The role of a carer transcends mere duty. Carers are often the unsung heroes; quietly dedicating their lives to improving the emotional, physical and phycological wellbeing of others.
This award celebrates the tireless commitment of five of our county’s most compassionate carers.
The nominees shortlisted for the Armagh I Carer of the Year award (sponsored by Trinity Support and Care Services) are Debbie McCormack, Anne Marie McGeown, Mary Gibney, Louise Browne and Angela Loughran. Vote for your winner here.
A spokesperson for Trinity Support and Care Services said: ““As an organisation we take great pride in promoting a culture of learning, that is instilled through our values, Understanding – Transparent – Empowering – Person Centred.
“This award recognises the significant role of a carer who has consistently provided high-quality care and support to people living in their own homes, and through the staff member’s dedication, awareness of colleagues/team, and their own professional development. Trinity Support & Care Services Ltd are delighted to be sponsoring this Carer of the Year award.”
Health visitor, Debbie McCormack has worked for over 40 years in the Armagh and Dungannon areas; supporting and guiding many families with the health and wellbeing of their young children.
However, in the last two years Debbie has endured her own personal battles. As she continues her work within the community she has now also become the primary carer for her husband catering to all his needs as he battles Acute Meyloid Leukemia.
In the process of learning to care for her husband Debbie was dealt yet another blow in learning of her daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis – at age 38. Despite already being incredibly busy both at home and at work, Debbie has been a rock for her daughter; supporting her and her young family and has continued to be the “best wife, mother and grandmother to her ten grandchildren!”
Ann Marie McGeown has been described by one of her nominators as a “true angel of care” for her work as a carer in the community.
She has cared for many elderly patients with dementia, always comforting and friendly in her approach, going beyond her regular duties to pay attention to the “little things” that brighten a person’s day. She has even been known to collect prescriptions for patients in her own spare time.
Of Ann Marie, one of her nominators said: “Her care and attention to how my mother looked was amazing. From the small detail of how her hair looked to a spray of perfume, or that her pjs matched. All these small things that meant the world to me and, if my mother had have been of sound mind, would have mattered to her too.”
Mary Gibney has been a lifelong carer for her sister Anne who has Down Syndrome.
Their parent’s – who Mary also cared for in their final years – have both since passed but Mary and Anne’s bond has always been incomparable, even from a very young age. Mary has always put Anne first. The two are described as ‘inseparable’.
One nominator said: “Mary goes above and beyond for her sister Ann. Every waking moment is spent caring for her sister as well as her own children and grandchildren. Mary has a heart of gold, she would give you the last bite out of her mouth if she thought it would help someone. Always the first to offer a helping hand, a word of wisdom or a shoulder to cry on.”
Louise Browne has been nominated for her resolve and strength over the last two years since becoming a carer for her nine-year-old son, Bobby.
Bobby has been fighting leukaemia since 2022 and underwent two rounds of chemotherapy, admission to the Great North Children’s Hospital and a bone marrow transplant just last year.
Together with her husband Danny, Louise launched the Find Bobby a Match Facebook page urging the public to register as a donor to help patients like Bobby.
The page continues to raise awareness for the importance of stem cell, blood and bone marrow donors and follows the journey of Bobby and others living with similar conditions.
Angela Loughran’s world was turned upside down when her young son Odhrán, who was only three-months-old at the time, suffered from respiratory failure.
After being resuscitated by Angela and her husband David and having endured approximately 30 minutes of live-saving CPR, Odhrán was transported to hospital by ambulance were he remained for four months before undergoing surgery in the form of a Tracheostomy.
Odhrán now needs one to one care and while Angela and her husband are both primary carers, Angela has taken up the bulk of the burden since David returned to work.
The pair must also divide their attention between Odhrán and his two-year-old brother, Daithí.
Angela has experienced many trials in caring for her son. She has been through an extensive training and competency process to ensure Odhrán was able to leave hospital, educated herself on Odhrán’s condition and the different issues they may encounter along the way, sacrificed social events like weddings and meals with family and friends and has become Odhrán’s full-time stay at home carer.
She has even taken up a Makaton classes in order to communicate with her child, passing on the various signs she has learned to David and Dáithí.
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