Katie Taylor’s gold lifts the gloom

In recent times we as a nation and as citizens of this country have been weather beaten by the winds of economic recession, unemployment, political corruption, household charges, church scandals, mass emigration, bailouts and, just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, the wettest summer on record.

Maybe we could be forgiven for a sag in our spirits, or for indulging in some justified and well deserved cynicism, negativity and a good old moan? Maybe, just maybe...

And then on Aug 9 the clouds parted and the sun shone brightly when we were privileged to witness the result of over a decade and a half of dedication, self belief, vision, persistence, courage and hard work culminating in a gold medal received with dignity, gratitude, humility, grace and a love for family and country. Forgotten values perhaps in a post-Celtic Tiger celebrity-ridden era? However, values always forever timeless and true. Katie Taylor, thank you for reminding us.