There have been a lot of saddening images in social media and the press over the pasts few days, as Cork was hit by severe tidal floods. Everyone knew it was coming, everyone was waiting, and everyone watched it unfold, helplessly. None more so than the traders and business owners along the streets of Cork City centre. They blocked their doorways with sandbags, they bailed the water out of their establishments as fast as they could, but just as Canute could not command the tide, they could not stop the rising waters of the Lee.
The pictures that spread around social media of the destruction in Cork do not compare with the images we have all seen of New Orleans or the Philippines, but that does not mean that these floods should not be taken seriously. The flood waters have destroyed property, they have cost businesses income and resources, and they have bruised the vibrant centre of Cork City. But there is one thing the mucky waters of the Lee cannot stain and that is the resilient spirit of the people of Cork.
I spent two months in Cork during March and April in 2013, and I got to know the city and the people well, even in such a short space of time. But then getting to know people in Cork is easy because they welcome you from the moment they see you. Every shop you go into, every bank, every post office, every pub, everywhere you go you are greeted with a genuine smile and a “Hello, how are you?”
After 15 years in Finland, where over-the-counter banter doesn’t really happen, the Corkonian friendliness and ease was such a breath of fresh air, and it resonated strongly with the sensibilities of my northern English upbringing. There is always time for a friendly word, there is always time for one another – even strangers.
I loved it. I bathed in the warmth and hospitality of the Corkonians with their welcoming smiles and equally welcoming Cork lilt. I felt more at home in Cork than I have anywhere else in the world, and I have travelled quite a bit in my time. I made many friends during my time in Cork, and I developed an affection for the city that simply will not leave me. I miss the place every day, and I can’t wait to go back.
Now I follow the news from Cork on the floods, and I look at the pictures of the places I know, the streets I walked along so often, and I feel helpless and guilty that I can’t help my friends or the city I love so much.
So what can I do?
Well, I can tell the world about Cork. I can let people know what a great place it is and share my passion for both the city and the county. And more importantly I can let the world know that the floods over the past few days will not break the spirit of Cork.
Ireland sits on the edge of an angry and volatile ocean. Whatever the Atlantic decides to throw at Northern Europe, southwest Ireland gets it first – at that means County Cork.
Unfortunately, there will be more floods. There will be more images of ruined shops and businesses destroyed by the rising Lee. But what you will not see is a ruined people! No matter how high the waters rise, Corkonians will rise above. They cannot help it. It seems to be as much a part of their character as the Lee is a part of their city.
So, right now, this is all I can do. But if you want to do something to help, you can go to Cork and find what I found nearly a year ago – a city full of life where there is always time for a friendly word, no matter what happens.
