Standing together apart to get rid of this dreadful virus
IT is simply amazing how political opinion on TV, radio, newspapers and social media can change in a matter of a few weeks.
Before the arrival of the dreaded Covid-19 the whole country was swamped in fierce rivalry during and after the general election. The climate has changed considerably with this pandemic, which has brought this country and many others worldwide to a virtual standstill.
It must be said that the Irish government and its opposition have and are performing Oscar winning efforts for the good of us all. Their work to combat Covid- 19 is second to none and that has been proven as other nations follow the Irish example.
Those on the frontline are certainly heroes and the general public are also playing their part helping people, including the elderly and vulnerable in these worrying times.
Caroline Barry continues to do business at her Caroline’s Washateria in Fair Street six days per week. One customer is allowed on the premises at any one time. She believes the distancing rules is for the good of all, which will have welcome results in a few weeks.
Caroline also operates a collection / delivery service during this crisis.
Caroline Leneghan, daughter of Denis McCarthy, who has managed the hugely succesful Meat Centre since 1971, said the business in the shop is good considering the fall of custom in the town.
Mairead Bohan of Bohan’s Dry Cleaners admits business is very quiet and for the present the outlet is closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday while it is open from 9am to 1pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The major chemists in town are operating as usual with very stringent guidelines in operation for customers.
Sheehan’s Family Butchers with its large staff are also open for business. David Sheehan said the business had the advantage of local supply and is not dependent on outside delivery. Sheehan’s operate a delivery system for both the elderly and vunerable.
Johnny Kelly from Spa Walk says he misses the closeness of family members during this Covid-19 presence. The fun and games with grandchildren is sorely missed and he also misses work and football on television.
Bubba Lyons feels he is one of the few lucky ones who is still employed. He says he feels sorry for people locked up in their homes who may have very little interests but he thinks we will be over the worst by July.
Councillor James Kennedy paid tribute to all those in the emergency services and also thanked employees in shops for their commitment in keeping the food change and vital supplies open to the public. He also said most people are complying with government regulations and he feels the next couple of weeks will be paramount in successfully ridding the community of this virus.
Tom Griffin, manager at
Herlihy Centra, paid glowing tributes to his wonderful staff during this crisis. He also acknowledged all their customers for adhering to the various regulations surrounding the pandemic.
Nathalie R. Guerin, the co-founder of the popular social group Acts Of Kindness, thanked all members for their support in recent weeks. She paid tribute to all those on the front line and said her group are continously linking with other groups and sharing information, and also supplying essential family items to homes.
Nathalie, who co-founded
Acts of Kindness with Amy O’Sullivan, also added that they were looking for photographs and videos of families on how they are coping with Covid-19. She also requests singers to perform on camera if they wish to do so.
All the items received will be digitally produced into a slide show, which will be shown at a later date.
There is certainly no doubt that people from all walks of life from around Mallow are united in these crisis in their courageous attempt to remove this virus from our people and eventually from our shores.