COVID-19 TALK: Muireann O'Connell blasts the WhatsApp misinformation brigade

Virgin Media presenter Muireann O'Connell has some strong words for the misinformation brigade, some of whom appear to be wilfully misleading people on social media as part of a political agenda.
"Just had to ring my mother to calm her down after she received the WhatsApp message: 'THE ARMY IS SHUTTING DOWN THE COUNTRY IN 5 MINUTES. THERE WILL BE NO FOOD,'" Muireann messaged last night to 4.8k likes. "She was scared out of her wits. To the person who started it: FUCK YOU, YOU EVIL PIECE OF SHIT. If you have an issue with my language in that tweet, now is not the time to come at me. I am furious."
And so say all of us...
The Late David Turpin – who we must again stress is still very much with us – has this intriguing thought: "So, it turns out total isolation is a bit like being spanked. It feels very different when you didn't ask for it."
Also giving us a quality chuckle is Nicola Coughlan, AKA wee Clare from Derry Girls, who cautions: "I know this time of self isolation is hard and scary for people but however bad you are feeling – please, please don’t consider starting your own podcast. Straight men under the age of 35 are particularly vulnerable to this and we all need to be vigilant of the dangers."
Unable to gig, Colm Mac Con Iomaire fiddles his heart out for 90 minutes on Facebook, which is one of the few things today guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Scroll down to have a goo...
Some more positive thinking from Daithi who lets us know: "Hey folks! In the coming days I'm going to do a live stream of creating a song from scratch, and then release the track for free afterwards for the craic. Still getting the idea together, but I'm excited to give it a go!" Follow his progress @daithimusic
Interviewed in the current issue of Hot Press – that's the one with Niall Horan on the cover – Paul Heaton tweeted his thanks to the fans who've helped him and Jacqui Abbott score a UK number one with the fine Manchester Calling.
Bob, Ann, Marta, Rebekhah, Sinéad and the rest of the Gutter Bookshop team regretfully announce that they're closing to the public in Temple Bar and Dalkey, but will be continuing to operate online, which means you can support them and Irish authors by placing an order.
Author Sinéad Gleeson was straight on to them to order a copy of Annie Atkins' splendid looking Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, And Prison Escape Maps: Designing Graphic Props For Filmmaking.
Today FM's Ed Smith has had an excellent idea: "Campaign for RTÉ to show Italia '90 in its entirety and over the next few weeks. Every game with Bill, Dunphy and Giles an all.
Rekindling that beautiful energy and togetherness would be a lovely distraction and a show of solidarity with our Italian pals."
Sad news from down Listowel way with Aiden O'Connor messaging: "It is a very difficult decision to make, but we feel we have no choice but to close Mike The Pies until further notice. We are closing for the safety and health of our staff, customers and families. Stay safe and mind each other."
Having feared being stranded in Australia, Eleanor McEvoy sighs: "Oh Dublin... never been so pleased to get home in my life."
Sinéad O'Connor offers up 'To Mother You' for "anyone feeling poorly and or fed up in isolation."
Shoots back Brian Kennedy: "Always loved that song!"
Arriving back in Ireland today from the States, Sinéad adds: "Dublin airport eerily quiet and empty. Also no traffic in Dublin. Most odd. Wanna thank my incredible band and crew for being brave enough to come out to America. Very glad all are home again. You rock, guys. Thanks."
Green Dublin councillor Hazel Chu has done the right but difficult thing by "telling guests we're postponing our wedding. It would have been nice to get married but it's nicer to know we're not putting people at risk. Maybe we're being too cautious but we're both happy it's the right call. We're all in this together. #FlattenTheCurve."
Regular Hot Press interacter Keyser Soze – possibly not their real name – asks the very pertinent question: "Do I still have to pay for Sky Sports while the football season has been cancelled. I’m still under contract so if I cancel my subscription will I be forced to pay a cancellation fee?"
Over to you Sky Ireland on that one...
Limerick musician Post Punk Rodge might be in not so splendid isolation (albeit with his beloved pooch) but that hasn't stopped him giving out to Kelly Jones & Co. for not pulling their gig last night: "I was very surprised to find out Stereophonics were not only still a thing, but unsurprised that only absolute dickheads listen to them."
That's certainly telling them...

Please see the statement below regarding the temporary closure of our bookshops. Cow's Lane will be closed from today, @GutterDalkey will close Mon 16th March. We will arrange all current orders to be delivered/collected & will continue to process online & email orders. Bob.x. pic.twitter.com/5wiA4uEHxU

— Gutter Bookshop (@gutterbookshop) March 15, 2020

Any questions folks, and may I heartily thank you all for buying the album, and getting me and thee to NUMBER 1! https://t.co/1Z4x1I0aAB

— Paul Heaton (@PaulHeatonSolo) March 15, 2020

Oh Dublin...... Never been so pleased to get home in my life..... 😢 #Covid #Covid_19 #Australia #Ireland pic.twitter.com/9dz8eOZU72

— Eleanor McEvoy (@eleanormcevoy) March 14, 2020

This is for anyone feeling poorly and or fed up in isolation https://t.co/GTvukV9Zht

— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) March 15, 2020