'Is iomaí corr sa tsaol' is an old Irish proverb meaning 'There is many a twist in life,' writes Caitlín Nic Aoidh, TG4's weather and continuity presenter. "However, this twist was bigger and more drastic than I ever could have ever imagined."
Strangely enough I found myself at the beginning of lockdown having to frequently remind myself that this was in fact real life! I continued to go in and out of the studio in Baile na hAbhann to present the weather while occasionally working from home.
During the day the studio was eerily quiet, and quite similar to what it would be like late in the evening on the late shift. I definitely miss seeing the friendly faces of my colleagues at work.
As a station, we adapted very quickly and effectively. In the ever-changing industry of television and media, you have to act fast and the managers did that extremely quickly and effectively. To practically run a TV station from home would have sounded completely unimaginable this time last year but it goes to show that anything is possible.
Both myself and my colleague trained two new weather presenters, Darren and Donncha, in the middle of the pandemic with all the necessary protocols in place. It was incredible to have new faces talent shine through at this time.
I believe a lot of great things have come from lockdown. It naturally forced me to slow down when I would have time off. I would constantly be on the go, driving between Donegal, Sligo and Galway.
As the weeks and months went on I became incredibly homesick during the first lockdown, not knowing when I’d get to see my parents and family in Donegal. I had a new nephew I was very eager to meet, and since March I’ve now two new nephews. Meeting them through Zoom is just not the same.
I was very grateful and fortunate to be in Galway. When the good weather came I went out on the stand-up paddle board to soak up some of that sunshine in Salthill.
I have learned a lot from these lockdowns, from a life of busy schedules, waiting for the next event or outing. I think it’s giving me more time to focus on the present moment and be extremely grateful for what I have. It has been great time for reflecting and to reset. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the sea within my 5km radius.
Before I took off for my holidays in Donegal I was delighted to present a media summer camp Campa Cúla 4 which was broadcast during the summer on TG4. I’ll never forget the excitement to finally get to go home when the restrictions had lifted. I had the same if not more of that excitement you get in airport off to a new destination!
I spent my summer holidays in my home county, rediscovering Donegal and did lots of Island hopping. I went to five islands there that I had never been to, Tory, Gola, Inis Meáin, Cruit and Inis Oirthearr. All of these islands had their own charm and exquisite characteristics. My friends slagged me that I was Bord Fáilte Donegal but I had one of the most memorable summers.
I recently got into recreational diving on holidays and when I learned I could do it in Donegal it was at the top of my list. It’s definitely much chillier experience but there is an amazing life underwater here.
Being underwater forces you to take things easy, breathe deeply and enjoy the present moment. Here is a picture up close of a very inquisitive seal pup.
I’ve learned that time out, adventure and sight-seeing is not a flight away, but here on our very own doorstep. We have the most incredible scenery and I think the people of Ireland showcased the country in an authentic and beautiful manner. It makes me so proud to be Irish. I think there is no better country to be in in lockdown.
This time has shined a light on how important the arts are. The arts is in our culture and DNA and I believe this time would have been much tougher had we not had them. I do miss live music and theatre. One of the most enjoyable, creative and reflective pieces of television I’ve watched was Samhlú 2020 on TG4.
The Irish people are incredibly witty and even in a crisis you could turn to Twitter or a forum for a well needed laugh. I think it shows our resilience as a nation that we can still have light-hearted fun even in the midst of a pandemic. It’s the people that make this country.
I am very hopeful for the future, I believe we can take the aspects of this time that we’ve enjoyed to the next chapter. Nothing lasts forever, or as we say as Gaeilge, Níl in aon rud ach seal.
