Leitrim man who is ‘very caring and never in a hurry' named National Caregiver of the Year
Ryan, who has worked for Dovida for a little over a year, was nominated for the award by clients and colleagues from Dovida's Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon office.
Having won the local Caregiver of the Year Award, Ryan was put forward for the regional and national competition and had also scooped the Connacht Caregiver of the Year Award before being crowned the overall national winner.
'I am truly honoured and incredibly grateful to Dovida for receiving this recognition," Ryan said.
'This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the team here in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. I'd like to express my gratitude to all our clients, who make this such a rewarding and fulfilling job,' he added.
Thomas Coggins, one of Ryan's clients, said Ryan is 'very caring and never in a hurry.'
"I look forward to seeing him every morning.
"He has a great personality.
'When I got out of hospital, my mobility was poor, so Ryan and myself started exercises to improve it.
"After a couple of weeks, I got back on my feet. Ryan was delighted; I was delighted. I would highly recommend him for the job he has chosen to do,' said Mr Coggins.
Local Public Health Nurse Tracey McPartland described Ryan as someone who is very gentle nature and gets to know the clients very quickly.
Bridget McGrath, General Manager of Dovida Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, said that Ryan has consistently gone above and beyond for his clients.
ADVERTISEMENT
'With his selflessness, dedication, empathy and compassion for his clients, Ryan has set a benchmark in caregiving.
"He has consistently gone above and beyond, providing exceptional care and support to his clients.
'Ryan has made a hugely positive impact on our community. His commitment, kindness, and professionalism have improved the lives of many and inspired us all,' she added.
Competition judge, broadcasting legend Mary Kennedy, said it was clear from the nominations that Ryan possessed all the attributes of a natural caregiver.
'I was struck by the heartfelt testimonials from Ryan's clients and colleagues alike.
"It's clear that Ryan has all the qualities of a natural caregiver.
"He has great empathy for his clients and their families.
"His kindness and calm nature while working with palliative care clients, in particular, provided great comfort to people during a very difficult time. He is a truly deserving winner,' she added.
Shane Jennings, CEO of Dovida Ireland, congratulated Ryan on his achievement and thanked him for the hugely valuable contribution he makes in the lives of his clients and their families.
'Ryan exemplifies what it means to be a Dovida caregiver.
'He puts the client at the heart of everything he does, and treats people with kindness, dignity, and respect,' he concluded.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Tributes pour in for ‘fantastic' Carlow teen (15) who died after short illness
REST IN PEACE | Ryan Kearney (15) from Leighlinbridge in Co Carlow sadly passed away after a short illness The late Ryan Kearney. Photo: 15-year-old Ryan Kearney from Leighlinbridge in Co Carlow passed away "suddenly but peacefully' at Crumlin Children's Hospital earlier this week after a battle with a short illness. A talented sportsman, Ryan played for his local football club, Vale Wanderers, who have remembered how he 'lit up every pitch he played on'. "It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Ryan Kearney, a much-loved young player with Vale Wanderers,' said a spokesperson from the football club. "Ryan was a funny, charismatic, and kind-hearted young man who lit up every pitch he played on. He was a fantastic team player, a loyal friend, and someone who brought great spirit and warmth to our club. The late Ryan Kearney. Photo: News in 90 Seconds - July 11th "Ryan will be sadly missed by everyone at Vale Wanderers, and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled. His courage and positivity touched so many lives, and his memory will always be a part of our club. "We are thinking especially of his parents, David and Sinead, his sister Laura, and his brother Adam at this heart-breaking time. The Kearney family's strength and generosity, raising significant funds for Children's Cancer in Ryan's name, was a remarkable testament to the love and resilience within the Kearney family – a day and an effort that will never be forgotten. "David, Sinead, Adam, Laura, grandads Dick and Declan and all of Ryan's aunts, uncles, cousins and very many friends, you are all in our thoughts, and we walk beside you now and in the days ahead. "Rest in peace, Ryan,' concluded the spokesperson. Hundreds of tributes have also poured in on for the young teenager 'who had such an infectious smile'. Read more 'Ryan has left everyone with such lovely memories, having known him from national school all the way up, he was an outgoing, bubbly, friendly, sporty young man who had such an infectious smile,' wrote one mourner on 'We know ye have truly cherished memories. Deepest condolences on his untimely passing.' "We are so sorry for your devastating loss. Ryan was such a wonderful person – funny, kind, quick-witted, and a great friend to everyone who knew him,' added another mourner. "He was loved by his teammates and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Thinking of you all at this incredibly difficult time,' they concluded. "Ryan was cherished every moment by his heartbroken parents David and Sinead, and his brother Adam and sister Laura,' read his death notice on 'He will be missed greatly by his grandfathers Dick Kearney and Declan Cuddy, by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, his friends, and his girlfriend Maeve.' A celebration of Ryan's life took place in St. Lazerian's Church in Leighlinbridge Co Carlow on Thursday morning.
