By Eoin Meegan
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness”
As we approach the dying days of 2024 it is a twisted irony that Dickens’ immortal words written in 1859 could apply just as much to the Ireland of today. With an expected Government surplus of €25 billion, Ireland stands as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, while at the same time a place where the starkest poverty still roams our streets. With homelessness figures now clocking €14,760, and the much lauded Children’s Hospital still in far-off la-la land, a person reading this in 165 years’ time might mistake Ireland for a Third World country. But let’s not re-run the general election! At the time of writing we don’t know who will shape our country over the next five years, but whoever the new government is, we wish them well, and hope they will speedily implement a more equitable distribution of our not inconsiderable wealth.
One issue, deeply prevalent, but perhaps not aired as much as it should, is loneliness. Contrary to the majority view, loneliness is not the sole preserve of the elderly, but can impact young people of school-going age just as much. Be it exam pressure, feeling isolated and bullied, or perhaps struggling with identity issues, our youth can experience feelings of loneliness leading to a disconnection from self and community. Likewise with adults starting out; there is the worry of losing (or even finding) a job, perhaps the spectre of eviction hanging over them like the sword of Damocles, or relationship problems. It is strange but often the primary feeling behind loneliness is that asking for help equates to admitting failure. This should not be so.
And this brings us, unsurprisingly, to the awful tragedy of suicide, unfortunately increasing in number yearly, the causes of which are many and complex, too many and too complex to parse here. It is noted though, that young men between the ages of 15-25 fall into the highest risk category. Why, I wonder, is that? Is it that we men, despite our bravado, feel it is all too much and we can’t cope? What we must remember is that behind each statistic is an individual, a human being, with family and people who love them, and who will be brokenhearted and numb and speechless after they are gone. Often what people need is to just feel listened to. Maybe that’s what we need to do more of in the New Year; simply listen.
I’m pleased that among the exciting topics and goodies between the covers of this issue, concern for our fellow human being features prominently; from mental health (pg. 4), to an exciting art auction in aid of Simon, (pg. 6), to highlighting hidden slavery in Ethical Christmas Shopping (pg. 8). We must all work together this Christmas to make it a better world for everyone; drop in on a neighbour living alone, or choose an extra card for someone who might not get any. And thus, when the Spirit of Christmas Future comes he may show us a brighter future.
With that, may I wish you and yours, from all at NewsFour, the happiest of Christmasses, and may all your dreams come true next year.
