Last night, news emerged that one of Europe’s most iconic buildings and a symbol for France was burning to the ground. Likes like John might have taken a different route on that Dragon ride last night. Damn you John, I used to like you. Nah, in all seriousness I’m not sure we’ve ever seen such an outcry of emotion at an event where no life was lost. But that’s the thing, Notre Dame was far more than just a building. Hugely historic artefacts and architecture was destroyed but thanks to a hero priest it could have been a lot worse. Hats of to Jean-Marc Fournier for saving the Blessed Sacrament and the Crown of Thorns. I’m not sure there’s been a more heroic priest since Father Ted Crilly prevented that plane from plummeting to the ground. Kinda like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame was a much cooler, more significant version of the spire but in fairness the spire wouldn’t light up like that so we can rest easy knowing nothing will take down Dublin’s symbol . It was an essential visit for every tourist in Paris and an emblem of home for every Parisien. I’m noticing I keep using the word was but there are already efforts to get funds together to rebuild the amazing building with Frances richest man Bernard Arnault donating 200 million to the rebuilding efforts. Its perhaps comforting to see such a sense of unity where Trump and Brexit dominate news headlines and divide. Maybe Britain could just pay for it and we can let them stay in the EU in exchange??
