‘The Town’ documentary received an absolutely astonishing reaction from all over Ireland when it hit out screens last Monday night.
The hashtag ‘#TheTown’ became trending on Twitter shortly after the programme aired and the show even featured on Googlebox Ireland during the week.
Part two of the documentary aired tonight, and received plenty of viewership again, with the people of Twitter taking to the social media site to air their views on the topics raised.
Featured on tonight’s show was the downgrading of Portlaoise A&E, and the groups fighting against it, Father Paddy Byrne on being the ‘Twitter Priest’, LaoisToday’s very own Steven Miller and a family who were at the heart of last week’s documentary, Mary-Claire’s and her parents Rose Maher and Anthony Knowles.
Two year old Mary-Claire Knowles captured the hearts of the nation after she and her family appeared on the extremely well-received documentary ‘The Town’, which highlighted the lives of different people living in and around Portlaoise.
The toddler suffers from a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. This is characterised by prolonged seizures, sometimes causing developmental delays and can cause an increased risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.
Her mother Rose and father Anthony spoke about Mary-Claire’s plight on the show, and how essential having Portlaoise hospital is for their daughter on tonight’s show.
The anticipation was high right from the beginning:
Part 2 of #TheTown is on tonight. If it is anything like part 1 it should be another great view of life in Laois
— Thomas Foy (@FoyThomas) September 10, 2018
Cmon #TheTown
— Yvonne (@ykinsella) September 10, 2018
Gym owner Yvonne was getting huge praise her helping her father Eugene get into a fitness routine.
Really Great story!! Getting her Dad back in shape post heart attack! Tough task master! Now THATS cardiac rehab! ? #thetown
— Triona Murphy (@Murpht01) September 10, 2018
Father Paddy Byrne also made an impression on the viewers.
@frpaddybyrne well done on #thetown
— Lorraine Doyle (@lorrchristina) September 10, 2018
You’re looking well on de Telly Father ?#VirginOne #TheTown
Keep up the good work ? https://t.co/hCoRB1LLVA— Tom Baldwin (@LegalEagleStar) September 10, 2018
I hear you’re a TV star now Father @frpaddybyrne #TheTown
— Sandra (@libraryturner) September 10, 2018
#TheTown amazing programme, so insightful. @frpaddybyrne is just an auld sweetie
— Emma Carroll (@McsEmma) September 10, 2018
Jesus that kid Nikita has been through it. Seems like a bright young spark. The things we do to poor people, especially poor women #thetown
— Hilary Daly (@hilarydaly) September 10, 2018
Concern over Portlaoise hospital
Of course, most of the reactions towards the programme focused around the main topic of the night: Portlaoise hospital
Imagine they closed portlaoise hospital and that little girl couldn’t get to tullamore/nass/Kilkenny quick enough? Who would the government blame then if something serious happens?? #TheTown
— scott lawless (@otterthetown) September 10, 2018
#TheTown amazing programme, so insightful. @frpaddybyrne is just an auld sweetie
— Emma Carroll (@McsEmma) September 10, 2018
Watch #thetown and #SavePLaoiseAnE
— Sandra (@libraryturner) September 10, 2018
Great series continues now on @VirginMedia_One Ready for more wonderful ordinary Irish people. Doesn’t matter where you actually live, we’re all from #TheTown
— Frank Agnew (@FrankSerpico76) September 10, 2018
The anger and dissapointment in the room the night of the @SaveMRHP meeting being shown on #thetown was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Those who proposed closing that hospital needed to see and hear it. But they didn’t. Dissapointing
— Thomas Foy (@FoyThomas) September 10, 2018
Hoping they show everyone march up #thetown in protest
— Sandra (@libraryturner) September 10, 2018
Watching that poor little girl on #TheTown is breaking my heart. 32nd time being admitted to hospital. Reminds me so much of Rian as a baby, he used to have my heart broken. God love her ?
— Amanda (@iAmanda91) September 10, 2018
Overall, people showed the appreciation for the town they love so well.
Salt of the earth! Still miss living there #thetown
— the bert fella (@stevoberigan) September 10, 2018
Really enjoyed that #TheTown
— Jim (@JimBaawn) September 10, 2018
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