Advice by the HSE for those aged 70 and over to remain within the confines of their home and to “cocoon” is being championed by a well known Enniscorthy resident.

Seán Óg Doyle is himself a former healthcare worker, having been part of the team at St. Senan’s Hospital for many years and spent 40 years in local politics – having been first elected to Enniscorthy Town Council in 1973. A chair of that local authority on seven occasions (including during the 1798 bicentennial), Seán Óg also served for many years on Wexford County Council.

In addition to leading roles in local community organisations such as the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Committee and the Strawberry Festival, Seán Óg is also a lifelong member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann – serving as Treasurer on the local committees that staged the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in the Co. Wexford town on three occasions: 1967, 1999 and 2000. Seán Óg was President of the Co. Wexford committee in 2016, which upon its centenary, helped mark Enniscorthy’s contribution to the 1916 Easter Rising.

A native of Rathnure, Co. Wexford, Seán Óg learned to knit from his own father at six years of age and has been doing so since – revealing that increased time spent at home of late has resulted in hats, scarves and other items being turned out, including in his beloved purple and gold!

Seán spent a number of years working for the health services and is very proud of those that are putting themselves in the “beárna baol” in caring for those affected.

Seán Óg is urging those of his 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:

“It is hard for people my age, especially where we miss being out in the community. In a way, however, what we are being asked to do is very simple. There is a public health emergency and it is for ours and society’s good to remain at home for the while that’s involved.”

“Wexford County Council, in association with the HSE/South East Community Healthcare and a range of other statutory and voluntary agencies, have a Community Response Forums help line in place and anyone can phone (053) 919 6000 if they’re in need of any help to stay at home.”

“I look forward to the other side of this, where we can all get out and around our local areas, after we all have played our part in ensuring public safety the meantime.”