Sir, – It seems that Dublin-based individuals and journalists have developed a particular fascination with the idea of perpetual rain in Galway. A recent example comes from Gerry Thornley’s Connacht v Leinster report, where not only does “rain” feature in the headline, but it also appears in the very first sentence: “ ... after the din ... the capacity 12k headed into the Galway rain”. (“Leinster tear up script as they rain on Connacht’s parade,” January 26th).
My own mother, who lives in Dublin, texted me both before and during the match to ask if it was raining, while also informing me it was pouring rain in Dublin throughout the game. I replied that, in fact, it hadn’t rained at all in Galway that day, apart from a light drizzle during parts of the match, which cleared up towards the end.
Therefore the narrative appears to be persistent, regardless of the actual conditions on the ground. If referencing the supposed “permanent rain” in Galway helps Dubliners feel better about their own weather, so be it. However, must we continue to indulge in such lazy, stereotypical reporting? Galway has much more to offer than tired cliches about its weather. – Yours, etc,
ALAN NIXON,
RM Block
Tuam,
Co Galway.
Sir, – As we navigate deep lakes of water lying on the road, and as we fear for the future of our sodden gardens; as we receive greetings from those most sociable of rivers that rise up to meet us on the streets, and the temporary waterfalls gracing us from the unmaintained guttering of every main street building in every Irish town; these all act as timely reminders that in a few months we will be subject to hosepipe bans, restricted water mains pressure, pleas for careful usage, and dire warnings about unprecedented drought and the risk dried-up reservoirs.
Somewhere deep down is a feeling that there must be a better way of managing these things. – Yours etc
JOHN DUNNE,
Enniscorthy,
Co Wexford.
