We haven’t been a gather ‘round the wireless, shut all the doors, hush all the children sort of generation. Most of us haven’t been spoken to from lecterns since we left education, but for the past year we have stopped all the clocks and given a juicy bone to the dog on many occasions, right from that time when Mr Varadkar Went To Washington and addressed us in a dawn darkness while most of us were due to be on our elevenses. From that moment on, the country has been twisted this way and that for more announcements, briefings, warnings, tellings-off, back-pats and aren’t-ye-greats all delivered and signed to us in front of official green backdrops that will forever in our minds become the shade of Covid.
We have listened nightly for the roll-call of the dead and poorly, we have perused RIP.ie to see if anyone we know has passed away; if there are families to whom we have to send our condolences, words that although worthy and authentic, are not the same as the strong handshake, the warm hug. These expressions never match those shared through damp eyes. We have hung on the words of the now frequent national address. And now this evening, comes perhaps the one with the most light at the end of the tunnel. In terms of impact, it will probably be the one that shows us the roadmap of the next few months, painting a route for us all.
Tonight’s announcement (or that bit of it that has not been leaked yet ) will give us all some idea of when we will be able to resume our lives in a manner vaguely resembling that which we had before. Hopefully it will give hope to many, especially to those who have been bereaved or ill, and who will never be able to fully recreate life pre-covid. I hope too that it gives some energy and positivity to those whose livelihoods were terminated by their closure in the interest of public health. It is hoped that every assistance possible is given to help renew our economy and get tens of thousands back to work creating the kind of community we will no surely appreciate more than ever.
This address by An Taoiseach comes at the start of a bank holiday weekend where no doubt we will aim to make the most of our newfound freedoms, and while this is a noble quest, it is still incumbent on us all to do what we can to make sure that infection does not grab a dying foothold on us, right at the end of this long journey. Last weekend, we saw scenes in Salthill which did not go along with this way of thinking, and while we appreciate the absolute need for people to let off steam, perhaps a little bit of restraint is needed for a few more months.
This weekend, maintain the resolve you have shown all the way through so far. If you are congregating, do so safely, If you are heading to a beach or park or public space to consume food or drink, please bring a refuse bag in which you can place your litter to bring home or to place in a not-overflowing bin.
If you are gathering in numbers, have fun but make sure that the dignity and respect that others deserve is observed. Tonight’s address is the beginning of the end...have a great Bank Holiday Weekend and enjoy all that Galway city and county has to give.
