity will always prevail.

The retailers in Rosslare and the town who delivered pre-ordered food and other supplies were outstanding.  So too were the gardai who tried to be always courteous even when their patience was tested.

Speaking of the gardai, life was made infinitely difficult for two officers who were detailed to Rosslare Europort to register all incoming traffic from Spain on Friday April 23.  No health officials were present to take throat swabs and temperatures as the traffic disembarked. 

Under poor lighting, a detailed form had to be filled out for each car by one officer who had to suffer the frustrations of drivers who wanted to be on their way home.  The second officer climbed into the back of container traffic to check for refugees or illegal imports.  The gardai are always called upon to plug the gap, sometimes suffering the ire of impatient and frustrated drivers. 

In general, the lesson to be learned is that we must be prepared for all eventualities.  The case is well made for a comprehensive resilience programme to be put in place by an active and energetic team made up of community and County Council representatives, gardai and hospital included.

We have done well.  But we will be expected to be even better when the next crisis arrives.  And remember always, with this experience under our belt, and our state of preparedness ready to face the unseen foe, then tomorrow will surely be kinder.