Family Carers Ireland teamed up with Netwatch for the “Netwatch Carer of the Year Awards 2019”. Netwatch Group are global leaders in proactive visual monitoring and provide protection and peace of mind for businesses in Ireland. The event took place for the 13thtime on the 22nd of November, 2019 at Westin hotel, Westmoreland street, Dublin 2. The awards seek to recognise, celebrate and shine a light on the remarkable contribution of Ireland’s 355,000 family carers – almost two thirds of whom provide over 100 hours of care per week.
The event was hosted by family career Ireland patrons, Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy. The programme started with a choir group who sang beautifully well. It was followed by a speech from Brenda O’Connell Barry, the 2018 carer of the year winner who gave a speech on her experience on being an ambassador for all carers in 2018.
The award recognised 30 people from different county’s and regions of Dublin comprising of 26 adults and 4 young adults who all received a trophy.
The 2019 Netwatch Young Carers of the Year are Lily Power, representing Munster region, age 19, from Co. Cork who has been caring from a very young age for her mum who has Parkinson’s. Áine Grant, representing Ulster, age 20, from Co Donegal who cares for her mum Nuala who was diagnosed with early onset dementia two years ago. Matthew McCartin, representing Leinster, age 17, from Co Wexford who has been caring for his dad since he was five years old. His Dad now has advanced Parkinson’s Disease with dementia and uses a wheelchair. Lastly, Hailey Golden, representing Connacht, age 11, from Co Mayo who has three brothers with special needs. She has learned ‘Lámh’ and Picture Exchange Communication and helps to feed and dress them and to use their speech devices. Hailey is the youngest carer of the year.
Marcin Filak was announced as the Netwatch National Carer is the year 2109. Marcin Filak cares for his wife who suffers from locked in syndrome and also looks after their two children – one of whom has autism. Marcin Filak lives in Co Meath cares for his wife Ola who suffered a stroke three weeks after the birth of the couple’s daughter.
At the event, Family Carers Ireland communication and campaign officer, Ruaidhri Kelly said, “This event is all about recognising Ireland’s 355,000 family carers and shining a light on the immense care they provide behind close door, a lot of which goes unseen. Its probably true to say carers doesn’t get the recognition they deserve, so I suppose this event is a small effort to get them motivated”.
Ruaidhri Kelly said “the winners will get a trophy which is just a tittle for their great job and it’s not an easy commitment to give up your life completely. In terms of announcement today, the overall best carer of the year will be called”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Catherine Cox of Family Carers Ireland said: “We are thrilled to announce Marcin as our 2019 Netwatch National Carer of the Year. His commitment to his family is an inspiration to us all”.
“As always we are in awe of our four Young Carers of the Year 2019 and the maturity and dedication they show in helping care for their loved ones”.
“We look forward to this event each year which not only gives family carers the recognition they deserve, but also shines a light on caring in Ireland today and the challenges that many faces in their roles”.
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