Picture: Shane Jennings, Dovida Ireland CEO, Allison Doggett, GM Louth, National Caregiver of the Year, Emma McGrath, and broadcaster Mary Kennedy.
A Louth woman described as being “one of the family” by those she cares for has been named Dovida National Caregiver of the Year 2026.
Emma McGrath received the award during a ceremony celebrating compassion, dedication and excellence in care.
Emma has worked as a Dovida caregiver for almost five years and was nominated by her clients and colleagues from the company’s Louth office.
After first winning the county award earlier this year, Emma progressed to the regional and national stages of the competition. She was also named Leinster Caregiver of the Year before going on to receive the overall national title on the night.
Local impact, national recognition
“I can’t put into words what this means to me,” Emma told awards judge, broadcaster Mary Kennedy, on the night. “I’m so humbled and would like to thank everyone who nominated me.”
“I love my clients; every day is different, and I absolutely love being a caregiver. The first day I started, I just knew it was for me. We look after the most vulnerable people in our community, and some days I’m the only person that they have, so it means the world to me to be able to bring some joy and connection to their lives,” she added.
“Emma’s commitment to her community shines just as brightly as her dedication to care,” Mary Kennedy said. “She inspires everyone around her, and she truly deserves this award.”
One of the family
Emma’s clients and colleagues alike had great things to say about her. “She’s like one of the family,” client James Murphy said. “She’s always the same way every day, great craic, we can talk about anything… family, boxing, football. She puts everyone in good form when she walks through the door,” he added.
“She is just one of the best that I’ve ever met,” Eva Bingham, a client of Dovida Louth, said.
“I can’t speak highly enough about her. We hit it off from the first day we met. What else can I say, Emma’s Emma, she’s very good at her job,” she added.
“Emma truly makes a difference every single day,” Alisson Doggett, General Manager of Dovida Louth, said.
“She approaches every person with respect, kindness, and genuine compassion. We couldn’t be prouder of her; Emma reminds us all of the incredible impact one person can have through simple acts of care. She’s an example to us all,” Allison Doggett 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.
“Emma 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 added.