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dad reveals hallucinating son's disturbing final words before he walked off 120ft cliff as boy saw ‘snowmen & Kermit'
A DAD has revealed the disturbing final words his son said to him before walking off a 120-foot cliff during a mountain hike. Zane Wach, 14, was on his way back after summiting California's Mount Whitney with his dad Ryan when he began saying alarming things. 6 Ryan from California fell sick while hiking with his dad Credit: GoFundMe 6 The tall boy began 'hallucinating' before walking off a steep cliff Credit: GoFundMe 6 Zane with his dad Ryan (right) Credit: GoFundMe Mr Ryan revealed that his son started to feel the He added that Zane, who now remains in a coma, said he "couldn't tell if he was dreaming or not" and said he could see "snowmen" and "Kermit the frog". It all began on June 10 when the father-son duo reached the 14,505-foot peak of California 's Mount Whitney - the tallest in the continental US. But as they both began descending, Zane started feeling sick and began saying alarming things before walking off the cliff. Dad Ryan told "He said there was a snowman down there, and that he could see Kermit the Frog near a green lake in the distance." As Zane's mental state got worse, he could not distinguish between dream and reality, the dad said. Mr Ryan added: "I've never seen anything like it. Most read in The US Sun "He wasn't making sudden movements, but it was like he was sleepwalking. I didn't trust what he might do. "He told me he couldn't tell if he was dreaming. At least 1 hiker killed & 3 injured in horror rockslide at Banff National Park in Canada "He'd shake his head and say, 'This isn't real... I don't think this is really happening.' "Like he was stuck in the movie Inception." Zane then wandered off the trail and plummeted over the side of the steep granite cliff. And the tragic fall left Zane with a traumatic brain injury. Mr Ryan said he could not stop his son from walking off the cliff as he was out of his reach. He said: "It was in the direction of the ledge. He thought it was right there, like the hike was over. "I wiped my eyes for a second, and when I looked up, he was already 10 feet away. "I reached out - but I couldn't get to him. And then he was gone." 6 Dad Ryan revelad the distrubing last words his son told him before the fall Credit: Facebook 6 An emergency helicopter (pictured) was scrambled and Zane was rushed to the hospital Credit: Inyo Search & Rescue What is altitude sickness? Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, is an illness that can affect individuals who travel to high elevations too quickly. It is caused by the lower oxygen levels and reduced air pressure at high altitudes, which the body has not had time to adjust to. The symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild to severe and often resemble a hangover. Common initial symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. T These symptoms typically appear within a day of being at a high altitude. Doctors suspect that aside from altitude sickness, Zane was also suffering from a dangerous combination of dehydration and sleep deprivation, Even during the summit, Zane said, claiming they had already finished the hike "multiple times" and appeared unable to distinguish dreams from reality. Dad Ryan said: "He was aware of it, which of course worried me, but he was still able to explain what was happening, "I thought it'll pass." He revealed that his 5'9' son was in peak physical condition before the summit - and had no history of mental health issues. After the tragic fall, Ryan rushed to the bottom of the cliff, fearing his son may have died from the impact. He said: "I didn't see how there would be a way for him to survive it. I thought he was gone." But the dad felt relieved when he realised his son showed signs of life. An emergency helicopter was scrambled and Zane was rushed to the hospital, where he now remains in medical-induced coma. Doctors say his only other injuries were a broken ankle, a fractured finger, and a fractured section of his pelvis. Ryan said: "It is a miracle, it could have been so much worse." The dad launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the cost of Zane's medical expenses. He has so far raised $21,000. Read more on the Irish Sun He added: "He's improving, but he still has a long way to go. "This is a survival story and not a tragedy." 6 Zane remains in a medically induced coma Credit: GoFundMe
Irish Examiner
26-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Suncream is safe - here are the facts, and five of Sally Foran's faves
