Losing my dad during covid is something I will never get over

As the interim findings of the Government-appointed independent review into the covid-19 pandemic response emerge, Darina Clancy recalls the "very particular kind of torture" her father had to endure before his death amid lockdown restrictions.

Darina Clancy and her late father, Patrick Clancy.

Losing my dad was immeasurable. The loss of a parent is always hard, but during a Level 5 lockdown, it was cruel. The interim findings of the Government-appointed independent review into how Ireland handled the covid-19 pandemic have come in the same month that marks the fifth anniversary of his death.

My relationship with Dad went beyond the normal daddy-daughter bond for a few reasons, but mainly because he believed that women were equal.