Rising to the challenge
Wicklow sports clubs volunteer vital services
SPORTS clubs across Co. Wicklow are rising to the growing challenge of the Covid-19 outbreak by offering vital services to vulnerable people within their communities in this time of need.
From Bray to Carnew and from Blessington to St Patrick’s many clubs have informed their local communities that their members are on hand to take care of any practical needs of anyone who needs assistance in this very challenging and uncertain times.
Wicklow GAA are currently working with the HSE to find ways of unlocking the potential of the vast community of volunteer support that exists right across the county.
‘Wicklow GAA are working with the HSE to explore options to promote and coordinate the provision of local community volunteer support, across a potential wide range of areas to ensure our community healthcare systems maintain their function during these challenging times,’ they said last weekend.
‘The HSE anticipate that their community services will experience an unprecedented surge in demand in the coming weeks, and capacity will be stretched within our communities in West Wicklow
‘Our GAA clubs exist in every parish across the county and the membership network is a valuable resource that can be of great assistance to the HSE, and other organisations, who deliver vital services during this challenging time,’ they added.
Carnew Emmets GAA Club have offered the help of over 50 adult players who are willing and able to help with deliveries or any other practical needs members of their community might have.
‘Given the recent national outbreak of Covid-19, the club feel it is a very important time to act together as a community,’ said a club spokesperson.
‘We would like to offer the services of our club members to assist the elderly, vulnerable or anybody who needs help.
‘We have over 50 adult players who are keen to help with deliveries of any sort, or anything whatsoever that may be needed as this situation develops.’
‘It is a very challenging time for many in communities all over the country and we appreciate that the smallest things may be of benefit. Please do not feel like you are alone,’ they added.
In St Patrick’s GAA Club in Wicklow town a team of volunteers have been put in place to help their local community in any way they can.
‘Our main concern is that all our members stay safe during this tough time. We at St Patrick’s GAA have put a team of volunteers together led by Alan Lawlor and Eugene Dooley to help our community (vulnerable, self-isolating and especially our elderly) at this uncertain time.
‘If you know of anybody in need of assistance with shopping, picking up prescriptions or anything you can think of, please don’t hesitate to contact Alan on 086 2784498 or Eugene on 087 2953633 for assistance providing complete respect and full confidentiality and we will aim to gladly help in any way that we can,’ they said.