I’ve met my heroes during this unprecedented health crisis – and they haven’t disappointed

SIR,

These are strange times we are living in, for sure. No one is certain what “normal” is anymore. It seem that what used to be, cannot be anymore. We are at some bizzarre turn in the road that no one expected.

But people are savvy ol’ creatures, aren’t they? They know instinctively how to respond to stay alive. They have a sixth sense for knowing when a neighbour needs help.

Take me for example. I live alone in rural Ireland. I have no car and am on a pension. Under normal circumstances this is no problem. I am (still) in good health and live in relative comfort, no immediate need for me to complain about anything.

But since we are in a seemingly long period of self-isolation and daily ever-distancing ourselves from one another, I wondered how I’d cope and basically just carry-on.

I have been overwhelmingly moved by my neighbours who have popped round just to see if I am OK, or have asked do I need anything from the local shop.

There is a sensational staff at The Glen Community Centre who are glad to provide me with a hearty Meals on Wheels should I desire, while a man will deliver bags of turf to me at an any time – day or night.

I have a local taxi man who is always ready, willing and able to give me a lift at any time into Cahersiveen for groceries. Speaking of which, it has to be said that the staff at the Centra have been, in tough circumstances, always pleasant, smiling, helpful and courteous – not easy to do when customers come in with panic buying on their minds.

They have all helped make an ol’ fella feel very safe.

I have heard it said over the years that it’s not a good idea to actually meet your heros as they are likely to disappoint you.

Well, I can disabuse you of that notion very quickly.

Come here to South Kerry and meet mine. I assure you, they are absolutely the real deal,

Sincerely,

Tom Cahill, Ballinskelligs.