The vast majority of Ireland was saddened by the news that broke last night that Dr Tony Holohan is taking a step back from leading Ireland's battle against coronavirus to spend more time with family as his wife Emer has entered palliative care for cancer.
That Holohan could provide Ireland with such clear and calming leadership on Covid-19 while his wife suffered from such a serious disease was a feat of true humanity. Holohan felt like a trusted family member amidst the pandemic, becoming one of the most trusted voices in the country.
As the ThankYouTony hashtag spread on Twitter, one tweet emerged that truly captured Holohan's brilliance. It was a letter he wrote in May to young Lydia Browne of Walkinstown. Lydia had sent him a letter talking about her gardan and siblings and Holohan took the time - amidst leading a national response to a global pandemic - to write Lydia back.
In the middle of everything, when things were at their worst, you took the time to write to our little girl.#ThankYouTony pic.twitter.com/So2dQ5Pl84
— Niamh Slack (@NiamhCorrimbla) July 2, 2020
He didn't have to do it. But it seems Dr Holohan was genuinely touched by the letter. It's a sign of who he is. We thank him for all of the work he did for this country and wish him and his family the best.
