Here are some photos and notes from a recent trip to Ireland’s sunny South-East.
My destination was Dungarvan. On the way, I stopped in Fermoy to stretch my legs and enjoy a magnificent sunset. Two people rowed along the Blackwater as it shimmered in golden light.
Despite the beauty of it all, rivulets of sadness moved through me. In August, someone poisoned the river and tens of thousands of fish died.
An inter-agency investigation by the state did not reveal any answers. Local people are keen to restore the river themselves. See link at the end of this post.
After a good sleep in Dungarvan, I woke to see mist hovering over the water. The sky blazed lilac and orange, promising another bright day. Energetic birds flew around in sharp contrast to the stillness of the morning.
Dungarvan is an East-facing harbour that lies at the mouth of the Colligan river.
A bright and sunny few days gave everyone a boost. It was a lovely surprise to feel such warmth in Ireland at the end of September.
Water is everything for our planet, so we need to cherish it. Water is the beating heart of the whole ecosystem.
Much of it all over Ireland (and beyond) is being contaminated. The pollution isn’t always visible. If you’d like to learn more, I’ve included some links below.
NGOs for further reading and actions
Irish Wildlife Trust marine campaigns.
Kilavullen angling club fundraiser to test water in the Blackwater and aid river restoration. Read more.
Kathryn Mary Crowley 