Rathcormac’s Daniel McHugh (83) is Sligo Carer of the Year
THE 2023 Netwatch Sligo Family Carer of the Year has been announced as Daniel McHugh from Rathcormac.
The award recognises the exceptional dedication and commitment of family carers across the nation who provide vital care at home for loved ones with additional needs.
Daniel’s wife Katherine was diagnosed with MS over 30 years ago and is dependent on her husband for everything in her daily life. Daniel, who is 83, gives his time and while battling some of his own health issues in recent years, never ceases to be a positive and joyful individual to be around. Daniel’s dedication to caring for his wife, day in and day out, demonstrates the caring person that he is and how he wants those around him to live their lives to the best of their ability. Now in its 16th year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards continue to pay tribute to the remarkable work of over 500,000 family carers in Ireland who care for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with
Patricia Blee, Community Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland; Daniel McHugh, Netwatch Sligo Family Carer of the Year, Keith Martin, Regional Sales Manager, Netwatch and Cllr Declan Bree, Mayor of Sligo.
chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.
They play a critical role in maintaining the wellbeing and dignity of their loved ones, enabling them to receive the care they require in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Patricia Blee, local Community Supports Manager with Family Carers Ireland said: “The Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards not only recognise the dedication and sacrifices made by every single-family carer, but also serve as a powerful reminder of the crucial role they play in our society. Their resilience, love and
support are immeasurable. Their contributions are a testament to the strength of our community. Daniel’s story reflects the commitment, love and hard work exhibited by family carers throughout the country.” Congratulations were extended to Daniel, Sligo Carer of the Year 2023 and Andy Neenan, Leitrim Carer of the Year 2023 who received their awards at an event in Sligo hosted by Family Carers Ireland. Speaking in Dáil Eireann, Deputy Marian Harkin congratulated the award winners and described the role of family carers as invaluable in ensuring that
those who need care can safely remain in their own homes.
She also highlighted the need for a radical reform to our Homecare service, staffed by home care workers who assist family carers in caring for people in their own homes.
“There is an immediate need to reverse the recruitment embargo on health workers and for a clear commitment not to block the hiring of public service Health Care Support Assistants. It is absolutely crucial that there are no cuts to the duration of home support hours because the time allocation for home support hours is already cut to the bone
and there’s absolutely nothing left to be cut,” Deputy Harkin said. Ms Harkin also called for workers in the home care service to be paid at least the living wage at €14.80 per hour with reasonable payment for mileage expenses and travel time between the care locations.
“As we honour the work of Daniel and Andy, we need to reward those who assist them, the care support workers, by radically improving their working conditions in recognition of their invaluable work ensuring vulnerable people can live at home with peace of mind and dignity,” Ms Harkin concluded.