There is no question the threat of the coronavirus is the biggest challenge most of us in Donegal have and probably will ever face.
In recent days the uncertainty of what lies ahead has left many of us feeling isolated and uncertain about the immediate future.
From the cancellation of sporting fixtures to the disruption in the classroom, the virus has hit all ages and sections of Donegal life.
But the announcement yesterday by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close until March 29th is a giant step in tackling this challenge head-on.
Ireland has done well so far to escape the worst of the spread of the virus but medical experts have said that things will get worse before they get better.
However, the fact that we have recognised the need for social awareness and isolation means that we are willing to take that next step.
We cannot and will not bury our heads in the sand.
Yes, there is an air of uncertainty surrounding jobs and general business and what the future holds.
But we must be reassured that this is only an obstacle on life’s road which we will overcome in time.
We overcame the most recent recession on 2007/2008 with remarkable courage and were not afraid to buckle down, swallow our pride and build again.
Indeed many of us are still only beginning to find our feet again but we have learned many vital lessons along the way.
One of the most important lessons we have taken on board in recent years is the need for support.
People within communities across Donegal, be that in the West Donegal village of Annagry or in the busy housing estates of Letterkenny, recognise the need for support.
Be it calling in to check on an elderly neighbour or loaning a trailer to a friend, simple support is the backbone of our local society.
Donegal businesses too face a huge challenge in the coming days, weeks and months.
From local shops, hotels and restaurants to petrol stations, DIY shops and car dealers, we all need to continue to do whatever business we can with them.
In short, we need to support our own.
Yes, we need to follow the guidelines of the Government and ensure that we do not put ourselves or others at risk of this virus.
We need to continually wash our hands and keep a safe distance from others.
But we must also ensure that we do not bring Donegal to a screeching halt.
Donegal Daily has been part of the fabric of daily life in our county for the past ten years and we plan to be around for many, many more.
We support nine people through local jobs and we are proud to say that we are an independent company which has grown to become the biggest online news website in Donegal.
We want to continue to tell your stories and support your business as we battle our way out of this crisis.
And we WILL battle our way out.
We have launched a special support service for both local organisations and businesses to get their message out to the public and our 55,000 daily readers across Donegal will ensure they get that message.
If you are a business and want to let the public know that you are open for business then contact Don on 0858504125 or by email at donjsheridan1@gmail.com
If you are a community organisation, club, group or individual who wants to get your story out there then please email us on info@donegaldaily.com
Together we can manage this crisis and get back to what we do best in Donegal – living our everyday lives in our beautiful county.
