Carmel honoured for work with elderly
Wednesday March 10 2010
Riverstown woman, Carmel Devaney, aged 73, has scooped an All Ireland Inspirational Life Award for being an outstanding role model and an example of an active and inspirational life at an award ceremony in Belfast, hosted by BT. Carmel was presented with her award on Monday, along with two other winners, by Senator Mary White and Dame Joan Harbison, for her role as chairperson of the Athlone Careers Support Group and for living a life dedicated to caring for others, including family and friends, over the past 20 years.
The award, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, is supported by BT, The Irish Times, Vodafone and Tyrone Crystal.
Speaking after receiving her award Carmel said: "I was shocked to hear I was nominated for, and won this award for caring for family and friends, which I have done all my life. In today's fast paced world, people don't have time for older people, but they are the very top of my list, especially as chairperson of the Athlone Carers Group.
"The group is a great relief to those who spend their time dedicated to others and may have no other outlet. We meet once a week, where members partake in activities, exercise, workshops and even have the opportunity to go abroad for weekends."
Carmel, originally from Riverstown, Sligo has been working for the last decade as chairperson of the Athlone Carers Support group organising Annual Carer's respite trips abroad, the Annual Carer's Mass (which is held in her home) and ticket selling to homes and friends for annual draws and fundraisers.
The organisers of the award are now calling on the local people of Sligo to nominate inspirational people they know, family, friends or organisations within the community by making applications online at www.irishtimes.com/events/inspirational or by emailing Ashley Beston at inspirationalaward@ireland.com and requesting an application form. The closing date for the second round of nominations is Friday, 30th April 2010.
Each winner was presented with a trophy from Tyrone Crystal for their outstanding work for leadership and achievement in enabling older people to realise their potential and in combating ageism.
