This is incredible generosity.
We reported a sad story over the weekend about a Westmeath family that saw their livelihoods decimated last Wednesday after 100 livestock were stolen from their farm.
A reward of €10,000 for significant information about the theft was put up, and still stands, but the farming community of Ireland has rallied together to support them.
This status was posted to the Irish Farmers Journal Facebook page by Jim McLaughlin yesterday.
The response has been absolutely incredible with over 3,000 shares, over 14,000 likes and 500 messages of support. Here's a sample.
Brenda Glynn Conlan: What a very kind and generous offer Jim, myself & my husband happy to give a calf too. Hope this will inspire others to give a calf also. What a rotten thing to happen to anyone, hope the scum are caught soon.
Amy Lynott: Fabulous idea. I can't help with livestock as I don't own any but have trailer license and happy to help transport any potential donations from Waterford/Cork.
Lisa Mulhall: I have a cow scanned with twins due in the Autumn, would be happy to donate one calf to such a fabulous family xx
Damien McElhinney: Please pm me your address , I don't own any cattle but I will gladly send you money to replace a calf , no one should have their livelihood taken away like that
Noreen O' Donoghue: Very proud to be irish. Well done to Jim McGloughlin and all the other Irish farmers for the kindness and generosity shown to the Dillon family.
Stephen Shinners: Read about the robbery the other day! But this goes to show the Irish are the best people In the world even if there is a few bad apples out there!
That's just the tip of the iceberg folks, this is the reaction of one of the family members who had their livestock stolen.
Christa Dillon: I just can't believe such kindness and generosity. I want to thank you so sincerely. I'm beyond words to express my gratitude-to you,and to the thousands who are rowing in behind us. I have never been so proud to be in agriculture in Ireland. Thankyou. Just THANKYOU. This means everything.
Wow, another example of good Irish people getting behind each other when times are tough.
Hat-tip to Paul Brennan.
