by Irish Coronavirus cases rise to over 20,000
THE NUMBER of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Republic of Ireland has soared to over 20,000.
The Department of Health have confirmed that, as of 8pm on Wednesday, 29 April, an additional 376 cases have been confirmed, bringing Ireland's total to 20,253.
A further 31 people have also sadly died after contracting the virus according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
The HPSC is now reporting that 1,190 people have now lost their lives to the virus after a number of earlier reported deaths have been de-notified.
Residential settings such as care and nursing homes remain a high concern for the National Health Protection Emergency Team, with 392 clusters identified in residential setting, 219 of which are nursing homes.
The clusters amount to a total of 4,363 cases of coronavirus in Ireland-- 3.457 of which have been identified in nursing homes, and of the 697 who have died in community residential setting, 593 were in nursing homes.
Dr. Siobhán Ní Bhriain, HSE National Lead for Integrated Care, said:
"We have put significant effort into developing clinical guidance for the residential care sector. This has driven the operational response and has been supported by education for all staff in this sector.
“This work is crucial in making sure our most vulnerable people get the best possible care in what is a very challenging time.”
Dr Kathleen MacLellan, Assistant Secretary Department of Health and Chair of NPHET Vulnerable People Subgroup, said:
"Ireland remains one of the few countries globally who has collected and officially reported data from long term residential care settings from the start of the pandemic.
“From the end of March we have seen an increase in deaths in this sector that can be attributed to COVID-19.
“As we continue to collect and report mortality data coming from this sector we will have a greater understanding of the behaviour of the disease in this setting and it will help us to inform public health actions and clinical care.”
However, there also remains some positive news-- well over half of Ireland's total confirmed cases have now recovered, with Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, saying:
"We estimate that as of Saturday 25 April 12,222 COVID-19 cases (64%) in the community have recovered. 1,164 cases (6%) have been discharged from hospital which gives us a total recovery rate of 70%.”
Two Irishmen living in UK transform their front room into an Irish pub while in lockdown
A PAIR of Irish friends living together in the UK have found the perfect way to pass the time during lockdown: converting their front room into an Irish pub.
The Craic Inn is the brainchild of Dara Woods and Tommy Mc TomTom, two Irish musicians living and working in Lancaster.
Described as “temporary Irish Pub during lockdown" the two friends have been broadcasting live from The Craic Inn on Facebook ever since residents across the UK were ordered to stay indoors as part of the nationwide lockdown.
It's provided a welcome beacon of good craic and great music for anyone feeling the strain of life indoors.
“We play music every weekend in pubs mainly because we love Guinness and the pub atmosphere,” Dara told The Irish Post.
“As soon as the pubs were told to be closed, we decided we needed our own pub. I always wanted my own mobile Irish bar - to promote Irish music - and had the name The Craic Inn for a few years now.”
While it would have been straightforward enough for Dara and Tommy to stock up on cans of Guinness and other classic Irish tipples, they knew they had to go a little further if they wanted to replicate the true Irish pub experience.
As Dara explains: “We all know the only way to drink Guinness is from the tap so we put out shout out to our landlord friends for a barrel.
“Thankfully, our local and favourite spot to play the John o Gaunt in Lancaster came to the rescue and arrived with a barrel of Guinness and all the supplies the next day.”
The pair have been performing Irish folk favourites alongside a pint or two ever since with The Craic Inn garnering a good following online.
With people across Ireland and much of the world pining for the sense of community and social spirit provided by the humble pub, it’s little wonder that The Craic Inn is so well received – and supported.
“We appreciate it’s a difficult time for everyone so good to see a few heads enjoying us trying to lift the spirits,” Dara said.
“My personal highlight was when we ran out of Guinness after our live stream gig and less than 24hours later a new barrel was delivered by the Boardwalk pub in Morecambe.”
The pub has also proven a haven for fellow folk musicians with Charlie Galloway of the Fureys among those to perform a set of trad tunes broadcast on the page.
As two Irishman who know what makes a pub great - “Good pints (Guinness), welcoming staff, friendly customers and great music” according to Dara – the plan is to live up to the pub’s name and keep the good times rolling with more live gigs, drinks and good times aplenty.
"Our main plan is to keep the kegs of Guinness and the craic flowing - if anyone can help us we have all currencies of cash - but we will keep trying to create a great Irish pub atmosphere.”
The lads have received another boost in recent days too after landing a supply of Irish pub snacks - packs of Tayto included.
And, all being well, they hope to one day welcome a few more customers into The Craic Inn too - lockdown permitting.
In the meantime, the pair are eager to pay tribute to the incredible work of the NHS in the UK while noting “it’s great to watch how well the Irish are dealing with this” and health minister Simon Harris – who they tell us is an old school friend.
Here’s to many more pints to come. Sláinte!
Anyone wanting to join the party or contribute to the lads' efforts, can head over to the pub here.
THE NUMBER of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Republic of Ireland has soared to over 20,000.
The Department of Health have confirmed that, as of 8pm on Wednesday, 29 April, an additional 376 cases have been confirmed, bringing Ireland's total to 20,253.
A further 31 people have also sadly died after contracting the virus according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
The HPSC is now reporting that 1,190 people have now lost their lives to the virus after a number of earlier reported deaths have been de-notified.
Residential settings such as care and nursing homes remain a high concern for the National Health Protection Emergency Team, with 392 clusters identified in residential setting, 219 of which are nursing homes.
The clusters amount to a total of 4,363 cases of coronavirus in Ireland-- 3.457 of which have been identified in nursing homes, and of the 697 who have died in community residential setting, 593 were in nursing homes.
