An 86-year-old grandmother from Dublin has received an emotional guard of honour after beating Covid-19.

Barbara Holmes was greeted by cheers and applause from family members who had gathered at St Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown this morning.

Healthcare staff also clapped as Mrs Holmes was escorted to a taxi, six weeks after she was first admitted to hospital.

"We think that someone surviving coronavirus at 86 is very special. So the guard of honour was well-deserved. She looked well and she seemed in good form," said grandson Ruaidhrí O'Hanlon.

"It just shows people that there is hope at the end of it and that it’s not all going to end badly.

"There are people out there who obviously don’t have the best outcome, but today shows that there is hope and families in the same situation do have something to hold on to."

Another of Mrs Holmes’ grandchildren was determined not to miss the special moment when she was discharged from hospital.

Jessie Cawley was watching over WhatsApp from Australia.

She said: "Oh it was brilliant. It was a great sigh of relief. It was so nice to see her out and nice to see her surrounded by her family. There was a big celebration when she left."

Mrs Holmes has now returned to Beechfield Manor Nursing Home in Shankill, where she will continue her recovery.

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