We're finishing up our seventh week in lockdown, and if you think this 'new normal', imagine being elderly and vulnerable. For many of those people, the GAA is like a lifeline. Even the sounds of a GAA match on the radio can make the world feels small and more intimate. GAA players provided a brilliant public service before the lockdown set in, it's great to see them continuing that work even when sport can't be played.
A few weeks ago, we wrote about an initiative started by David Brady to ring up elderly GAA fans for a chat. Monaghan footballers have been reaching out to older members of the Farneylands over the blower for the last while, as well, via the #ItsGoodToTalk initiative. Last night, 90-year-old Granny Annie from Carrickroe in Monaghan received a phonecall from Conor McManus. Just judging from the snaps shared on social media by her grand-daughter, it's clear just how much the phonecall meant to her. Pure ecstasy.
It's just brilliant to see the connection that ordinary folk have with sportspeople, and its proof that even a small conversation can go a long way during these arduous weeks.
Well done to all in Monaghan GAA for the initative. Hopefully, we'll be watching our club and county on pitch sooner rather than later.