Dr. Siobhán Ní Bhriain, HSE National Lead for Integrated Care, said:
"We have put significant effort into developing clinical guidance for the residential care sector. This has driven the operational response and has been supported by education for all staff in this sector.
“This work is crucial in making sure our most vulnerable people get the best possible care in what is a very challenging time.”
Dr Kathleen MacLellan, Assistant Secretary Department of Health and Chair of NPHET Vulnerable People Subgroup, said:
"Ireland remains one of the few countries globally who has collected and officially reported data from long term residential care settings from the start of the pandemic.
“From the end of March we have seen an increase in deaths in this sector that can be attributed to COVID-19.
“As we continue to collect and report mortality data coming from this sector we will have a greater understanding of the behaviour of the disease in this setting and it will help us to inform public health actions and clinical care.”
However, there also remains some positive news-- well over half of Ireland's total confirmed cases have now recovered, with Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, saying:
"We estimate that as of Saturday 25 April 12,222 COVID-19 cases (64%) in the community have recovered. 1,164 cases (6%) have been discharged from hospital which gives us a total recovery rate of 70%.”
Funeral and repatriation support for London Irish families who have lost loved ones to coronavirus
A NEW group has been set up to offer support to bereaved families across the Irish community in London who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic currently being battled across the globe.
Launched this month, the London Irish Covid 19 Funeral Bridge will provide people with logistical and financial support for funeral arrangements and the repatriation of their loved ones who have passed away among London’s Irish community.
The group has been set up by private group members and volunteers from the Irish community in London.
The new group has been set up to make an already difficult time a little easier
The organisation explains that it “recognised the potential impact that the coronavirus pandemic might be having within the London Irish community in coping with the loss of a loved one” and it is “committed to providing support to bereaved families during this difficult time”.
The services being offered by the London Irish Covid 19 Funeral Bridge include providing support for funeral services held in the UK, where government restrictions allow. The group aim to accommodate various mass streaming services, where possible, to accommodate family members and loved ones who cannot attend the service, and help with repatriation from the UK to Ireland - including the logistical and financial support which is required to take a loved one home.
“We can also liaise with the funeral director(s) on behalf of the bereaved family if required,” the organisation explains.
“We aim to bridge the gap for bereaved families affected by coronavirus with compassion, dignity and respect,” they add.
“Losing a loved one is difficult and our members are committed to making this difficult time a little easier for affected members of the Irish in London community.”
For further information about the services provided by the London Irish Covid 19 Funeral Bridge, contact 0208 424 7378 where Patricia, Áine or Michelle can help you.
Alternatively, you can email londonirishcovidfb@gmail.com with your details and the group will be in touch.
Two Irishmen living in UK transform their front room into an Irish pub while in lockdown
A PAIR of Irish friends living together in the UK have found the perfect way to pass the time during lockdown: converting their front room into an Irish pub.
The Craic Inn is the brainchild of Dara Woods and Tommy Mc TomTom, two Irish musicians living and working in Lancaster.
Described as “temporary Irish Pub during lockdown" the two friends have been broadcasting live from The Craic Inn on Facebook ever since residents across the UK were ordered to stay indoors as part of the nationwide lockdown.
It's provided a welcome beacon of good craic and great music for anyone feeling the strain of life indoors.
“We play music every weekend in pubs mainly because we love Guinness and the pub atmosphere,” Dara told The Irish Post.
“As soon as the pubs were told to be closed, we decided we needed our own pub. I always wanted my own mobile Irish bar - to promote Irish music - and had the name The Craic Inn for a few years now.”
While it would have been straightforward enough for Dara and Tommy to stock up on cans of Guinness and other classic Irish tipples, they knew they had to go a little further if they wanted to replicate the true Irish pub experience.
As Dara explains: “We all know the only way to drink Guinness is from the tap so we put out shout out to our landlord friends for a barrel.
“Thankfully, our local and favourite spot to play the John o Gaunt in Lancaster came to the rescue and arrived with a barrel of Guinness and all the supplies the next day.”
The pair have been performing Irish folk favourites alongside a pint or two ever since with The Craic Inn garnering a good following online.
With people across Ireland and much of the world pining for the sense of community and social spirit provided by the humble pub, it’s little wonder that The Craic Inn is so well received – and supported.
“We appreciate it’s a difficult time for everyone so good to see a few heads enjoying us trying to lift the spirits,” Dara said.
“My personal highlight was when we ran out of Guinness after our live stream gig and less than 24hours later a new barrel was delivered by the Boardwalk pub in Morecambe.”
The pub has also proven a haven for fellow folk musicians with Charlie Galloway of the Fureys among those to perform a set of trad tunes broadcast on the page.
As two Irishman who know what makes a pub great - “Good pints (Guinness), welcoming staff, friendly customers and great music” according to Dara – the plan is to live up to the pub’s name and keep the good times rolling with more live gigs, drinks and good times aplenty.
"Our main plan is to keep the kegs of Guinness and the craic flowing - if anyone can help us we have all currencies of cash - but we will keep trying to create a great Irish pub atmosphere.”
The lads have received another boost in recent days too after landing a supply of Irish pub snacks - packs of Tayto included.
And, all being well, they hope to one day welcome a few more customers into The Craic Inn too - lockdown permitting.
In the meantime, the pair are eager to pay tribute to the incredible work of the NHS in the UK while noting “it’s great to watch how well the Irish are dealing with this” and health minister Simon Harris – who they tell us is an old school friend.
Here’s to many more pints to come. Sláinte!
Anyone wanting to join the party or contribute to the lads' efforts, can head over to the pub here.
by 
61-BLUES
