There are always times in a day when we need to down tools, even for a minute, stare into space and let our minds wander. Better still, look out a window and watch the world go by.
In the Galway Advertiser we are blessed with the perfect perch to take in the views of one of the city's most iconic landmarks, Eyre Square - aka John F Kennedy Memorial Park - An Fhaiche Mhór.
It really is the heart of the city - having boasted presidents and mayors, fairs and horses, and a lot of horsing around too. In summer many believe it is at its best - the ideal venue to sit on the steps, soak up the sun, enjoy the flora, and listen to the buskers who regularly frequent the venue at the height of the festival season. At worst it has become a venue for disorderly behaviour fueled by alcohol, and more recently as party central for revellers taking advantage of lessening Covid restrictions.
This week it changes yet again. From the top floor of the Galway Advertiser we watch and listen to the progress as the Ferris wheel is once again being erected, dominating the skyline at 32 metres high and illuminating the festive market. It is the first time since 2019 the Christmas market has been able to return to the city, representing the hopes of a slow return to a new normal, and with it an inaudible sigh of relief.
Unfortunately it remains a fragile one. Last Christmas Ireland experienced a huge peak in Covid cases, and since then the total numbers of Covid cases have continued to climb. To date some 480,000 people have contracted Covid; about 265,000 have recovered. And, as we think about breaking out of our Covid shells, we must remember the 5,500 people in Ireland who have died, and that last festive season the number of daily cases peaked for the year.
So yes, most of us have more reason to celebrate the festive season this year than we have in the last two years. We have survived so far and the Ferris wheel in Eyre Square will turn once more, bringing deserved joy to thousands. But no matter how tempting to let loose, we still need to hold back.
We do not want to add to the sad statistics, because this Christmas there are mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons who will be missing their loved ones. 2020 and 2021 may not have been the best of years for any of us, but for those who have not suffered the loss of loved ones, we must surely count our blessings.
