A 33-year-old Limerick man who has looked after his grandmother on a full-time basis for the last nine years has been honoured by the Carers Association.
Following an unprecedented number of nominations, Damien Hickey from Castletroy has been announced as Carer of the Year 2014 for the Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary region.
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.
Damien was presented with his award at a special ceremony in the Absolute Hotel last Thursday.
Damien was brought up by his grandmother, whom he calls ‘mum’. Following a series of strokes, which left his nan Marie Hickey completely dependent, the then 24 year-old Damien began to care for her.
The devoted grandson is by his gran’s bedside constantly, whether she’s at home or in hospital. He does everything for her from washing her and buying her clothes to ensuring she is eating nutritional food and getting her the odd cake for her sweet tooth.
One nomination for Damien said that he “essentially put his life on hold since his early 20’s…. he’s a fantastic person and would never need an award for him to realise just how great a job he is doing, but to be acknowledged for the effort, work, sweat and many, many tears that have been shed over the years would be great.”
Damien will now attend an awards ceremony, to be held in Dublin on November 12 honouring carers from across the country. One of them will be chosen as Ireland’s Carer of the Year 2014 and the Young Carer of the Year 2014 will also be presented.
Deirdre Hogan of the Limerick branch of the Carers Association said family caring is a “labour of love” and that the Carer of the Year Awards are an “opportunity to celebrate family carers”.
“The Carer of the Year Award recognises the dedication and enormous contribution of Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary’s over 16,600 family carers. We are delighted to present this year’s well deserved award to Damien Hickey,” said Miss Hogan.
