Rural Ireland’s lonely get helping hand

A POWERFUL light of hope and support was shone yesterday into one of the dark corners of rural Ireland — loneliness among older men living alone.

Studies have shown that loneliness, which can lead to depression and other health risks, is a particular problem for some of those who live in isolated areas and are shy of attending social events.

President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin witnessed the signs of rural isolation first-hand during their visits to community gatherings countrywide over the years, where women always outnumbered the men present.