Storm Bert brought devastation to the western half of the country on Saturday and dumped a load of rain on us in Laois.
But with a General Election six days away at the time, the candidates can’t allow bad weather to get in their way.
For the latest installment of our On the Canvass series, we joined Fine Gael’s Willie Aird in Portlaoise.
A group of around 40 supporters gathered in Top Square at 2pm with those young and old ready to canvass.
Among them were former Minister for Justice and outgoing TD Charlie Flanagan plus local County Councillor Barry Walsh.
After posing for a quick picture, it was straight down to work as Anne Maria, wife of Willie Aird, called everyone together.
In what was a bit like a GAA-style teamtalk, the huge group was split into several small groups and each was designated a particular part of the town.
We followed Cllr Aird and headed in the direction of the Abbeyleix Road on foot.
Willie Aird’s campaign slogan is ‘Your Voice in Dail Eireann’ – and he is seeking to emulate his grandfather.
Also named William, he was elected a Cumann na nGaedheal TD in 1927 and died in 1931 during his term in office – almost 100 years ago.
Willie’s grandmother Madge served on Portlaoise town commission and his uncle Billy was a Councillor too.
Earlier that day, Willie had canvassed at the mart in Ballinakill where he allegedly proved a bigger hit than some of the cattle that were up for auction.
And as we made our way along the footpath towards Portlaoise Garda Station, Willie frequently had to stop as people let down the window of their car to wish him well.
In the group that accompanied Willie was his nephew Martin Mannion and his fiancee Clare Donegan.
Martin, who hails from Clifton in Galway, says he first featured at one of Willie’s elections in 1991 – although he was just two-years-old at the time.
There was a strong Macra/IFA presence too as Mary Browne and Liam Delaney were also present – the latter well known for starring in an ad for McDonald’s once upon a time.
We continue along and Willie catches up to us as we approach the ESB and cross the road to that side.
The houses along there have seen great change over the years with the widening and changing of the road along there plus the installation of roundabouts.
Willie said: “We are a stone’s throw away from my home house and I know all the people along here.
“I used to deliver milk to them back in the day and they are salt of the earth.”
A short time later we end up in the kitchen of Kathleen Mulligan’s house – where she quickly re-assures Willie that there is ‘no need’ to call to her but she appreciates the visit nonetheless.
We continue on as across the road in O’Moore Park, Borris-Kilcotton are battling with Lisdowney in the Leinster Club IHC semi final.
As someone who spends most of their time covering matches, I’m a little taken aback at how clearly you can hear the roars from the crown as we enter Cherrygarth – no doubt those who live here pass little notice of it.
The first person we meet is a lady who has been living in the estate for the last 54 years.
She moved down from Sligo and jokes that ‘the milk tastes much better down here’ as she reaffirms her support for Willie.
Another couple come to the door, they have been living there for 51 years and thank Willie for all he has done – while also asking about the possibility of a grant for new windows.
After that, we move on to Kylebrook where the reception is similarly warm.
One woman says she is a long term supporter of Aird’s but won’t be able to vote for him.
She says: “I would’ve voted for you but I’m away.
“I really hope you get in as you do so much work for us around here.”
And that is the trend for the rest of the estate, doors knocked, warm receptions and leaflets accepted – one woman and her son even present him with a custom made mug with Willie’s face on it.
Another couple say they always vote Sinn Fein or Fianna Fail – but that will change this time they say due to Willie’s entry into the race.
Willie Aird achieved 1,540 votes in the Local Election in June as he topped the poll in Portlaoise and was elected on the first count once again.
He’ll probably need six times that to get to the Dail but it certainly looks like his Town support is more than secure.
