Anne McMahon from Ardee has been named Health Care Worker of the Year at the Bluebird Care annual Awards ceremony at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin which took place on Friday last.

Healthcare Workers, Care Coordinators, Team Members and Managers from across the country gathered to celebrate and acknowledge the compassionate individuals who work in the homecare sector.

A total of 32 finalists who were selected from a multitude of nominations were recognised on the day for the incredible work they do, supporting and looking after the most vulnerable people in their communities.

Prior to joining Bluebird Care over three years ago, Anne worked as a transportation assistant on a bus that catered for people with varying disabilities. Her passion and calling for homecare came about when her own mother required support for her daily care needs years before she passed away.

“I knew what a help it was to my own mam, being there to help her and this is what got me interested in pursuing a career where I could help others as I did my mam. I love to hear my clients laughing and just having a banter with them. I listen to their stories from years ago as they reminisce and treat them all as if they were a part of my own family” she said.

“I love making a difference in the lives of people and what I do every day helps them to stay living independently in their own homes for longer. A lady I looked after recently lost her husband and I know talking helped her while she went through the grieving process, I would listen to all the fond memories she had of him, we laughed and cried together, she calls me her “angel” said Anne.”

Kieran Hallinan, Director at Bluebird Care North East, said “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our winner Anne McMahon, who deserves every ounce of acknowledgment and recognition for the care she provides her customers. Anne always has a smile on her face and a calmness that is infectious, she is a great mentor to other carers and we always receive such high praise from our customers who absolutely adore Anne, she truly goes above and beyond.”

The Bluebird Care team and finalists enjoyed Afternoon Tea before meeting with the panel of judges on the day; Broadcaster, Author, Activist, and Bluebird Care Brand Ambassador Emer O’Neill, Educational Consultant & Author of ‘Thanks for the Memories’ Susan McGovern and Deputy Showbiz Editor at The Irish Sun, Aine Conaty.

A massive congratulations to all the Bluebird Care’s 2023 winners; Anne McMahon from Bluebird Care North East, who was awarded Healthcare Worker of the Year, David Reck from Bluebird Care Wexford, who was awarded Manager of the Year, Ruth Leamy from Bluebird Care Clare, who was awarded Care Coordinator of the Year and Karen O’Sullivan from Bluebird Care Dublin South, who was awarded Team Member of the year.