Éilis Hourigan’s
Newmarket rises to unprecedented COVID-19 task
THE CHANGES being brought in nationally to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus have created huge challenges in communities throughout the country, and Newmarket is no exception.
Our local businesses have not been found wanting, and wasted no time in taking decisive steps to safeguard customers and staff.
Shops are fully stocked and open for business. SuperValu is following guidelines as to how many customers can be in-store at any one time.
They shared the following message on their Facebook page last week: “Whilst we don’t expect to exceed this Monday to Wednesday, it may be the case that for periods on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we may have to limit the flow of customers into store.
“We will do this by closing the front door completely and letting people in by the car park door... This will be on a two-out-two-in basis.
“We would ask you that if this occurs you still keep your distance while youu wait to be let in... Feel free to phone ahead on (029) 60233 or (087) 360 8341 to check if the store is busy or quiet”.
They expressed thanks to the many offers of help with deliveries they received.
They also wanted to thank all their staff, who have been working extremely hard under stressful conditions but still give a warm welcome to all their customers.
There are a number of shops in town providing a home-delivery service for those who need to self-isolate or are concerned about coming to town: SuperValu: (029) 60233; Tadhg Ryan: (029) 60541 or (087) 921 8362; Hannon’s: (029) 60006; O’Keefes Fruit and Veg: (087) 6269129; Twomey’s Butchers: (029) 61904; and Phil O’Reilly Butchers: (086) 349 4398.
They will also collect from other outlets like the pharmacy and bring this with your shopping once you have prearranged this with the pharmacy.
For the most up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19 go to the HSE website: www2.hse.ie/coronavirus. There will be daily updates on the news on TV or on radio.
There is a lot of misinformation and false medical advice circulating on social media so please make sure you are getting news from a trustworthy source, such as right here at The Corkman.
IT WAS a very strange St Patrick’s day in Newmarket this year, with no parade in town and the community still trying to make sense of the new reality we find ourselves in.
However, the pipe band did not let their town down. Pipe major Alison Fitzpatrick had the idea that a few members would come together and play in the car park and at the monument to brighten all our spirits and to commemorate the day.
Coincidentally St Patrick’s day was 99 years to the day since Cha O’Reilly, whom the monument commemorates, was buried.
He was ambushed by a party of Military on March 13, 1921.
According to Brother Allen’s account, he was gravely injured but still managed to escape with his rifle.
Two days later, on March 15, he died at home, in Church Street. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam