Covid-19 Diaries
Community arts work is radical – is that why it’s not better funded?
I hesitated to ask Mary Moynihan if she felt she was a Covid survivor. She had no doubt about it. 30 years after founding Smashing Times, and a year after getting long Covid, Mary talks to 'Changing Ireland' about radical and personal empowerment. Our Autumn cover story - a long read:
Covid-19 Diaries
Changing Ireland Podcast hosted by Editor Allen Meagher
We are delighted to announce our first time to cut our teeth in the podcast world! Editor Allen Meagher begins the series with some lockdown reflections on juggling family and work-life while also keeping the wheels turning for Changing Ireland. He discusses how Covid-19 has impacted the community and voluntary organisations and how they have coped during a very difficult time.
Covid-19 Diaries
#ChangingIreland – Ciara’s Community Diary
A fabulous account by a rural-dweller caring now for vulnerable relatives. Giving it her best online to continue with important volunteer pursuits. Lived in Dublin for years and has volunteered abroad.
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 47 (Thurs, April 30, 2020)
Harry's pager went off`: "Here we go again. Car still wouldn’t start. I’d rather hoped the leprechauns might have magically fixed it while I wrote poems."
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 46 (Wed, April 29, 2020)
Harry recalls when he “did a lot of work around community development” and the impact of the last recession on communities, on families - including his own - and he worries for his future. The internet tells him we may be heading into extreme poverty where those not strong enough to fend for themselves die in droves on the streets. “Neo-liberalism on crack,” is how he describes it. He prays for a new politics led by just and imaginative people:
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 45 (Tues, April 28, 2020)
None of us know when we'll be called. Harry’s pager went off last night - a fire in a commercial premises. This morning, he woke feeling stiff and bruised. “I’m coughing my guts up now. Is it the smokes? Or last night's smoke? Or…”
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 44 (Mon, April 27, 2020)
EXCERPT: The virus has jumped to mink in the Netherlands and cats in New York. How are we supposed to keep cats locked down?
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 43 (Sun, April 26, 2020)
Sunday should always be sacred. In this time of forever Saturdays, especially so. Of course I speak for myself through a culture embedded in me. Any time will do - ring-fence it. I pick Sunday.
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 42 (Sat, April 25, 2020)
EXCERPT: They had no idea of the mortal danger they were in.
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 40 (Thurs, April 23, 2020)
A tragic day. Nothing I write would be appropriate. I'm going to keep my thoughts to myself and my prayers for the family. Rest in Peace young man. I know you are in a better place.
Covid-19 Diaries
Harry’s Diary – Day 39 (Wed, April 22, 2020)
HARRY talks about people who are, to use a fire service term, socially non-ambulant: "It’s not just firefighters - single parents, older people, disabled people and people without transport can all end up a bit trapped. I fell into a few of those categories myself over the years."
