Carrick-on-Shannon woman receives Connacht Caregiver of the Year award

A Carrick-on-Shannon woman described as  “kindness personified” who offers a lifeline to her clients has been named Dovida Connacht Caregiver of the Year 2026.

Mary Foley from Kilclare, Carrick-on-Shannon, received the special award at a ceremony celebrating compassion, dedication, and excellence in care.

Mary, who has worked as a Dovida Caregiver for just over four years, was nominated for the award by her clients and colleagues from Dovida’s Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon office.

“I am so delighted and proud to have won this award; it means so much to me. I take my job very seriously and act as professional as I can, while always providing the necessary care for the people I look after,” Mary Foley told competition judge, broadcaster Mary Kennedy, on the night.

“I was honoured to have been nominated. A huge thank you to Bridget, Sarah and all the team at Dovida Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon. They have always helped me in any way they can, and I am very grateful for that. I also am so lucky to care for so many great people; it’s a privilege to do so,” she added.

“It was clear from the testimonials from clients that Mary Foley brings reassurance, confidence, and attentiveness into every home she visits,” Mary Kennedy said.

“She is especially recognised for her ability to build trust with clients who may struggle to connect with others, always encouraging independence while preserving dignity and respect. Sometimes the greatest gift a caregiver can give is simply their presence, and Mary is a trusted companion to her clients, especially during lonely moments when she is needed most,” she added.

“Mary is my lifeline,” client Bernadette Hayden said. “She’s one of the best that you could ask for; I’d be lost without her,” she added.

“Mary Foley is the definition of excellence in home care. She has supported my 92-year-old mother with a level of compassion, vigilance, and dedication that goes far beyond any job description,” Edna McCallion, the daughter of Mary’s client Marie, said. “She is a guardian, a comfort, and a constant source of humanity. She embodies everything this award seeks to honour.” 

“Mary has been sunshine to my life; she is kindness personified, reliable, and trustworthy,” client Marie Ruteledge said. Fellow client Patricia Harman described Mary as the “one and only” who is “in a class of her own.” “We hit it off from the word go. She’s not only my carer - she’s one of my best friends,” Patricia added.

A trusted professional “Mary is widely recognised as a leading figure within our care community,” Bridget McGrath, General Manager of Dovida Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon, said.

“Whenever new caregivers join our team, we always encourage them to link in with Mary. We know they will be treated with the utmost respect and supported in a trusting, relaxed learning environment. Her calm leadership, deep knowledge, and natural ability to mentor others make her an invaluable resource for both staff and clients,” she added.

“The Caregiver of the Year awards honour extraordinary caregivers from across the country; people who bring dignity, kindness, and reassurance into the lives of those they support every single day,” Shane Jennings, Dovida Ireland CEO, said.

“Mary consistently shows professionalism, dedication, kindness, and commitment to both her clients and colleagues. She exemplifies the very best of caregiving and is a truly worthy winner,” he concluded.

Dovida is currently recruiting experienced health care professionals as well as those new to care and is committed to supporting them every step of the way. Anyone interested in pursuing a rewarding career in care is encouraged to visit dovida.ie or call 1800 911 020.