VIDEO: Bandon crisis sees community spirit kick in after Storm Frank hits

In times of crises, unsung heroes emerge.

That was the view of the Irish Red Cross national secretary Barry O’Donovan, as an estimated 60-70 businesses in Bandon today count the costs of the storm and resulting flood damage.

While the costs were being assessed, it was the value of people’s community spirit that counted most, as townspeople, traders, fire crews, and local contractors worked to support each other.

Mr O’Donovan said the town was indebted to the fire services from Bandon and nearby Clonakilty.

“Fire crews were out all night, they were absolute heroes,” he said. “They were going hammer and tongs, there were nine pumps operating to stem the flow.”

Agri-contractors Tony O’Mahony, Mark Troy, and Michael White also offered their services to pump water from the main streets.

VIDEO: Storm Frank's impact around Cork city and county https://t.co/vAu1gjFfQI (RMC) pic.twitter.com/7i5BwrFXpJ

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) December 30, 2015

“Traders also assisted one another, going from shop to shop to help move furnishings and equipment,” said Mr O’Donovan. “Many townspeople, who have no business connections, also joined in. At the same time, the Red Cross, the Scouts and Bandon Parish Council all offered refreshments to people. A lot of these people, just out of their beds in the middle of the night, offered support.

“We also had the civil defence and the army sandbagging and also the gardaí were on hand. It was a remarkable show of community support. They were all amazing people, as a town and community, it was very touching.

“We normally think of international crises, but for many people, this was a crisis in their home town.

I saw people of all ages just rolling up their sleeves and helping out. Everybody was there for each other. True community spirit is alive and kicking.”