Hurling legend Eddie Keher urges fellow cocooners to ‘play ball’ and stay inside
The HSE’s message to those aged 70 and over to ‘cocoon’ is being championed by one of the country’s best known sporting legends, Eddie Keher.
Keher is cocooning at home in Inistioge with his wife, Kay, and is urging those of his generation to do likewise.
As a former Kilkenny hurler of renown, Keher says playing by the rules is very important and breaking them, in the current context, could prove deadly.
A winner of six All-Ireland medals during a playing career between 1959 and 1977, Keher has been a guest on local radio shows around the south east in recent days to spread the message that a little sacrifice can deliver a great result.
Keher said: ‘People of my age came through tough times – during and after the war, into the late 1940s and on through the fifties and sixties. We can lead by example now when faced with something more serious than ever seen before. I know it is hard, especially when missing things like family, meeting people and being involved in other social activities. What we are being asked to do, however, is to remain confined for the duration of this public health emergency – for ours and society’s good.’
He said: ‘It’s very simple. Cocooning means staying at home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact. For the time involved, family, carers, neighbours and our public services will help ensure you have the support you need. Do stay where you are. Arrange for food or medication deliveries to be left at the door. The local authorities in the south east, in association with the HSE/South East Community Healthcare and a range of other statutory and voluntary agencies, have Community Response Forums help lines in place.’
He urged people to use their garden or balcony spaces regularly.
‘Spend time outside for fresh air. Keep in touch with people over the phone or online if you have access. Keep yourself mobile by getting up and moving as much as possible. Try to spend time doing things you enjoy indoors. Don’t go outside your home and garden and don’t have visitors to your home (except for essential carers). If you live with a person who needs to be cocooned, even though it’s hard, try to stay a meter or more apart.’
He said he is looking forward to coming out of his cocooning period, to a time when he can watch GAA matches again on TV but only when we will all have played our part in ensuring public safety in the meantime.