Phil Hogan’s Interview and Why It Was Awful

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It’s a good thing to resign when one makes an error – it’s part of political life and we all understand that. And we all like an apology – if it rings true. Right?

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There’s a Dote in Dunnes

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This woman I know was having a tough week. A tough couple of years really. Then COVID swooped in with a giant hammer and sorta whacked in a few extra nails in the coffin of joy and personal freedom… You know, of course you do.

So when the 5km limit was lifted it became possible for this woman to get to a Cork shopping centre. She wanted to stock up on a few bits that just aren’t available in rural shops – so YAY! The excitement! Off she went, hopeful of a joyous adventure, freedom, autonomy – she was excited, and fearless. For the first times in months.

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I am not unique, and sorry, but neither are you.

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Years ago I had one of those reality-dawning-horror moments. A friend of mine had died at the cruelly young age of 28. It was grim. Having spent a fairly normal amount of relatively comfortable time in denial I unexpectedly found myself being admitted for tests to ascertain whether or not I had developed the same cancer.

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A Hug from the Sea

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I went to meet the sea yesterday. She looked calm. She looked sad.

She saw me, made a little wave. The wind blew harder.

“I’m lonely”, she said. “I miss the children and the dogs and the people. I miss their colours and their sounds. I’m a solo instrument and I want my orchestra back.”

“I understand” I said. “But you mustn’t worry. They miss you too.


They haven’t forgotten you. They crave your soothing company, your changing moods. Your absence is hurting them. They are thinking of you, cherishing old pictures of you – there are thousands you know – all of them beautiful.

Did you know how beautiful you are?”


The sea sighed, heaved. Another wave, this one bigger, reaching further.


“They’ll return when this is over,” I said. “And they will value you more. They’ll be kinder, and might not take you or each other for granted any more”. I pulled a plastic thread from her hair…


“Things will be different for a while” I said. “Maybe forever. Maybe it’ll be even better than before. We will return. And we’ll play together again.”


And I walked on, past the empty hug in the sand. Basking in her fresh and salty scent, feeling a little better after our chat, like I always do.

*I first posted this on Clean Coasts Ballynamona Have a look at the site while you’re here – maybe join us on a beach clean when this is over!

Facing COVID19: resource packs and self-help guide

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Minutes ago I was wandering around the kitchen wondering what to write about for this week’s issue of the East Cork Journal. I fully intended to avoid the “C-word” but then I saw this article. I can’t resist a good mnemonic   – and when the author (Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap) then generously gave permission to share it – well, I couldn’t resist. So here it is, edited heavily, full version link below.

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Funerals in the COVID-19 era: Loss without Ritual

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When you can’t have a traditional funeral it’s a cruel, double loss. This is where we are now.

If you have been drawn to this post then perhaps you have just suffered a terrible loss, and won’t get to celebrate your loved one’s life and mourn your loss with the funeral that you and they might have wanted.

And if that is so, I’m sorry.

This post is about why funerals matter, what might be different without one, how that might affect you, and ways to help yourself through it.

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COVID19 Update

Sunrise at Garryvoe
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Good evening all. I’m guessing many of you, like I, have just watched Leo Varadker’s address to the country. It is indeed a challenging time.
And what I take from it is we are to do our best to adhere to the guidelines as they still stand.

  • Hand Hygiene
  • Social distancing (not isolation)
  • No large gatherings
  • No contact at ALL if symptomatic
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COVID19 – is it the Perfect Teaching Moment?

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Most of what we’re seeing this last fortnight has been a mixture of horror stories and humour, the kind we Irish are particularly good at in times of adversity. Good old fashioned denial has its place.

But it’s been mostly horror hasn’t it?

Nothing is as contagious as fear.

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My Practice and COVID-19

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Hi guys.

I’ve been contacted by a small amount of clients and several supervisees with regard to how to continue working effectively and safely as a therapist/psychologist during the next couple of weeks.

I refuse to add a scary pic of a virus…

Bearing in mind the range of anxieties that are out there and the facts we have thus far, I want to put this out there, even though I’m sure you’re tired of hearing it:

COVID is transmitted through touching infected sneeze or cough droplets then touching your face, prolonged exposure to an infected person, or touching surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on.

The best way to prevent exposure is to wash your hands properly, avoid infected people and avoid large groups. Next is to self-isolate if you believe you are infected.

And so, in alignment with the IAHIP, PSI and HSE I am confidently continuing to see clients on an individual basis. I have access to a private bathroom in BOTH practices. Each bathroom has soap and I have several sanitisers. I sanitise all hard surfaces including door handles before and after each client as well as attending to my own personal hygiene. There are no children in my house and no other people use my Youghal office entrance – or indeed my side of the building – it is entirely private. And to get super pedantic, there are more than 2 meters separating my face from yours, again, as per guidelines for infected persons (Of course, I am not infected and I would ask that if you are, that you stay at home).

The only “real” difference in my practice will be that I won’t be shaking anyone’s hand before or after sessions until this has run its course.

Also, in accordance with all professional bodies and EAP providers I am offering all clients regardless of health status Facetime, Skype, telephone or Zoom sessions – online payment will be facilitated. And of course my 24 hour cancellation policy will be waived if you have a sudden onset of symptoms.

Zoom is probably best. It’s free and easy to use: I would email you a unique password for your session and off we go!

If you are a current and existing client of mine I will be mailing this to you for your records.

Meanwhile , please, be aware that the media is catastrophising and there are sensible measures we can all take to protect ourselves and the vulnerable among us. I posted this on Facebook yesterday from our PSI president – it’s worth a read:

Stay well!

*I will update this page if there are any changes to my status