By Tom Dayton
As Lake Productions enter the final few weeks before their production of ‘the Quiet Land’ by Irish playwright Malachy McKenna, Tom Dayton for the Kilkenny Observer newspaper contacted Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere a T.D for Carlow Kilkenny and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Affairs to ask him his thoughts on rural Ireland and the struggles facing people living there.
Setting
Set in the “hidden Ireland” far off the modern motorways and ring-roads, The Quiet Land sees Eamon and Nashee lean on a fence and converse in the low-key, shorthand code of near-neighbours. Historically, their conversations belonged to a gentler time—rich in subtext, dry wit, and long pauses where silence was as telling as speech. However, today’s conversation is far from gentle. Facing the bitter reality of modern rural isolation and ageing, the men have grown desperate. They find themselves confronting heartbreaking truths and deep loneliness, while struggling to make sense of a world that is encroaching on them. Their lifelong friendship is tested to its absolute limit as they are forced to ask themselves if things can ever be the same again on their hillside. The Kilkenny Observer met Peter Chap Cleere at his office on Patrick street for a chat. We first asked about the challenges facing rural Ireland.
Many Challenges
“Elderly people living in rural Ireland face many challenges in modern society, despite improvements in healthcare, technology and living standards. While older generations often experienced hardship and poverty, they also benefited from close community ties and strong family support systems. Today, many of those traditional supports have weakened, creating new difficulties for older adults who wish to remain living independently in rural areas. Problems such as loneliness, poor transport, limited healthcare access and digital exclusion have become major concerns for elderly people across rural Ireland”, said the Carlow Kilkenny T.D
Peter went on to say that in the past, rural Ireland was far more community-centred than it is today. Families were generally larger, and it was common for several generations to live near one another. He elaborated : “Elderly parents were often cared for by relatives, neighbours and members of the local community. Villages were busy social centres where people regularly met in shops, churches, post offices and pubs. Even though many people had fewer financial resources, older adults usually had regular social contact and strong relationships with those around them. This sense of belonging helped many elderly people avoid the isolation that is increasingly common today”, continued the Skeoughvosteen man
Major changes
The former mayor of Kilkenny city agreed that modern rural Ireland has changed significantly. This, said Peter, is due to emigration, changing lifestyles and smaller family sizes. “Many younger people move to towns, cities or abroad in search of work and education opportunities, leaving older relatives behind in isolated rural communities”, said Mr Cleere.
Peter commented that as a result, many elderly people now live alone and may go long periods without social interaction. Loneliness has become one of the most serious issues affecting older people in rural Ireland. Without nearby family members or neighbours to visit regularly, many older adults experience feelings of sadness, anxiety and disconnection from society.
Healthcare
Peter stressed that Healthcare access has improved in many ways, but rural healthcare services continue to face serious pressures. Many elderly people must travel long distances to see doctors, attend hospital appointments or access specialist care. Rural GP practices sometimes struggle to recruit medical staff, leading to longer waiting times and reduced services. For older people with mobility issues or chronic illnesses, travelling for healthcare can be stressful and exhausting.
At the same time, the healthcare needs of the ageing population are increasing.
Finance
An area that Peter is well versed on is Finance. “Financial pressure is another important issue. Many elderly people in rural Ireland live on fixed pensions and may struggle with rising living costs. Heating older rural homes can be expensive, particularly during winter months. Fuel costs, electricity bills and home maintenance can place significant strain on older adults who are already managing limited incomes”, said Chap.
In conclusion, the difficulties faced by elderly people in rural Ireland have changed considerably over time according to Peter. “While older generations experienced poverty and limited healthcare, they often benefited from stronger family networks and close-knit communities. Today, elderly people are more likely to face loneliness, transport difficulties, healthcare challenges and digital exclusion” explain Mr Cleere.
Referring to the forthcoming production by the Lake theatre group, Mr Cleere said that ‘The Quiet Land’ is a powerful piece of writing, that highlights the beauty of living in rural Ireland but also the trials that people living there face. Finishing our conversation, Mr Cleere said that it is important to address these issues.
“Although living standards have improved in many ways, many older adults in rural Ireland continue to struggle with isolation and lack of support. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure that elderly people can live with dignity, independence and a strong sense of community. The T.D congratulated Lake Productions who will present ‘The Quiet Land ‘ by Malachy McKenna , which focusses on the very topic of the elderly in our community. “Groups such as Lake Production and author Malachy McKenna contribute greatly to rural Ireland when they put the spotlight on the subjects affecting people living in isolation,” said Peter Cleere.
Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere is a T.D for Carlow Kilkenny and is Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Affairs
‘The Quiet Land runs at The Concert Hall in Thomastown , August 13th and 14, featuring local Kilkenny actors Brendan Corcoran and Gerry Cody .
