'I've nothing to complain about compared to some who have lost loved ones to this horrible virus'

By Louise Walsh

A wheelchair-using GAA club chief who hasn't been outside his house at all since last March says he will be getting the vaccine as he is looking forward to getting out and seeing people kick a ball freely again.

81-year-old Michael Connell from Kells, needs full-time care and has been using a wheelchair since last year due to a muscle wasting disease.

The usually sociable chairman of Gaeil Colmcille's GAA has taught himself how to do all his shopping online and admits that for the first time ever, there isn't even "a penny" of cash in his wallet.

However the rolling lockdowns and the fear of Covid-19 means the hugely popular and well-known man has found the isolation from people tough.

"I haven't been outside since March. I'm not interested in going outside because it's not safe," he said.

"I can no longer walk so if I went out and people were to come over to say hello and unwittingly forget about social distancing, I'm not able to avoid them.

"I have a muscle wasting disease called Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) so I'm now in a wheelchair and my left hand doesn't work anymore

"I'm the chair of the GAA club and we have had a few meetings online but we don't really have anything to do at the minute because of the restrictions.

"I have a laptop and I'm learning how to do things myself on it. My grandson who cares for me helps me all the time. I'm very lucky that he stays with me as I can't really get out of bed myself anymore.

"I order all my shopping online. I don't handle money anymore. My wallet used to be full of money but now there hasn't been a cent in it since March

"I get phone calls from family and friends but I miss the physical interaction and laughs with people. Even just to say a fleeting hello to someone as they pass in the street, I miss that. I'm surprised at myself being able to cope with all that I'm missing.

"And now we are in yet another lockdown which means even more time in this armchair but at least there's hope ahead.

"Before Covid-19, I was active with the football club and the Active Retirement group . What I miss most of all is the Transition Year students in Eureka School that we used to visit as part of the Never Alone Project.

The award-winning social interaction project aimed to connect both young and old in the community and address the issues of loneliness and associated mental health problems.

"A few of the young people visited me here for a few hours before Covid-19 and I really enjoyed the chat. I felt young again and I could see myself at that age," said the dad of five

"I've nothing to complain about compared to some who have lost loved ones to this horrible virus. And I have my family who look in on me and help with whatever I need.

"It's a horrible time but I'll be definitely the vaccine. Sure what other choice have we?. It's a bit of hope and I'm looking forward to getting back out again, seeing people and watching teams kick a ball again."

Meath Crime Prevention officer Sgt Dean Kerins says the gardai have seen a lot of people who are desperately lonely due to Covid-19

"We have identified old and vulnerable persons across the county as part of the Age Well Campaign and anyone on their own should never be stuck for help," he said.

"We have delivered over 200 hampers, 700 Christmas cards, made calls and carried hundreds of bags of shopping to these people over the months and we are very happy to be able to help. Some of the elderly people just love to see a friendly face outside their door for a quick hello."