Summer in Ireland always comes with a calendar full of festivals and events.
From the hyper local to national and international, holiday time is punctuated by occasions and gatherings that colour our life for the better, especially at a time when the old opportunities for connection are not there anymore. It’s an acute issue in rural Ireland, as Jacqueline Hogge reports on from north Cork.
But what do all of these summer events have in common? They could not happen without volunteers. At a time when many organisations or shows are struggling to attract people in a time-poor and increasingly individualistic society, it’s timely to single out these unsung heroes for long overdue praise. Our villages and towns would be lesser places without them and they deserve support.
On a visit to Boyle Arts Festival in Co Roscommon recently, I saw that volunteerism in action as the town en fête warmly welcomed visitors to enjoy an impressive programme of art, music and theatre, over 10 days. From those showing us to our seats to hear the fabulous Onóir, to supervising exhibitions or manning the ticket office, their pride in what they were doing was clearly evident.
Their hard work was duly rewarded as hordes of people flocked to the area. The streets were abuzz as people strolled around in glorious sunshine, enjoying events like the art trail, going from shop to shop to see art festooned from every window, from the barber to the draper, to the discount store. It was impressive in its execution, and its organising committee deserves much praise.
According to the latest census statistics, 711,379 people, or 13.82% of the population in Ireland, volunteer regularly. However, Volunteer Ireland believes the number to be significantly higher; its own research puts that figure at over 27%.
On a visit to Boyle Arts Festival in Co Roscommon recently, I saw that volunteerism in action as the town en fête warmly welcomed visitors to enjoy an impressive programme of art, music and theatre, over 10 days
With up to 120,000 people due to attend the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show in the coming days, it’s interesting to hear our cover star Fiona Sheridan, who is the event’s director, also speak with huge affection for the stewards who give their time so freely every year. “They work incredibly hard because they see the value in what they’re doing. That philanthropic spirit is so important,” she says. That spirit is something we need to cultivate among all ages to ensure events like our agricultural and vintage shows continue to prosper and thrive into the future. Don’t just leave it to someone else; get involved. You certainly will get back more than you put in courtesy of the feel-good factor alone.
Now, it’s impossible to speak on this topic without mentioning Mayo, where volunteers all over the county selflessly nurtured this football team from U5 to their current exalted status as, not just county, but national heroes. The delirious joy they have brought to so many is glorious to witness.
From one set of winners to another in the making, don’t forget to enter our fantastic Opel Grandland competition starting this week in the Irish Farmers Journal, in association with the Gowan Group. Collect the tokens over the next four weeks and it could be you driving the highways and byways in a new SUV worth over €44,000. Scan the QR code below for more details.
