Carers of the Year Awards 2008

This years closing date for our Carers of the Year Awards 2008 has now passed.

The judging panel for our Carers of the Year Awards met on Tuesday 16th of September and went through all the nominations received. It was a difficult process to choose four people from all the nominations received. The four people chosen will go forward and represent all carers.

The four carers chosen will be honoured at special ceremonies over the upcoming weeks in their home town and again at our National Awards ceremony on the 22nd November where the overall National Carer of the Year will be announced.

We are delighted to announce the four regional recipients of our Carers of the Year Awards 2008:

Dublin - Catherine Petherbridge, Dublin 9

Leinster Region - James Corcoran, Carlow

Munster Region-Rebecca Quirke,Co. Tipperary

Connaught/Ulster-Noel Timothy, Co. Galway

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Munster Carer of the Year - Rebecca Quirke - Saturday 8th November 2008

Our Munster Carer of the Year Rebecca Quirke from Cashel, Co. Tipperary was awarded on Saturday 8th of November in the Cashel Palace Hotel. Vice Chairperson of South Tipperary County Council Cllr Liam Ahearne presented Rebecca with her much deserved award on the night. 

At a special ceremony surrounded by her friends and family, Rebecca was delighted that so many people came to join in her celebrations and thanked everyone that has helped her and her family since John first became ill. The Mayor of Cashel also spoke about Rebeccas tireless dedication to John and her love and committment to caring for him.

(Photos to follow)

View Press Release Here

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Dublin Carer of the Year - Catherine Petherbridge - Thursday 23rd October 2008

Our Dublin Carer of the Year, Catherine Petherbridge received her award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne on Thursday 23rd of October at a special award ceremony in Clontarf Castle, Dublin.  Surrounded by her family and friends, Catherine thanked everyone who has supported her and her husband David since the birth of Hannah, one and a half years ago.

Lord Mayor, Eibhlin Byrne, Catherine Petherbridge, Hannah Petherbridge, Jacqueline Millman, Blanchardstown Centre Manager, Catherine Cox, Communications Manager The Carers Association.

Hannah was born with half a heart with only little chance of survival. Hannah has to be admitted into hospital quite frequently and needs to be constantly monitored for her health.

Catherine has been caring for Hannah 24 hours a day since she was born and is dedicated to ensuring she has a happy childhood. Catherine is such a warm and positive person and so deserving of the title, Dublin Carer of the Year.

                     Catherine and Hannah Petherbridge

View Press Release Here

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Connaught/Ulster Carer of the Year -

Noel Timothy - Thursday 16th October 2008

On Thursday 16th of October, family carer Noel Timothy was awarded Connaught/Ulster Carer of the year at a special ceremony in Galway's Westwood House Hotel.  Surrounded by friends and family, Noel was presented with his award by Galway Mayor Cllr. Padraig Conneely.

The Timothy Family pictured at the Connaught/Ulster Awards Ceremony.

Noel is full time carer for his wife, Evelyn, his son James who is 15 and also helps with the care for his son Steven following a serious motocycle accident. Noel is an inspiration and carries out his caring duties with total love and dedication to his family.

                    Noel Timothy pictured with his award.

                View Press Release Here

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Leinster Carer of the Year-Jimmy Corcoran - Thursday 9th October 2008

At a special award ceremony in the Talbot Hotel, Carlow, Jimmy Corcoran's commitment to caring full-time for his wife Helen, while raising a family of eight was celebrated. Jimmy was presented his award by Cllr Anne Ahearn from Carlow Town Council.

Jimmy was chosen from a substantial number of nominations as Leinster’s Carer of the Year 2008. He has been caring for his wife, Helen (67), for over 14 years. Helen has Emphysema since the mid 1990’s, is confined to a wheelchair and requires full-time care 24 hours, 7 days a week.

                          Helen and Jimmy Corcoran

Showing an on-going commitment to helping those around him, Jimmy has previously been awarded Carlow Person of the Year in recognition of his voluntary work with the Irish Wheelchair Association. A great night was had by all. Congratulations Jimmy!

View Press Release Here

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Carers of the Year Launch - 22nd May 2008

The Emergency Response Carers of Year Awards 2008 on behalf of The Carers Association was launched on Thursday 22nd of May 2008 at the Merrion Hotel, Dublin 2 at 9.30am.  Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney officially launched the awards with The Carers Association Patron, Mary Kennedy as MC for the launch.

Enda Egan, CEO & Catherine Cox, Regional Manager speaking with James Doyle, Director, Emergency Response.

The awards are a celebration of the phenomenal dedication and care provided by family carers to their loved ones, those with special needs, disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill.

Family Carer, Martin Cullen with his mother speaking with Minister Mary Harney at the launch.

The Awards are based on a national nomination process, whereby members of the public are invited to nominate their chosen carers for the awards. All carers nominated will receive a special certificate of commendation and from these four regional Carers of the Year will be chosen from all the entries received. The National Carer of the Year will be chosen from the Regional Carers of the Year. 

The launch also announced the Young Carer of the Year Award (under 18 years of age) in recognition of Ireland’s 5,000 teenagers and children who provide care in the home.

          Alison and Zac McKim pictured with Minister Mary Harney.

Emergency Response Ltd are the main sponsors of the Carers of the Year Awards 2008.   

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CARER OF THE YEAR 2007

      Margaret Curran, National Carer of the Year pictured with Minister Noel Dempsey and Young Carer of the Year, Brigid Cahill.

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We are involved in a number of other activities which will highlight the issues that face carers.

These include:

National Carers Week

Information Pack

Take Care – magazine for and about carers   and the issues they face.

Conferences and Seminars

Producing videos and promotional materials.

In particular, we produce a pre-budget submission which highlights the plight of Ireland's 161,000 family Carers.