*Photograph: Sean Curtin / True Media
LOVED ONES lost during the pandemic and frontline heroes are to be remembered during a commemoration event next weekend.
Details have yet to be finalised but an event is to be organised by Clare County Council paying homage to the thousands of persons and their loved ones who died as a result of COVID-19 and also to acknowledge the enormous contribution of workers and volunteers across countless sectors.
Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling confirmed that local authorities in recent days had been informed that a national commemoration event will be held from March 18th to 20th “around those who lost loved ones during COVID and to honour those that played a key part”.
A tree planting ceremony on the Sunday is among one of the few confirmed events plus the unveiling of a plaque outside the headquarters of the Council, details will be circulated via the local media once confirmed, Dowling stated.
Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) had proposed that the Council officially thank the volunteers, staff, community groups and persons that assisted with the COVID helpline. “In some cases a long lasting friendship or buddy system has been built where those in need can call someone in their area for help or just a chat. It was amazing to see the community spirit alive and well in Clare from the council, community groups, the Gardai and individual volunteers who signed up quickly to keep people safe and relaxed in their homes by doing their shopping or picking up prescriptions. Now is the time to acknowledge this great coming together,” she stated.
Her call was seconded by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). The Chief Executive in response issued the confirmed details on the commemoration and encouraged Municipal Districts to hold their own events at a local level.
