Joint Community Award & Overall Lockdown Award Winner (Part 2) - Shay & Linda from Special Hands

Joint Community Award & Overall Lockdown Award Winners - Shay Casserly & Linda Farrell

Linda Farrell and Shay Casserly of the Special Hands group certainly rose to the occasion at a time when something a little special was needed. When business as usual just didn't cut it.

They proved to be innovative, outstanding, inspiring in the way they helped people during those difficult day. Linda and Shay are parents of young people with specials needs.

In late March they decided to set up a Zoom class for young adults with special needs. They knew better than most what was required to sustain spirits - and the importance of maintaining connections.

From the end of March to mid-July up to 23 young people logged onto the Zoom classes, several times a week. In all Linda and Shay had 62 Zoom classes during that time. The group evolved into a 'Special Friends Group'; one for all, all for one.

"Each of the Zoom classes were fun, full of humour and laughter and fantastic craic, the kindness and friendship shone through, the laughter could be heard in each and every one of our houses," recalled Derbhile Jones whose daughter Nicola was part of the group.

Parents came to greatly appreciated the massive effort that was put in by Linda and Shay. The youngsters had something to look forward to, several times a week.

People like Derbhile and Nicola were greatly impressed by Linda's and Shay's energy and positivity. It helped to get them through the unprecedented times.

Thanks to everyone who nominated friends, family, groups and communities for the first and (hopefully last) Meath Chronicle Lockdown Awards.

Thanks also to our wonderful sponsors who got behind the initiative: Meath Co Council, Utmost, Ecomm, Alltech and SuperValu.