RTÉ's announcement for their #SHINEYOURLIGHT initiative today featured a very poignant line. On Saturday they are inviting all of us to "share our moment of light during what is a dark time for many."
At 9pm, RTÉ want all of the Irish public to join them in shining a light for those we have lost during the Covid-19 outbreak and to show solidarity with frontline workers, those who are suffering - indeed to show solidarity with each and every person on the island.
#SHINEYOURLIGHT #LONRAIGHDOSHOLAS asks us to use whatever we have at our disposal - be it torches, Christmas lights or candles - to light up the entire country, with governement, local public buildings and Irish embassies around the world doing likewise.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina will also shine their light from Áras an Uachtaráin with RTÉ 1 coverage of the event starting at 8:30pm on RTÉ Radio One with Shine your Light with John Creedon, followed by a short five minute live special on RTÉ One television, RTÉ Radion One and the RTÉ Player at 9pm. The special will feature music and spoken word performances from the likes of Sinead O'Connor, Paulan Meehan and Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
They will also show #SHINEYOURLIGHT images from around the country, with RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes saying:
“This global pandemic is affecting each and every person in our society so let's come together for this moment where we can express solidarity with each other while we remain separated from friends and family. Let's light up our homes or light a candle to remember all of those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and their loved ones. Let's also remember and thank our key frontline staff for their ongoing heroic work throughout this crisis. Light reaches across all boundaries and as we watch the light flicker, perhaps we will see a glimmer of hope, in this time of fear and distancing."
Set a reminder and be sure to get involved with #SHINEYOURLIGHT on social media.