Misinformation around sunscreen has unfortunately become more widespread on social media. Given that false news spreads up to six times faster and reaches more people than truthful content online (according to a 2018 study), this is extremely worrying. For younger people, it is more worrying still, as many rely on social media as a source of health information. A recent study from DCU found 57% of Gen Z are influenced by or frequently adopt nutrition trends they've found on TikTok and of those influenced, 67% said that they adopt at least one of these trends a few times a week. As melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults, we need to ensure our children aren't taking their health advice from wellness influencers or celebrities who are sharing damaging and inaccurate myths, including that cancer rates rose with the advent of sunscreen use and, even, that suncreams themselves cause cancer. The misinformation largely seems to stem from a mix of misinterpretations of lab studies, conspiracy theories and even apps like Yuka which can confuse people by demonising substances that toxicologists (scientists who study the harmful effects of chemicals) deem safe in regulated amounts. What do the experts say? It's important to note that, to date, no sunscreen ingredient, mineral or chemical, is classified as carcinogenic by any major health authority, including the Irish Cancer Society and the FDA. Skin cancer rates are likely increasing due to improved screening and diagnosis and significantly stronger UV radiation. UV rays, NOT sunscreen, are the actual carcinogen; they're classified as a group one carcinogen by the WHO, right next to plutonium. Thankfully, many dermatologists are now using their social media platforms to debunk this dangerous misinformation and help people make evidence-based choices for their skin health, including dermatologist Caitriona Ryan. Professor Ryan said one of the "growing myths" she's witnessed online is that chemical sunscreens cause cancer. "This [myth] is driven by misinterpreted studies. A recent FDA sponsored study did find that some chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone are absorbed into the bloodstream at levels that warrant further testing, but absorption doesn't mean harm. There's no evidence that these ingredients cause cancer or health risks at the levels absorbed." Professor Ryan also points out that the FDA advised consumers to continue using sunscreen as "the proven benefits outweigh any of the theoretical risks'. A spokesperson for the Irish Cancer Society's website added; "we're often asked if chemicals in sunscreens are harmful, and if they increase your risk of developing cancer. Sunscreen has been used by a large portion of the population for a number of decades and there is no evidence that users come to harm. The research on the chemicals in sunscreen (oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate and parabens) does not show that they cause cancer. None of these chemicals has been classified as a cancer-causing substance by any major scientific organisation." Sunscreens we love Modern formulas have become more advanced, lightweight, invisible and comfortable to wear. Here are five of our favourites. Beauty of Josean Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics, €17 Beauty of Josean Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics €17, Beauty Features A gorgeous, lightweight gel cream ideal for breakout-prone skin or during hot weather. This Korean favourite feels like a weightless moisturiser, is fast absorbing, leaves no white cast and sits beautifully under makeup. What's not to love? Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF50 PA+++ Skingredients Skin Shield €57, The Skin Nerd A primer, moisturiser and sunscreen all in one. It has a gorgeous universal peachy tint (I love it on no makeup days) leaves no chalky white cast or photo flashback. It contains allantoin to soothe, niacinamide to help reduce redness and vitamin E, an antioxidant, to help protect against premature ageing. It protects against UVA, UVB, infrared light, pollution and blue light. CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50 CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion €19, LookFantastic A lightweight, facial moisturiser with SPF 50+ UVB/UVA protection, plus three essential ceramides, to help protect the skin's natural barrier and provide hydration, making it ideal for dry or mature skin. It hydrates for up to 24 hours, plays well under makeup and is the only SPF I can get my kids to use! Lacura Sun Sensitive Face Sun Lotion SPF 50+ Lacura Sensitive Face SPF €2.99, Aldi Ideal for those of a sensitive disposition. It has broad spectrum protection, is water resistant, dermatologically tested and best of all, is only €2.99! It's been a huge hit with my partner, so it's ideal for any menfolk in your life. Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum €12, CH Tralee One of the lightest SPFs I've ever tried. Perfect for anyone who hates sticky or oily sunscreens. It works on every skin type and doesn't pill under makeup.
