ONE MAN’s message of love and support for his wife of 71 years has been captured on camera as part of a moving new project showcasing the impact of coronavirus throughout Ireland.
In days gone by, Danny Kennedy would have visited his beloved wife Phyllis at her nursing home in Howth where she has lived since suffering a stroke six years ago.
Despite living apart, the couple had a routine that saw him arrive at around midday and remain by her side until 10pm each night.
However, with visits to Phyllis’s nursing home prohibited because of lockdown, the couple have found themselves separated like never before.
Still, every day at around 12:30pm, Danny makes the trip up to Howth Hill Lodge to see his “movie star” wife at the window, waving and blowing kisses as he does.
It was during one such meeting that writer Lara O’Brien and photographer Annraoi Blaney successfully captured their encounter, creating an iconic image and moment in the process.
Image: Annraoi Og Blaney / Lara O’Brien.O’Brien recently returned to Howth after 25 years in America.
As the facilitator of Howth Writing Workshop and Retreats she’s always taken a keen interest in other people’s lives and the stories we tell.
It’s what inspired her to team up with talented 20-year-old photographer Blaney for The Heart of Howth project.
"The idea behind the project is to highlight the essential workers in our community during Covid-19,” she tells the Irish Post.
“I've always wanted to put a lens and words, background and understanding, to the characters and beautiful places of our small fishing town.
“The lock-down provided us the opportunity to do that, all within our 2 km walking distance.”
Image: Annraoi Og Blaney / Lara O’Brien.It was while listening to one of these stories that she happened upon Danny and Phyllis.
“We interviewed Nicola Taylor, owner of two nursing homes in Howth, and the success the staff has had in keeping them Covid free,” Lara explains.
“As we were leaving, Danny was waiting at the window, and I had to talk to him (from a distance).
“He let his love story unfold in the gentlest of details, the 71 years married, Phyllis having a stroke 6 years ago, and his missing her.
“He lit up when she arrived. And the smile on her face when she saw him was captured in the picture.”
In these uncertain times, the pictures of Danny and Phyllis’s brief encounter have warmed the heart and offered hope for future days to come.
Image: Annraoi Og Blaney / Lara O’Brien.And while The Heart of Howth continues to provide stirring images and stories of a resilient Ireland, Lara knows the power this particular photo series holds.
“Out of all the stories we have captured now, the love story wins.”
Follow The Heart of Howth on Facebook here.
