Emmy Scanlon with her grandson Shane Lowry and his wife Wendy at last year's homecoming celebrations in Clara. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.

Birthday girl Emmy talks to Joe!

Clara's Emmy Scanlon was speaking to renowned broadcaster Joe Duffy on RTE's Liveline show today.

The grandmother of 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, Emmy is celebrating her 83rd birthday today. She became a household name in the aftermath of Shane's sensational Open Championship victory in Royal Portrush last year.

"I'm cocooned at long last," said Emmy, when asked how she was coping with the Covid-19 enforced lockdown.

"It's a sad situation but there are nurses and doctors out there and they are a credit," said the popular Clara lady.

Emmy told Joe that she exercises in her garden and keeps busy by baking and cooking, while her son does the shopping for her.

"Everyone in the world, young and old, gets down at some time," said Emmy, pointing to very tough times experienced by previous generations. She expressed hope that a cure would be found for the Covid-19 virus as soon as possible.

With the 2020 Open Championship cancelled, her grandson Shane will remain Open champion until the event is held in Kent next year.

"He's breaking the record, he's holding on to it for two years without playing," Emmy quipped. 

Emmy featured on the show moments after 92-year-old Laois woman Bridie Origan, who told Joe about her exercise videos which are raising money for the 'Do It For Dan' campaign. The family and friends of little Dan Donoher are trying to raise €2.1 million he needs for life saving treatment.