Meitheal spirit’s alive in Kanturk
THE meitheal spirit is alive and well in Kanturk as a group set up to support the work of Mercy House has been busy since the COVID-19 pandemic measures came into operation.
The Mercy House Support Group came about as local businessman Michael Breen and friends offered their services to Mercy House, which runs the local Meals on Wheels service.
“Due to this ongoing situation, we realised there would be people who would need groceries delivered, medication picked up and the like, so we decided to come forward to help,” Michael told The Corkman.
“The systems works very effectively. If there are people who need groceries delivered or to get a prescription from the chemist, they ring Sister Helen at Mercy House at (029) 51161, and she passes on the message which gets put up on our WhatsApp page, and soon enough there’s a volunteer to carry out the task.
“Up to now it’s been three or four calls a day, but it’s getting busier especially this week.
“The service is directed at people who are vulnerable,” he added.
According to Michael, the current crisis is bringing a real sense of community to the fore, with people offering to help out to ensure the more vulnerable in society get through period.
“This is the spirit that kept GAA and soccer clubs open,” he said.
Back at Mercy House, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, Sister Helen feels that the current crisis is bringing the best out of people and leading to a real sense of community spirit.
“An awful lot of people are offering to help and there’s a really good spirit” she said.
“A lot of the older people out there are afraid because they feel vulnerable due to all the stories they’re hearing.
“It helps them to feel that there’s somebody who will call with messages and medicine,” she added. this dangerous