LOURDES HOSPITAL SHINES BRIGHTEST
IT WAS an extraordinary night. The eve of Easter morning and all around, a hush had descended. An eerie silence in a strange land.
The call had been made to ‘Shine a Light’ for those suffering during COVID-19.
And homes and sports clubs and various groups responded, nationwide.
But perhaps the brighest light was outside the main entrance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
It was 9.30pm and the stillness of the night hid the trials and tribulations inside this magnificent palace of care and attention.
It was incredible to think that many had shared a journey many months ago now to save the name of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
On this night, the name seemed more appropriate than ever. The dream of a little lady from south Dublin has served this town and region so well in our hour of need and indeed, with a statue of her being commissioned at the moment, maybe placing it at these very gates in the months ahead would be a tribute to her vision and those that have given so much in all of this.
On Bothar Brugha, Boyle O’Reilly and the Windmill Road, the lights were shining in the windows, a shout out to their wonderous neighbour for many decades now.
As the town approached, footsteps echoed out.
The lights of the empty car park at the Gary Kelly Centre maybe gave a different message, to those that depend so much on Ann and the team - hang in there.
Barlow House was lit up in a great glow, it’s facade, glorious at the best of times, magnificent on nights like this.
The staff in Tesco had gathered at the end of their shift and were set for home. They too are heroes in this story, serving the community that appreciates their efforts so much.
And maybe the little moment that has so summed up the rise of the take-away experience at this time.
A women’s voice broke the silence, talking through the window of Dominic’s on George’s Street, ‘ an extra chip and a portion of onion rings,’ she exclaimed.
Ah, Dominic’s onion rings - you just can’t beat them....