'Local hero' gong for Kilbeggan
A Kilbeggan woman was last week named as The Woman’s Way & Beko Local Hero 2018.
Kay Ryan was top of the list of heroes when winners were announced at a special ceremony at The Gibson Hotel in Dublin on Tuesday.
Kay received her award for having set up a charity shop in her home town and for having tirelessly fundraised throughout her life.
“I’m just an ordinary mother, no more than less than anything else,” said Kay after receiving the award.
In 2016, according to the award organisers, Kay was also a vocal supporter of the Yes campaign in the marriage referendum.
Her son Michael, who nominated her for the award, said:, “She will proudly stand by as I marry my life partner of 20 years later this year.”
The Mum of the Year Awards, now in its 15th year, is the largest and most recognised national awards celebrating mothers across Ireland. As well as the overall Mum of the Year, this year, Woman’s Way and Beko also recognised the outstanding achievements of mothers within a number of new categories, to reflect the dynamic and multi-faceted roles that so many modern mothers in Ireland now play.
These new categories sought to recognise first-time mothers, ‘mumpreneurs’ who have made a difference in the world of business, mums who reach out through social media to create and connect communities, as well local heroes working tirelessly in their local community.
Shane Kelly, Sales and Marketing Manager, Beko commented: "We’d like to thank all of the finalists for sharing their incredible stories and congratulate them on their outstanding achievements.”
Áine Toner, Editor, Woman’s Way said: “We were overwhelmed with nominations for our new categories which demonstrate the big and small things women are doing throughout Ireland to make a difference to their lives and those of their families, friends, communities and even people they’ve never met.
"Showing true resilience, patience, confidence and support, our 2018 winners are some of the country’s finest ambassadors and we are delighted to partner with Beko in celebrating them and their efforts.”