This tradition
also involves “The First Foot”. The taller and darker the preferred male “First
Footer”, the better. He is the first person to cross the doorstep or threshold,
of a friend or neighbour, post the midnight “Bells”. He brings with him
emblematic gifts of coal, salt, shortbread, fruit cake (often Black Bun).
Ensuring the household will have warmth and food a’ plenty, in the coming year.
He’ll also bring a “Wee dram” in the form of Whisky, possibly even a fine malt,
sharing and toasting “Slainte Mhath”. The ensuing party could quite literally
go on for days – or at least ‘till the Whisky ran out!
It’s strange
just how these topics come up in conversation. I happened to be talking about
this to a Welsh friend, whilst out cycling on a cold, snowy capped Comeragh
morning. We both agreed that our first experience of Irish tradition was in
fact in church, with our respective wives. When at mass, the congregation turn round
and wish everyone within a handshake distance, “Peace be with you.” A welcoming
gesture to any visitor and certainly to this newbie. This action a sign of
friendship and companionship. Initially my Welsh friend thought everyone was
saying “Pleased to meet you!” Making him feel very warmly received indeed.
I thought that
I would look back over the year past, picking out some of “The Good, The Bad
and The Ugly” moments, affecting us in Waterford. Boi, there was unquestionably
an awful lot to choose from!
Our biggest
ongoing saga, was of course our right to proper cardio care, at UHW. This story
has been rumbling on for many years and it looks like we will have to wait
another 18 months, for another report to be written. I was very disappointed,
to have seen only a few hundred at the protest in Dublin. My daughter and I
expected to see hundreds, if not thousands, on Kildare Street. I was kilted and
ready to “Storm the gates”, Braveheart style, to take up position on “The
Plinth”. With so few in number, we missed a gilt-edged opportunity to capture
the National Airwaves, with our passionate protest.
What then of
our “Fantastic Four”, who marched triumphantly into the Dáil chambers after
that 2016 General Election? They would, collectively, deliver for Waterford and
its electorate. With 25% of this Capella group, unable to perform, our bargaining
power was anything but harmonious.
Cars tend to
drive much better with all four wheels, don’t they? Maybe, 2018 will see the
re-emergence of our missing TD, to bolster and re-energise Team Waterford’s
clout in Dublin? Do we have to recognise that we will be driving a knackered, three-wheeled,
Reliant Robin from now on?
Our City looked
resplendent and magnificent, all through the busy summer months, with City in
Bloom. A wonderful riot of colour, emerging from the simplest and most cost
effective of projects, delivered by Waterford Business Group and Waterford
Council. Spraoi once again produced something spectacular and Waterford Walls
brought permanency, to some of the more bedraggled corners of the City. Festivals
were, on the whole, a huge success and there is much to look forward to in
2018.
Waterford’s
Greenway has been the jewel in our USP crown, attracting some 250,000 visitors
to the County. This 42-kilometre converted railway line, between Waterford City
and Dungarvan, has to be applauded, celebrated, cared for and most importantly,
treated with the respect it deserves. If we are to reap the benefits from this
tourist attraction, we must regard it as we would, one of Waterford’s
Treasures.
2017 delivered
a very mixed bag for Waterford. Let’s not lose sight of the fact, that we are
only on the “Third tier” of Ireland’s economic recovery. Traffic jams and
footfall do not equate to a booming economy. The reports and CSO figures tell
us the truth. We have an awfully long way to go, to even just catch up.
Here’s hoping, “Happy
New Year” to you all.
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