NATIONAL THANK YOU DAY
Acknowledging those who have helped
As we approach the one-year anniversary of Covid-19’s arrival in Ireland, an initiative started in Fermoy aims to lifts spirits nationwide as the landmark date looms.
A ‘National Thank You Day’ is to be held on Sunday, February 28th – exactly one year on from the date on which the first case of the virus was detected in Ireland.
Graham Clifford, a former journalist and now social entrepreneur, is behind the initiative and explains why such a day is so needed:
He told TheAvondhu, “People have found this latest part of the pandemic very difficult and it’s understandable and inevitable that, for many, motivation and energy levels have dipped. So many across Ireland have lost loved ones to this virus or have been ill themselves with it over the last 12 months.
“As the one-year mark draws closer, I thought we, as a country, needed something to help us look to the future with hope and resilience rather than look back in despair – something everyone can take part in easily.”
And so, the National Thank You Day concept was conceived.
“This isn’t really about applauding health care workers,” explains Clifford, adding, “but more about taking a moment to thank that someone whose actions, big or small, have helped you personally over the last year. It could be the helpful shop assistant who always greets you with a smile, the neighbour who always lifts your spirits, the postman who keeps you connected with others, maybe the teacher who goes over and above for your child or the binmen who call to collect the rubbish every Monday morning, hail or shine. Whomever it is, the idea is that we make sure to thank them on National Thank You Day.”
People are being asked to get involved by posting a thank you card or letter to the person who they wish to thank – or popping it in their letterbox. Alternatively, you can send a text message, WhatsApp or e-mail or social media message using the hashtag #Thanksamillion. And if you can, perhaps make a TikTok video message of the picture to say thank you.
The initiative has already received much national attention. Paul Byrne, of Virgin Media News, visited Fermoy last week to record a televised segment with Mr Clifford about ‘ National Thank You Day’ and also to speak to locals about why the day is much needed.
And one pub in the town has taken it a step further.
The Wagon Tavern, at the cross on the Cork Road in Fermoy, has decorated all of its windows to promote and celebrate ‘National Thank You Day’
With images of local workers on each pane of glass, the innovation at the pub has the whole town talking.
Tom Aherne, who owns the Wagon Tavern, told TheAvondhu.“we have a tradition where we decorate our windows every Christmas with a theme that’s topical. And for this past Christmas, we wanted to acknowledge and thank frontline workers after everything that has gone on with Covid-19. Since the pub is currently closed, Sabrina Aherne and Elaine O’Callaghan came up with the idea to update it for ‘ National Thank You Day’ and to give a virtual hug. Its just a little something to help give a positive lift.”
The Fermoy International Choir is also preparing to mark ‘ National Thank You Day’ by rereleasing their superb version of ‘ Bridge Over Troubled Water’ with a new accompanying video.
And the Glucksman
Gallery at University College Cork will produce online videos showing people how to be creative with their ‘ Thank You Cards’ and efforts.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
The day will be multilingual too, to include migrants to Ireland with the hashtag #Thanksamillion translated into a number or languages and used to promote the day. Embassies to Ireland are also supporting the initiative.
A request has also been sent to President Higgins to endorse ‘National Thank You Day’.
Primary and secondary school students will also take part in the initiative and Graham Clifford is encouraging everyone to get involved.
Graham, who also founded the Sanctuary Runners’ solidarity-through-sport movement and Translate Ireland, said: “Our hope here is to create a national moment of reflection. Of course, we must remember and grieve for all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19, but we can also look forward in hope and determination knowing that at the core of our society is decency and kindness. It’s important to take a day to acknowledge that and feel the positive energy from it.”
To find out more about the National Thank You Day on Sunday, February 28th simply visit Facebook.com/ IrelandsNationalThankYouDay or on Twitter @Thanksamillion5
After months of wishing, hoping and waiting, patients are finally in line for their Covid-19 vaccination – with those aged 85 and older first to be vaccinated.
This week some patients in the North Cork area received their first dose of the vaccine, with more to be invited by their GPs next week to receive their initial jab.
The date of vaccination clinics will depend on when batches of the actual vaccine are delivered by the HSE, so while some practices will commence vaccinating this week, others may have to wait a little longer.
Dr Charlie McCarthy in the Park Medical Clinic, Fermoy explains. “The vaccination is offered strictly by age group with those aged 85-years-old and over in the first group. Two weeks later the next delivery arrives, and it will be given to those who are aged between 80 and 84-years of age and so on. The second dose of the vaccine will be given four weeks after the first for each person.”
He continued, “Each surgery will contact their patients in the relevant age group to offer a slot. We do not have any flexibility over this, for example if a husband or wife is in the younger group they will have to wait until their age group is being called. This is so that the vaccine is given to those who need it soonest.”
HOUSEBOUND
Dr Carol Collins of the Family First Medical Practice in Fermoy, explains the process for those who are housebound:
“The vaccines we are using are very fragile. They arrive to us frozen and we are not able to take them to people’s homes as they would be damaged by the transportation. For those who are unable to travel to the surgery to be vaccinated, the GP will inform the HSE, who then make the necessary arrangements.”
GP practices will be in touch with those patients who are in line for vaccination.
Dr Sura Aldeen, of the Fermoy Rathcormac Practice, told The Avondhu, of the positivity everyone is feeling that there is some light at the end of the tunnel for people in our community.
“We are so happy to offer a highly effective vaccine to our older patients who have endured such a difficult year. The protection from the vaccination should give peace of mind that the risk of serious disease from the virus is hugely reduced. We don’t yet have data to tell us whether a vaccinated person could still pass infection to others, so anyone who is vaccinated will have to continue to social distance, wear masks and wash their hands.”
NORMAL GP SERVICE
Dr Laura Lane, of LivingHealth in Mitchelstown, said it’s important for people to remember that GPs will continue to provide all the usual services to their patients.
She told TheAvondhu, “We’d like to ask people to avoid phoning the surgery to enquire about the vaccine if it is not yet your turn, we need our phone lines free to patients who might be unwell. Please check practice websites for updates and see hse.ie for details on vaccines.”