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Young Carer of the Year Awards

Our annual Carers of the Year Awards has a special section to reward and recognise Irelands Young Carers. Through a nationwide nomination process our Young Carer of the Year is chosen. Young Carers are nominated by family and friends and our judging panel uses a series of criteria to choose the overall Young Carer of the Year.

Our Young Carer of the Year for 2009 is Maria Maher from Ballincollig, Cork.

2009 Young Carer of the Year
	Maria Maher

Maria was invited to a special ceremony in Dublin's Westbury Hotel on the 18th of November where she was presented with her award by Patron of The Carers Association, Mick O'Dwyer. Maria attended the awards with her mother Mary who nominated her for the award. Maria is 18 years of age and has been helping with the care for her mother, Mary, since she was 13 years old following an accident that left Mary a wheelchair user. Maria completed her leaving certificate and is now studying in UCC. Maria combines her studies with caring for her mother helping her with dressing and cooking. Maria received a laptop computer as her prize and a commemorative engraved piece.


Maria was also commended at a special ceremony which was held at City Hall, Cork in the Lord Mayors Chamber where she was presented with a special certificate.

 

Young Carer of the Year Maria Maher pictured with Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Jim Corr, Peter Cox, Cork Centre Manager and Mary Maher.

Young Carer of the Year 2008

Irelands Young Carer of the Year for 2008 was Mary Condon O'Connor who was presented with her award and also a laptop computer at a special ceremony in Dublin in November. Mary helps with the care for her younger sister Aine who is autistic.

She is a great help to her parents and has a very special bond with Aine, she ensures she is included with her friends, helps with her physiotherapy needs and assists her with going to sleep when she finds it difficult.

2008 Young Carer of the Year
	Mary Condon O'Connor

Young Carer of the Year 2007

Brigid Cahill cared for her grandfather Michael for over six years. Her mother nominated Brigid for 'unselfishly putting her life on hold and for providing her grandfather with outstanding care'. Brigid took her caring role all in her stride and never complained. Sadly Brigids grandfather passed away in 2008.

 

2007 Young Carer of the Year
	Brigid Cahill

Nominations for this years Young Carer of the Year have now closed.
Nominations will commence again in May 2010.

The Carers of the Year Awards are kindly sponsored by Emergency Response Ltd.

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