Editorial – Let's get out and celebrate

AT a time of pervasive and spirit-sapping pessimism, we should take the opportunity to salute the enthusiasm and commitment of those who are dispensing the gloom with endeavours such as Galway's Volvo Ocean Race festival, which begins on Friday, and the many other community-based events which brighten our summer. We should also heap well-deserved praise on the businesses and organisations that continue to support such initiatives in these trying times. The energy and joie de vivre displayed by those who give of their time and talent to organise events in our towns and villages is an inspiration, penetrating the gloom which sometimes threatens to envelop us.[private] There is no denying that these are difficult times, but their endeavours remind us that we must not become so jaded and demoralised that we cannot enjoy gathering to celebrate all that is good and joyful in our communities. While recession fatigue is understandable after five, long years, apathy and lethargy are the enemies of recovery -- and we must support those who are leading the way. A chink of light at the end of the tunnel may be all that is needed for some businesses to summon the courage to trade their way through these hard times, and some communal merriment helps prime the goodwill pump. It is only right to acknowledge that many of these same businesses are still being generous with their sponsorship and support for community initiatives. Business people know, better than most, how necessary it is to promote optimism and how vital the feel-good factor is in the local economy. Encouragingly, there is ample evidence now that family-based events are enjoying something of a revival as people look to more local, affordable and authentic ways of enjoyment. A brief perusal of the local notes in this newspaper will illustrate this point. And there is also ample evidence of a renewal of interest in volunteering with local charities and initiatives. While not espousing a head-in-the-sand approach to our current economic and social woes, it is fitting that we take solace where we can find it. A renewed recognition of the skills, inspiration and co-operation to be found at local level may be just the silver lining we are looking for in this recessionary cloud. For this reason, the great community participation fostered by music feiseanna, and the activities run by organisations such as the GAA, to take just two examples, should also be acknow-ledged and cherished. By the same token, agricultural shows, religious celebrations, such as the fast-approaching Reek Sunday and arts festivals are not merely events to entertain us, they mirror who we are, provide a link with our past and, if preserved, are a means of passing on our heritage to future generations. We may be temporarily down but our local festivals show we are most definitely not out. Turn out and turn up at the Volvo and other events this weekend, and show the world that there is life and joy in us yet. [/private]