Athlone woman is Irish Red Cross Carer of the Year

An Athlone woman has been named as Irish Red Cross Carer of the Year.

Eileen Cunniffe is a full-time carer for not just one, but two people. Eileen’s husband Liam had a stroke eight years ago while Eileen’s mother Colleen Curley came to live with her six years ago, as she was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

Eileen’s daughters nominated their mother for the award.

Eileen’s week is a “whirlwind of constant appointments” – both in hospital and with the doctor, while Eileen also ensures Liam and Colleen take all of their medication.

Eileen takes her role as a carer in her stride. “She’s the kind of person who would put everybody before herself,” says Eileen’s daughter Colleen. “She’s always been that way inclined, it’s just in her personality, it’s in her nature.

Eileen has also become involved in an Alzheimer’s Association Memory Café which was set up by Fiona Carmody and Aoife Tynan and meets once a month. “Mam volunteers there because she knows what other families are going through and she bakes for that,” says her other daughter Emma.

Colleen and Emma are delighted to see their mother being recognised by the Irish Red Cross for all her hard work;

“It’s nice for her, just to say thank you, and for her to be acknowledged for the work she does in the background,” explains Emma.
The Irish Red Cross Carer of the Year Awards acknowledge the vital role carers play in looking after the most vulnerable members of our society. This is an annual award open to all voluntary carers in Ireland.