Kilmessan mum is named countys top carer
Margaret Maguire from Kilmessan has been announced as the Meath/Louth Carer of the Year 2014.
The announcement was made at a special ceremony in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on 3rd November.
The mum-of-five has been taking care of her daughter, Michelle, since her birth 24 years ago. Michelle needs constant care after being born with microcephaly, a rare neurological condition in which the person’s head size is significantly smaller than others the same age.
Margaret has also been providing care for her husband, Des, over the last 10 years after he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and, in the last four years, cancer. Despite being a mother to five kids and caring for her daughter and husband, Margaret always has a smile on her face and time for everyone else.
One nomination said: 'She is...one of the best and most caring people I have ever known and is the epitome of strength and kindness. She fights on and keeps her four children fighting and hoping, despite what life has thrown at them.'
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 as the Meath/Louth Carer of the Year 2014, Margaret will this week attend a special ceremony in Dublin to honour 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 Tracey Brennan of The Carers' Association. 'The Meath/Louth Carer of the Year Award recognises the dedication and enormous contribution of the region’s over 3,100 family carers. We are delighted to present this year's well-deserved award to Margaret Maguire.'