The family of former taoiseach Brian Cowen have released an update on his health after he was taken to hospital earlier this month.
Mr Cowen was rushed to hospital on July 4 in a serious condition after suffering a bleed on the brain.
There were serious fears for his life but now the 59-year-old's brother Barry says the former politician is making "slow progress", RSVP Live reports.
He told RTE Radio's Liveline: "There might be a long road ahead, but there's a road ahead, and we're delighted that's the case.
"The family is greatly encouraged and most thankful for all the messages of goodwill that are flooding in from, obviously from our hometown and country, but throughout the country," he said.
It comes after another Clara native, Shane Lowry, won The Open championship in Portrush on Sunday.
Barry said the golfer's achievement gave the town "a great life" and revealed the golf was on TV in the room in St Vincent's Hospital where his brother is being treated.
"No one no more than himself [Brian Cowen] would love to be there," he said.
Many public figures including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have sent the former Fianna Fáil leader their best wishes.
"I served in the Dáil with Brian Cowen for a number of years and I really hope if he is unwell, as I hear he is, that he makes a speedy recovery," he said.
Fianna Fáil's deputy leader from 2011 to 2012, Éamon Ó'Cuív, also wished him a speedy recovery: "I wish him a very speedy recovery and full recovery and I think it is well known I have great respect for it, what he did during a very difficult time for this country. My thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time."
Cowen has kept a low profile since retiring from politics back in 2011, and so his family ask for privacy as Mr Cowen receives treatment.
He is married to Mary Cowen since 1994 and has two daughters, Sinéad and Meadhbh.
