The COVID lockdowns were a strange time for all of us. For me, it was a period of forced introspection, a time when the world slowed down, and I had no choice but to confront the things I’d been avoiding. As an Irishman who’s never been great at sitting still, it was a challenge. But looking back, it was also a gift—one that helped me refocus on what truly matters: my mental health, my family, and yes, even my testosterone levels.

St. Patrick’s Day 2020. It’s a date that’s etched into the memory of every Irish person. The day the craic was supposed to be mighty, the parades were ready to roll, and the pubs were primed for a roaring trade. But instead, it became the day the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, stood in Washington D.C. and announced that Ireland was going into lockdown. I remember it like it was yesterday.

It’s April 2020, and Ireland is in the thick of its first COVID-19 lockdown. The weather’s been all over the place—one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s lashing rain. Typical Irish spring, really. But this time, it’s different. The streets are eerily quiet, the pubs are closed, and the only sound you hear is the occasional Garda car driving by, reminding us to stay home. For someone like me, who thrives on routine and social interaction, this has been a massive adjustment.