The Worst Floods in Living Memory
In November 2009, the Shannon reached its highest level since counties Tipperary, Limerick and Clare were inundated for the Shannon Scheme in 1933. The Lee, the Suir and the Suck had never been so high; nor had the Barrow.
So how did the Mrs Quin’s Charity Shops fare?
Well, it was a tough year all round. Recession… rain… swine flu… rain… unemployment… and more rain. Some of the worst hit were Ballinasloe, Ennis, Gort, Clonmel and Cork. There was serious flooding too in the areas around Roscommon, Athenry, Clonakilty, Athy and Carlow. The shops weren’t flooded, but customers stayed at home rather than risk the roads.
However, extreme conditions often bring out the best in people and our shop staff proved it. No shop was closed except for one day in Gort, although the manager had to go home on a tractor. Where managers were unable to reach their shops, volunteers and area supervisors were there to cover for them.
The Cork North Main St shop was flooded overnight, some of the stock being spoiled and a major clean up needed in the morning. The Clonakilty shop escaped, but the town was flooded and impossible to reach without major detours.
All this happened after a ‘summer’ best forgotten. Still the show must go on and it does, thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers.