Carer of the Year Finalist: 'Mary making a difference'

Mary Byrne takes care of her husband Danny who was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease 12 years ago.

“I’m making my contribution to somebody being able to stay at home a bit longer,” Mary said, when asked to describe how she felt about being nominated for the award.

“Just in the last couple of years, things have got a bit worse for him.

“He needs a lot of help,” she said.

Alongside a carer that comes in five mornings per week for half an hour, Mary takes care of Danny. The couple are 47 years married.

“We’d be lost without each other.

“We’re a long time together and it’s just important to keep him here as long as possible.

“I call myself a carer, I don’t mind doing it, I like the work,” Mary said, explaining that she cared for her aunt who had dementia.

Caring has always been a part of Mary’s life with her mother working with the Irish Red Cross. She and Danny attend various classes and support groups that provide “an outlet” for the two, with afternoon tea meetings and day trips.

“We get mixing with and talking to other people.”

Herself and Danny love going into the Le Cheile Hub in Cootehill where they sing with the One Voice Singers group, whom Mary suspects nominated her for this award.

“They just feel I’m doing a great job.

“I just think it’s something I do, I don’t really feel special,” she laughed.

“I’m shell shocked, it’s lovely that people think that much of me.”