EVERYDAY HEROES
From stacking shelves to bus driving, youth work to nursing, meet Ireland’s...
MEET the ordinary Irish people doing extraordinary things during the coronavirus outbreak.
We asked, you answered... our readers have nominated those who are going above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Laois native DAVID KELLY nominated his son DAVID JR and told how as a nurse testing Covid patients, his heroic son has been separated from his wife who has cystic fibrosis.
David Snr told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “David works as a nurse in St Luke’s hospital, Kilkenny.
“He is testing for probable Covid-19 cases there and has been in contact with numerous positive cases.
“He has been separated from his less-than-one-year wife who suffers from CF since this pandemic began, in case he becomes symptomatic.
“Covid to her would be terminal, they now live in different houses, what a wonderful young man.”
JOYE MCDAID from Dublin nominated her 47-year old sister RHONDA
BYRNE, from Dublin. Rhonda has been a driver for Bus Eireann for the past 12 years.
Her routes bring staff to work at Dublin’s Mater hospital, one of the hardest-hit hospitals in Ireland with coronavirus patients.
Joye said: “We’re just so proud of Rhonda for the important contribution she’s making, putting in long hours working on the frontline.
“Thinking about the enormous pressure that her passengers face every day, treating sick patients at the Mater Hospital, makes Rhonda feel really emotional and she tells us that she considers it to be a great honour to be able to play her part during this crisis.”
Offaly native MARIE LAWLER has a daughter and husband who work on the frontline, she nominates them both but is keeping her daughter’s privacy by not revealing her name.
Marie said: “Both my daughter and husband Mark work in the front line, my daughter is shy so I won’t mention her by name but she knows who she is.
“I have to say I’m so proud of them, it’s amazing what they have to do, the long shifts, they’re my superstars.
“Mark is an excellent healthcare worker, I know he is highly thought of in hospital.”
Not only is 42yearold Mark on the frontline, he cares for his family too. Marie adds: “My beloved Mark helps out his sister and dad, who both have MS. He hasn’t seen them since lockdown, I know he misses them very much.”
Galway native WAYNE MASTERSON, 27, nominated his 47-yearold mother MARGUERITE MASTERSON.
At 40, Marguerite decided to change career and become a bus driver for Bus Eireann. Wayne said: “My mam drives all the city routes and loves the variety it brings – she never fails to offer a few kind words to the passengers she meets, especially now during the crisis.
“She’s providing an essential service to the people of Galway at this critical time and always has a smile on her face while doing so.”
17-year-old BONNIE DONNELL from Sligo has been with youth organisation Foroige since she was 12 and nominated all her leaders in particular – DR SEAN CAMPBELL
She said: “Sean has never failed to always put young people first, whether we be in a pandemic or not.
“Foroige is a lifeline for 60,000 people right now, myself included, and without every amazing person behind it has provided so much hope. We all have wanted to scream from the rooftops how difficult everything has been for us, facing issues like our mental and physical health being in rapid decline, stressing over schoolwork more than ever, missing our friends and being worried about family members.
“However, through all this, Foroige has helped young people throughout Ireland feel listened to. Foroige has kept us creative and active through their social media, like posting young people’s art and music or sharing motivational posts, exercise routines and advice to help us through such difficult times. MICHELLE BYRNE from Dublin nominated her 47-year-old husband GORDON HISLIP. He has been driving with Bus Eireann for just over two years, operating Route 20 between Dublin and Galway. Michelle said: “Gordon is one of the most customercentred people I have met, even when he isn’t in work Gordon is always looking out for how he can assist others. “I know he takes great pride in working for Bus Eireann, always
looking for ways that improve the experience of his customers. He likes to help passengers with directions, pointing out places of interest and telling passengers about the route he’s driving and about the type of bus they are travelling on.”
Tesco team leader AISLING JACOB in Oranmore Galway nominated her niece LIZ JACOB who started work there after her job as an entertainer and balloon artist ended.
Aisling said: “Liz’s favourite thing about working in the Oranmore store is the fabulous characters she encounters daily.
“When she first started with us, she wanted to show her appreciation and asked our store manager if she could create a balloon display at the entrance for customers as they queued. She also made candy cups with chocolates and a balloon sculpture on top for staff members to brighten up their day for Easter. They loved it.
“Liz is so kind and is such gentle character and cares a lot about
people’s experiences even if it’s something as small as saying hello and having a chat.
DEIRDRE HEFFERNAN nominated her son NICHOLAS who previously worked in Tesco in Rush, Co Dublin, while on work experience for transition year.
At the beginning of the Covid19, Tesco embarked on a recruitment drive as demand increased.
Deirdre said: “Nicholas’ role can vary during the day from re-stocking shelves, helping customers find products and assisting with maintaining social distancing.
“He gets on so well with the staff and always makes the older customers smile, he stepped up.”
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