Tag Archives: Yvonne Moroney

IN recent weeks, debate has been raging over the Covid-19 death toll in residential facilities across Ireland. Despite the differing political opinions, there is little doubt that those living and working in nursing homes were at the forgotten front line for a number of crucial weeks as the pandemic took hold. Keeping coronavirus out involves a heroic struggle against an ever-present enemy. St Theresa’s Nursing Home in Kilrush, is one of the facilities that has managed to avoid an outbreak, while as many a quarter of homes in Clare have been affected to-date, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE). “My heart goes out to those who have had outbreaks,” said Yvonne Moroney, Director of Nursing at the family run facility on the Kilkee Road. “They have done everything in their power, but there is a constant risk and we are all living with that risk.” Yvonne, who is on call 24/7 at St Theresa’s, has seen an already demanding …

AS visiting restrictions remain in place at the country’s nursing homes, staff at St Theresa’s in Kilrush pulled out all the stops to lift the spirits of residents and staff with a musical celebration of Easter. On the Tuesday of Easter Week, residents went to their windows to hear the music of the hugely popular Patrick Roche, and watch the dancing of Tadhg and Saidhbh Moroney, the son and daughter of the Director of Nursing, who were able to perform outdoors in the fine weather. “Patrick’s mum is one of our residents,” explained Yvonne Moroney. “His band is so popular and we were delighted that he was able to come and play for us. There was huge excitement and his performance cheered everyone up so much.” Tadhg and Saidhbh, aged 9 and 8 respectively, attend the Michael Donnellan School of Dancing in Ennis and, in normal circumstances, would be popular visitors at St Theresa’s. “Before the restrictions, they would have …

  AN emotional appeal has been made by a number of community leaders for those intending to travel to Clare holiday homes for Easter to cancel their plans. Despite the signing into law of stringent new Garda powers to enforce the Covid-19 lock-down, concerns remain that many have flocked to the West in recent days. The Director of Nursing at St Theresa’s Nursing Home in Kilrush told The Champion that the increase in visitors has been noticeable, and said the situation is a great risk to aging communities are already living in fear. “The risk they are bringing is not just to us in the Nursing Home and protection agencies but also to the many ageing communities in West Clare,” Yvonne Moroney said. “This is the same area they love to visit year after year, but it will not be the same if the infection was to catch on in our small communities. Many people are worried about what people …