Kieran Hughes, 65, was contacted by the HSE and tested after coming into contact with someone confirmed as having COVID-19.

Mr Hughes spent three days in Cork University Hospital (CUH) but was discharged and allowed to recover at home after developing no more serious symptoms than a cough.

Speaking to Cork’s RedFM today, Mr Hughes encouraged people to continue physical distancing in order to slow the spread of the virus.

He said: “If even 100 people who are listening to your show today thought that what I was saying made some bit of sense and decided to give physical distance a real chance, we’ll get somewhere.”

In response to the UK’s lockdown, Mr Hughes added that the people of Ireland could be an example to Europe and the world by practicing physical distancing without the need for extra policing.