Andrew Carey
THE greatest innovation is innovation in both compassion and the effectiveness in responding to your neighbours difficulties.
It was the heroic actions like those of father of seven and St Mary’s Park resident Ger Hogan who tacked his horse to carry out trapped residents in the floods that inspired the words of President Michael D Higgins in Limerick this Monday.
Speaking to to the stricken residents of the area, President Higgins’ comments and acknowledgement of Ger’s work sparked rapturous applause in what he said was the Irishness in community spirit.
Amongst his many comments and words of support to St Mary’s park residents, President Higgins added that he wanted to make an appeal that it not be “the response of a short period or a moment, but that people make a commitment to following through now with the families”.
President Higgins had words for those in businesses that have been affected as he acknowledged that they had been “through tough economic times”, only to be dealt this blow.
In recognition and praise of the huge and valued display of community spirit, President Higgins said that he was both moved and impressed by the “solidarity”.
Acknowledgment was also made towards Regeneration as President Higgins said he was “very conscious” of the programme and its future success.
Haven spoken recently at a technology conference about innovation, President Higgins said that “really, the greatest innovation is innovation in both compassion and the effectiveness in responding to your neighbours difficulties”.
