Cocooned Kilworth pensioners say ‘a brighter day will come’
‘WE HAVE LIVED THROUGH TOUGH TIMES BEFORE AND YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD REALISE THE COUNTRY WILL GET THROUGH THIS.”
PENSIONERS carefully cocooned from Covid-19 in Kilworth have urged young people to “step up to the mark’’ in complying with virus controls - urging them to follow the lead of an Irish generation that endured a world war, rationing, numerous recessions and even enforced emigration.
The brave residents of the Heaphy Grove sheltered housing complex urged people to strictly adhere to the Government and Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines as they vowed to defeat the virus like previous tough times and see normal life return to Ireland.
“We have lived through tough times before and young people should realise that the country will get through this,” Nora Riegel (87) said.
“But we need to get through it together. Everyone needs to do their bit to protect themselves, their family and their neighbours.”
Nora, a widow who is bravely battling a serious health condition, said youngsters need to realise that Ireland’s older generations have seen tough times before.
“I grew up in Mallow during World War II and I remember the excitement when children saw a banana in a shop window. We had never seen one before and no one could afford one so we just stared in amazement at it,” said Nora.
Later, she had to emigrate to the United States for employment before returning to Ireland in 1974.
“Youngsters need to realise they have a lot more today than we ever did and these virus controls will only last as long as necessary.”
She said she ‘cocooned’ herself more than two weeks ago for her own health and safety - only staying in contact with her family by using the telephone.
Her neighbours Kay O’Driscoll, Vera Jackson and Mary Thorp, all pensioners, also ‘cocooned’ to safeguard their health during the current pandemic.
Mary Thorp said Active Retirement Ireland and ALONE have done tremendous work to help and support pensioners now living in isolation to protect their health.
“The support that people are providing within Irish communities is absolutely wonderful,” she said.
Nora explained that she has evolved her own routine for coping with life in a cocoon.
“I go for a walk on my own two or three times a day for exercise, I go to St Martin’s Church to pray for everyone and especially the healthcare workers. I love reading and I watch my favourite programmes on TV.”
She also helps take care of her neighbour Vera’s elderly rescue dog, Barnie.
“We reckon Barnie is 105 years old so he needs even greater minding that we do,” she joked.
“I have fantastic friends and neighbours here in Heaphy Grove and in Kilworth. We chat with each other every day but we make sure we do so over the wall. We all look out for each other.”
“The kindness shown by people has been incredible.”
Nora, Vera, Kay and Mary echoed the message that everyone needs to follow Government guidelines and do their part in supporting the doctors and nurses fighting the virus on the front-line to get through this current period.
“I think those of us that lived through war times realised that you can never lose hope or that tomorrow will be a brighter day,” said Nora.