DATA on deaths associated with Covid-19 in Clare, in the first two years of the pandemic, show that more than half of fatalities were in the 75+ age group.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) published figures in recent days showing a total of 97 deaths in this county of people who had Covid-19 between March 2020 and February 2022. The youngest was in the 45-54 age range.

There were six deaths of people aged 55-64; 11 in the 65-74 age range; 36 in the 75-84 age range and 43 in the 85+ group. Clare had the lowest number of deaths in Munster.

Deputy Michael McNamara who was Chairperson of the Special Committee on Covid-19 said every death was a tragedy.

“Like all deaths from all causes and of all ages in Clare during that period of time, each death was a tragedy,” he said.

“During most of that time, the pain and loss was frequently compounded by not being able to be with loved ones in their last hours and by the restrictions on funerals, so the normal grieving process was interrupted. It was a time that many still struggle with and few with forget.”