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Dear friends of Killarney Advertiser,

As Easter approaches, our county is experiencing a new and very challenging reality.

Some of us are cocooned, some are hospitalised and social distancing is the new norm. Streets and roads are almost empty. Hotels, shops, restaurants and entertainment centres stand silent and locked to all and sundry.

Easter, the time of year that traditionally signalled the really vibrant beginning of the tourist season in Kerry, will this year be eerily silent.

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging each one of us individually and all of us as a community and how we respond will have a lasting impact for better or worse.

We are very aware of and acknowledge the dedication, in terribly trying circumstance, of all who work in our hospitals, nursing homes and caring for people in their own homes.

We salute their courage and compassion.

We thank our Gardaí for their public service and we are deeply grateful to Bishop Ray Browne, our priests and ministers of religion for continuing to proclaim their good news.

Buíochas le múinteoirí who educate from a distance. Thanks too to all who continue to serve us in shops and pharmacies.

You are lifesavers at many important levels.

On behalf of all in the Municipal District, I thank the various media outlets for keeping us informed and advised. A special mention for Council staff who keep our streets clean and the services operational.

Sadly, we hear stories of some people behaving in a manner that puts lives at risk. I ask each person of whatever age to behave with respect for themselves and their neighbours. We are all being asked to make the necessary sacrifices for these few weeks in order that all of us will have a bright and prosperous future.

Each one of us, each day, can make a difference and help to ease the pain of isolation and dispel the fear of loneliness.

Please make that phone call and say a happy hello.

Easter is the season of new beginnings, the season of joy and the season of resurrection. We must not, by our attitude or behaviour, allow it to become one of death and despair. If we all do our own best we will in due course return to a life more normal.

As Mayor I thank you and I wish each of you good health and happiness. I know that together we will overcome the present great challenge and then work to restore our special place to where it properly belongs.

Guím Beannnachtai na Cásca ar gach duine. Gléas tú féin i neart Dé mar do luamhaire.

Micheal Gleeson,

Mayor of Killarney Municipal District