Making it Happen

We’ve all seen the stories of modern Ireland - the couple who travel from the Midlands to Dublin before dawn, pausing only to drop off their three kids in pyjamas at a child minder’s before heading to work and then leaving so that they can get them in bed in time to ensure they’re able to do the same thing all over again in the morning.That would of course explain why they have no time to join local clubs and societies in their adopted provincial home town. And that in turn would explain why volunteerism and a sense of community are dead and gone with the dodo.Only they aren’t - they’ve never been more alive. Okay, not everyone plays a part, but - for anyone privileged enough to meet last week’s winners of our Connacht Tribune/Combined Insurance Make It Happen Awards - there was no question but that community pride was stronger than ever.Here were people who not only gave of their free time for the betterment and comfort of others – they seemed to enjoy it too. They cared for individuals or groups in their own community or on the other side of the world.And when we decided that it would be a nice thing to say thanks to them and give them a little something to help them in the future, it was these self-same volunteers who expressed their gratitude to us. It was supposed to be the other way around.These are not craw thumpers who think they’re better than the rest of us; they’re just ordinary people who think nothing of giving so much back. They’re all mentioned elsewhere in this week’s paper, so there’s no point in singling one or more of them out here.Other than to say this – each and everyone of them is an inspiration; for their own courage, their caring souls and their commitment. Never mind the begrudgers - these generous souls truly do make our world a better place.