RECOGNITION Cllr Christy Hyland, Cathaoirleach, Westport Town Council, presenting Bridie McLoughlin, Bohea, Liscarney with both her Mayo and Connaught/ Ulster Carer of the Year awards. Included at a reception in the Plaza Hotel were, from left: Eileen Mc Namara, Outreach Development Officer; Karen Phelan, Project Manager, Carers Association, and Anne Marie Campion, Westport, who nominated Bridie for the award. ?Pic: Frank Dolan.
Constant Carer honoured at awards ceremony
Áine Ryan
aineryan@mayonews.ie
FOR over a quarter of a century she has cared for other people and last Thursday her altruism was marked when she received the Carers Association Connaught-Ulster Carer of the Year and the Mayo Carer of the Year Awards, at a ceremony in Westport.
Presenting the award to Bridie McLoughlin, the Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Christy Hyland observed that people like Bridie continued to ‘save the exchequer millions of euro’ through their dedicated work.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday, Cllr Hyland said: “I don’t think there is enough awareness programmes and recognition of the wonderful work such people do. These carers are beavering away quietly, 24-seven, while saving successive government millions of euro.”
A mother of five children and seven grandchildren, Bridie McLoughlin (64) has been a family carer for over 27 years. Having first provided care for her mother-in-law until she passed away, she continues to care for her brother-in-law, Hughie, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 35 and, now in his 60s, is confined to a wheelchair. Tragically, Bridie’s husband, who also helped care for his brother passed away suddenly almost two years ago. Moreover, Bridie also runs the family farm.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Eileen McNamara of The Carers Association said: “We are delighted to be presenting this award to Bridie who has dedicated her life to caring for her mother and brother-in-law, as well as raise her family. Bridie is an inspiration to those in her community and we are proud to recognise her lifetime devotion to providing care for her loved ones.”
The Carers of the Year and Young Carer of the Year Awards are based on a national nomination process where members of the public nominate their chosen family carers from across Ireland. Hosted by The Carers Association, they are sponsored by Tunstall Emergency Response.
The National Award Ceremony 2012 will be hosted by Patrons of The Carers Association and RTÉ broadcasters, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan, on Wednesday, May 30 next, in Dublin’s Westbury Hotel.
MORE www.carersireland.com
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