Cats legend calls on his generation to lead the way in battle against Coronavirus
A Kilkenny hurling legend is calling on people in the same position as himself to heed the HSE’s advice and “cocoon” yourself.
78-year-old Eddie Keher and his wife Kay are cocooning at their home in Inistioge and is urging everyone over the age of 70 to do the same.
The six-time All-Ireland winner says for people of his generation – and like he did in his day – playing by the rules is vitally important and by not heeding the advice of the government experts, could prove fatal.
A man used to battles during his 18-year intercounty career, he believes this is one of the greatest challenges he or any of us have ever faced and is asking people of his generation to lead by example during this Coronavirus emergency.
“People of my age came through tough times,” Eddie said, “during and after the War, into the late 1940s and on through the fifties and sixties.
“We can lead by example now, when faced with something more serious than ever seen before. I know it is hard, especially when missing things like family, meeting people and being involved in other social activities. What we are being asked to do, however, is to remain confined for the duration of this public health emergency – for ours and society’s good,” the Cats legend said.
He explains that people do not have to do much to be of great assistance during the crisis, all people of his generation have to do is stay at home.
“It’s very simple. Cocooning means staying at home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact. For the time involved, family, carers, neighbours and our public services will help ensure you have the support you need.
“Do stay where you are. Arrange for food or medication deliveries to be left at the door. The local authorities in the South East, in association with the HSE/South East Community Healthcare and a range of other statutory and voluntary agencies, have Community Response Forums help lines in place.”
“If you have a garden or a balcony, spend time outside for fresh air. Keep in touch with people over the phone or online if you have access. Keep yourself mobile by getting up and moving as much as possible. Try to spend time doing things you enjoy indoors. Don’t go outside your home and garden and don’t have visitors to your home (except for essential carers). If you live with a person who needs to be cocooned, even though it’s hard, try to stay a meter or more apart.”
And Eddie says people have to believe this will be over soon and there will great days to look forward to, doing the things once more we all love best.
“I look forward to the other side of this, returning to watch GAA matches and the like – when we will all have played our part in ensuring public safety the meantime,” Eddie concluded.
