Lifestyle of less time is threatening the spirit of rural community effort

CHANGING lifestyles and a weakening of neighbourhood spirit in rural areas are threatening the voluntary contribution which so many thousands have given unselfishly to their local communities over many decades.

A great treasure of life in rural Ireland is in danger of being lost, because of the change in the pace of living, and greater more demands on the time of rural dwellers.

It would be impossible to measure in monetary terms the contribution of voluntary effort in rural Ireland over the decades. It would have cost hundreds of millions of euros annually to replace the volunteers who organised the local agricultural shows, the parish festivals and celebrations, and the community-run projects which have enhanced local areas.

It is sad that organisers are now finding it very hard to recruit volunteers, the result of which is that many rural community events have fallen by the wayside, and more are likely to follow.

A few weeks ago, Tullamore Agricultural Show had another successful day, despite the inclement weather.

The largest agricultural show in the country, it is a superb example of what can be achieved by a community.

Last week, Cappamore Agricultural Show in east Limerick celebrated 50 years in operation. Half a century of sterling community involvement in the organising and running of this model event is a magnificent achievement for any community. Those who have kept the event going through the decades, and the 100 people who run the event today, have much to be proud of.

But if the trend of less interest in and less support for community involvement continues, there will be fewer examples like Tullamore and Cappamore in the future. Rural Ireland will be the poorer for the change.