Offaly’s Carer of the Year announced at Special Ceremony

Following an unprecedented level of nominations for The Carers Association’s Carers of the Year Awards 2014, Mary Dunne from Clara, Co. Offaly has been announced as Offaly’s Carer of the Year 2014. She was presented with her award at a special ceremony held at The Carers Association centre in Tullamore (on Monday, 4/11/14).

Mary has been a full time family carer for over ten years. She has been caring for her husband, Bennie, since he was diagnosed with Myeloma (a cancer in the bone marrow) over 11 years ago. She has fought hard over the last two years to nurse him back to health following pneumonia.

Mary Dunne, Offaly’s Carer of the Year 2014, Alison Hackett, The Carers Association, and Michael Mulloy, Laois Carer of the Year 2014

Mary also cares for her mother, Annie, who has Dementia. She ensures her husband is cared for and gets to all his hospital appointments while looking after her mother as well. According to one nomination Mary “deserves recognition for all her hard work.”

The Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carer of the Year Award 2014, sponsored by Tunstall Emergency Response, celebrates the contribution of family carers across Ireland. Family carers provide high levels of care in the home to their loved ones, including older people, those terminally ill and with disabilities.

All entries receive a commemorative certificate and Offaly’s Carer of the Year 2014, Mary Dunne, will now attend a special ceremony which will be held in Dublin onNovember 12th honouring award recipients from across the country. One family carer will be chosen as Ireland’s Carer of the Year 2014 and the Young Carer of the Year 2014 will also be presented.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by broadcasters and patrons of The Carers Association Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan.

“Family caring is a labour of love and these awards are an opportunity to celebrate family carers” said Alison Hackett, The Carers Association, Offaly. “Offaly’s Carer of the Year Award recognises the dedication and enormous contribution of the region’s over 3,400 family carers. We are delighted to present this year’s well deserved award to Mary Dunne.”