Seán gets creative while cocooning
THE man who would have created history this year by becoming the first Grand Marshal of the Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day parade has appealed to people to adhere to cocooning guidelines as laid down by the Government and health authorities
Sean Óg Doyle was selected as the Grand Marshal to this year’s parade but sadly that didn’t materialise as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, speaking to this newspaper Sean, who is a former healthcare worker, is urging everyone over 70-years-of-age to keep on cocooning.
He was part of the team in St Senan’s Hospital for many years and spent 40 years involved in local politics, having been first elected to Enniscorthy Town Council in 1973.
Sean was the Cathaoirleach of the local authority on seven occasions, including during the 1798 bicentennial, and he also served for many years on Wexford County Council.
Sean is very well known and respected in Enniscorthy and across the county and has played leading roles in community organisations such as the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Committee and the Strawberry Festival, in addition to being a lifelong member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
He served as treasurer on the local committees that staged the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Enniscorthy on three occasions: 1967, 1999 and 2000.
While he is originally from Rathnure, he is synonymous with Enniscorthy and was President of the committee that commemorated the centenary of the Easter Rising in 1916.
Speaking to this newspaper he said it’s important that people adhere to the guidelines.
‘It’s important for everyone’s safety and people just need to be responsible,’ he said.
He said he’s been using his cocooning time in a very productive way.
Seáns father taught him to knit from when he was six-yearsold and he has it’s a craft he’s pursued all his life.
During his current ‘down time’ he’s increased his output and has crafted hats, scarves and other items including a large scarf in the Wexford county colours.
Because of his own association with the health services he said he is ‘very proud’ of those who are putting themselves in the ‘ beárna baol’ while caring for those who are affected.
‘I am urging those of my generation to bear in mind that a little sacrifice on the part of older people can deliver a great result at a time when Ireland faces a major challenge,’ said Sean.
‘It’s hard for people my age, especially where we miss being out in the community,’ he added.
However, he also said that what is being asked of his generation is in some ways ‘very simple’.
‘There is a public health emergency and it is for ours – and society’s – good that we remain at home while it continues,’ he said.
Wexford County Council, in association with the South East Community Healthcare and other agencies, have a Community Response Forums helpline in place that anyone can access through 053 9196000 if they need help of any kind.
Meanwhile, Sean is looking forward to when life gets back some semblance of normality.
‘I look forward to the other side of this, when we can all get out and around our local areas,’ he said. ‘After we all have played our part in ensuring public safety the meantime.’
IT’S HARD FOR PEOPLE MY AGE... IT IS FOR OUR – AND SOCIETY’S – GOOD THAT WE REMAIN AT HOME