Herald Opinion: Incredible bravery in the face of hellish conditions

The communities in West Roscommon could be forgiven for feeling like the Biblical Job, tested cruelly almost beyond endurance.

In December we saw Storm Darragh knock trees and damage power lines. But it was only a taste of what was to come, as in January, Storm Éowyn smashed its way through the county, flattening forestry, shearing roofs from buildings and devastating the power infrastructure.

While all Roscommon was affected, the people in the west of the county were the most badly hit. Some were left for weeks without power, impacting on their food and water supplies. It was a waking nightmare.

Now finally, just as these events are starting to slip into the past, West Roscommon has been subject to a number of very serious fire outbreaks. Following closely behind the fine weather in early April a massive gorse fire broke out in the Loughglynn area which required five fire services to attend. 

Last weekend, the area was hit by a devastating forest fire, which saw homes evacuated and livestock moved. The financial cost of this fire, undoubtedly significant, will take some time to quantify, but the personal cost is incalculable. The sympathies of the entire county are with these people today as many count the cost of the loss of acres of forestry.

At times, these challenges can feel unfair and even spiteful, but what they also reveal is the resilience and compassion inherent in the people of the county. When a neighbour is suffering people open their hearts and homes. This was clearly seen in the actions of the responding fire services, who braved hellish conditions to bring the blazes under control. They have rightly been praised for their incredible bravery in the face of dangers and scenes most of us would run a mile from.

That gratitude was reflected when Gorthaganny Community Centre was opened up on Sunday night for the firefighters, many of whom had to return to their other jobs and roles come Monday. We are very lucky to have these people to call on at the worst of times. It is everyone’s hope that they will not be called on again anytime soon.