Two local creches win national awards

There was success recently for two crèches in Athlone at the 7th annual Baby Elegance Maternity & Infant Awards at a gala luncheon in Dublin.

Best Multiple Crèche was awarded to Grovelands Crèche, Athlone and Best Community Crèche was presented to Clonbrusk Childcare Centre, Athlone. Hosted by TV3’s Sybil Mulcahy and Martin King, the awards were presented at the Double Tree by Hilton and recognise inspirational people and outstanding childcare service providers, as well as commending the very best products and services for parents and babies in Ireland.

Commenting on the awards Gavan Costello from Baby Elegance said: “We at Baby Elegance are delighted to sponsor the maternity and infant awards 2014. The awards not only give a brilliant spotlight to some of the best products available on the market, they also commend some of the most inspirational people out there who may otherwise go unnoticed.”

Others awards presented on the day included the Midwife of the Year (sponsored by Caldesene) to Catherine Manning from The Coombe. She was nominated for her caring consistency to patients, her calming bedside manner and her compassion and dedication to her role.

The Mum of the Year award (sponsored by Maxi-Cosi) was presented to Teresa Loughnane, Tipperary, for her endless dedication to her family. When Teresa’s sister lost her battle with cancer, she left behind four young girls, but without hesitating, Teresa became their full time carer. AJ Doyle from Wicklow received the Dad of the Year award (sponsored by Next) and the Special Merit Award was presented to Fionnuala Gardiner for her work with families in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

Meanwhile, Miracle Baby of the Year (sponsored by Sudocrem) was won by Lexie Lynch from Tallaght in Dublin, who had heart surgery at just two hours old. Public Health Nurse of the Year (sponsored by NUK) was awarded to Bernie Long from Limerick for going above and beyond for the families she cares for.
Young Achiever of the Year (sponsored by Canavan Byrne) was presented to Quaid Cleland, Dublin 14 for his relentless quest to get sign language used on the Late Late Toy Show, so deaf children can enjoy and feel part of the show in the same way he does.

Business Parent of the Year (sponsored by eumom) was awarded to Deborah O’Brien from Kildare, who was born with Spina Bifida. She has had over 20 operations in her lifetime, is single-handedly rearing her twins and runs her own business, Decadent Beauty.

For a full list of Baby Elegance Maternity & Infant Awards’ visitwww.maternityandinfant.ie.