The night the then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the extension of lockdown for a further two weeks was a body blow for young people; who are in their prime of beauty and sensuality. I’m thinking of the 19 to 30-ish age group. They have common goals centring on having fun, socialising and meeting their friends. Their lives revolve around their peer groups. Deep down, many of them just want to meet someone. They don’t admit or even know it, but they are searching for that life partner. I imagine that some are panicking about how they will finish college.

This group are suffering here in Ireland and abroad

They are questioning what their careers will now look like and if and when they can ever afford to have their own home. Before all that crystallises; they want to explore all the options available to them. Travelling abroad is a huge part of the agenda. This kind of travel is not essential and so hasn’t been part of the narrative around COVID-19. This group are suffering here in Ireland and abroad.

New love and quarantine

As Leo Varadkar referred to “the tapestry of struggle” in dealing with COVID-19, a beautiful girl – her long, flowing dark hair curled into a knot atop her head – was stirring a pot in my kitchen. She was making our dinner; the aromas of spices tantalised our little gathering of seven that had been the constant in our lives throughout the previous seven weeks. The announcement of a further two weeks hit Thea – from New Zealand – very hard. The normally bubbly girl began to cry. We joked about her tears adding flavour to the dish. But once the floodgates had opened, it wasn’t going to be easy to stem them. I gave her a tight squeeze from behind hoping that in some way a mother’s empathy could soothe her.

Two major life-changing events happened while she was in Cork

Thea is a strong, resilient character with a soft, loving core. Her plan to travel the world was similar to many young people in their early 20s. She planned to base herself in Ireland and work and travel Europe from here. All her little trips were carefully mapped out. She had plenty experience milking cows in New Zealand and a twist of fate led her to our farm.

She arrived to us at the end of January. Two major life-changing events happened while she was in Cork. The first was a direct and forceful strike from Cupid’s arrow. It wasn’t planned in the travel itinerary. But it was a meeting of hearts between the dark haired New Zealand girl and the handsome John-Joe from Fermanagh. The other was a pandemic; resulting in young people being pulled apart and isolated.

Her European plan has gone out the window. Her travels will begin with a long and slow perusal of the Wild Atlantic Way

Once restrictions eased, Thea travelled to Fermanagh for her well-earned time off. On her return, she quarantined in her room for 14 days. I left her dinner on the stairs each evening. She collected it. She spent the days working on the farm alone or socially distanced from my son Colm. It was tough going. We felt awful but we knew what had to be done. Thea leaves us this week. Her European plan has gone out the window. Her travels will begin with a long and slow perusal of the Wild Atlantic Way. I’ve no doubt with love in the air, Thea and John-Joe will have an amazing time.

Lost year

Meanwhile, my husband Tim’s niece, Roisín, is in Australia. She and her three friends (who are nurses) were also planning to work and travel for a year or two. Roisín has ended up in Melbourne; working on the frontline and living under Victoria’s curfew.

A tough outcome for these young girls; yet one that will shape their life experiences. Another niece of Tim’s, Diane, was all set to emigrate to Australia with her boyfriend Fionnán. These are life-changing decisions that have to be postponed for another year.

We are drawing a line through 2020 as a lost year

COVID-19 has put young people under enormous pressure. It has interfered in young love and fledgling relationships.

Here, at home this week, we should be basking in the aftermath of Colm and Elaine’s wedding. Instead Elaine’s parents Mary and Donal and ourselves had a quiet meal out with the gorgeous couple to mark what should have been their wedding day. We are drawing a line through 2020 as a lost year and hoping that plans can be realised next year. It’s the only way to get through it.