It’s all about learning to play the harp and a spot of DIY for Kerry singer Junior Brother as he quarantines at home in Kilcummin
"Being based in Dublin, I was very lucky to be able to come down home to Kerry fairly early, so my isolation being spent with rarely-seen family is a silver lining. My heart goes out to people who are on their own, or who can't see their parents and loved ones due to their vulnerability to the virus.
"I've been focused on keeping the blood flowing by executing odd jobs around the house, these odd jobs being rewarded occasionally by an alcoholic beverage or two. I'm lucky not only to be with family in isolation but to be in 'the country' too, with lots of space around me and little in the way of people to come into contact with.
"I'm also trying to write songs and practice the guitar, learning harp, and trad tunes, ballads too. It's great to see so many musicians live streaming sets for people, I particularly enjoyed the Mary Wallopers one, which I believe will go down as legendary in the years to come.
"The main thing I think we are all trying to do of course is to stay positive and optimistic. Staying inside all of the time toys dangerously with one’s mental health at the best of times - even more so with a virus pawing at the door and people's livelihoods being put on hold. But the light is just around the bend; to get there quicker we just need to stay a little bit longer in the dark."
