An 83-year-old woman has made a triumphant return home after beating Covid-19.
Former postmistress Mary Joe Kilmurray was given a warm welcome by the residents of Rhode, Co Offaly as she left hospital.
They gathered on the streets around her home to applaud her while observing social distancing rules.
The octogenarian and mother of six fell and broke her hip in early March and had been convalescing in Tullamore Hospital.
Unfortunately, Mary Joe then fell ill with the deadly virus, prolonging her stay in hospital.
Happily, Mary Joe has since recovered and her friends and neighbours were delighted to see her arrive home again.
Rhode GAA had asked people to applaud her and bring a Rhode flag to wave as she returned to the town on Tuesday afternoon.
They posted a photo of the happy moment on Facebook, writing: "Welcome Home Mary-Joe, in her eighties and beat the coronavirus".
Well-wishers added their messages of welcome, with one saying: "Welcome home Mary Joe, great to have you back and you look amazing."
Another added: "Delighted that you are home Maryjoe, well done and God bless."
A third said: "Welcome home Mary Joe, a true inspiration."
It was a great surprise for Mary Joe, who told BreakingNews.ie: “Everybody else was home from where they were and dressed up and all along the side of the road from Daingean on to Ballybrack.
“And the garda squad car was in front and they were leading the way.
“It was absolutely great.
“It was something you wouldn’t forget in my lifetime.”
