Rural generosity alive and well

THE people of Ireland have always been willing and generous in their response to the plight of poverty-stricken people across the globe.

Prof. Gerry Boyle, Director Teagasc, with Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with Special Responsibility for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, and Tom Kits - Chairman, Gorta - Self Help Africa, at the launch of the new Irish Forum for International Agricultural Development (IFIAD) at the RDS. Photo: John Ohle Photography

Work by Irish missionaries and lay volunteers in bringing education, health and other services to people in countries worldwide is beyond praise.

Young people including doctors, nurses, carpenters, teachers, electricians, builders, and others have also been willing taken time out from their careers to bring their skills and expertise to projects in far-flung places.