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28th Mar 2020

Andrew McGinley asks people to send him letters as he struggles with self-isolation

Keeley Ryan

 Andrew McGinley has asked people to send him letters as he struggles with self-isolation.

The father’s three children, Conor, Darragh, and Carla, were found dead at the family’s home in January. Their mother has been charged with their murder.

Mr McGinley, who has set up the YouTube channel Conor’s Clips in memory of his children, told his followers that he was “looking for a favour”.

“I’m struggling with isolation like you all but really missing the company. I was also enjoying most of the letters that I received so I have a request,” he said.

“Can you write to me? If you feel like using one of your An Post postcards then great. Letters welcome.”

In the post, he also included a handwritten note, which said:

“If you want something to do or to give your kids something to do, then I’d be delighted to get cards or letters about anything.

“Maybe just let me know if you or your kids are enjoying Conor’s Clips. You may never know how much this will help me.”

Anybody who wants to write to him should address the letters to Andrew McGinley, Newcastle, Co Dublin. D22 VH77.

 

It comes as on Friday night, Leo Varadkar announced a number of new measures for Ireland.

He said that Ireland was in the “next stage” of response to the crisis, as he asked everyone in Ireland to stay in their homes in all circumstances – with the exception of the following purposes:

  • Travel to and from work for the purposes of work only when the work is an essential service that cannot be done from home
  • To shop for groceries or collect food/medicine
  • Vital family reasons
  • Visiting those who require care
  • Brief individual physical exercise within two kilometres of the home while adhering to strict two-metre social distancing measures – parents can bring children but must adhere to social distancing
  • Farming services

All public and private gatherings outside of a household are prohibited. Public transport will be limited to those offering essential services while an emergency response will be stepped up in tandem.

Shielding or “cocooning” will be introduced for those aged over 70 and specified categories of people. Official and detailed HSE guidance on cocooning is available at this link.

All visits to hospitals, residential healthcare settings and prisons are postponed except for instances of compassionate grounds.

Travel to offshore islands is limited only to residents of those offshore islands.