MS Ireland Awards 2009
Each year we seek nominations to our National Awards for MS Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Carer of the Year. The purpose of these awards are to formally recognise the contribution people play in the lives of their family, their community and our Society.
Person of the Year 2009
Katherine O' Flynn, Person of the Year with MS Ireland's Chairman, Allen O' Connor
Katherine O’Flynn was awarded Person of the Year. Katherine is treasurer of the Cork Branch. She has a fantastic commitment to the Cork Branch and performs her duties as treasurer above and beyond the role. Catherine has been involved at Committee level for the past 18 years and has held the roles of treasurer and assistant treasurer for the past 9 years. Katherine is very involved in branch fundraising, church gate collections, flag days and the weekly Cork lotto. She has also contributed to the local physiotherapy nights and ensured that everyone is introduced to one another, that everyone is involved in the chat afterwards and has tea.
Katherine works in Blackpool Post Office and to her credit, she has never said ‘I cannot do this on account of my MS’ when carrying out her branch work. We are delighted to award Katherine ‘MS Person of the Year.’
Carer of the Year 2009 – Jimmy Brown Perpetual Trophy
Established as a perpetual trophy by our Cork branch, the Jimmy Brown Trophy is presented in memory of Jimmy Brown, who was a full time carer for his wife Gretta and daughter Ann who both have MS.
Carer of the Year 2009
MS Ireland's Chairman, Allen O' Connor with Carer of the Year Florrie Gibbons
Florrie Gibbons was awarded Carer of the Year. Florrie is a member of the Mayo branch and worked on the CEP scheme in North Mayo for the past 12 years. Florrie provided 1:1 care including personal care and home support to PwMS, some of whom have become part of her family. Florrie goes way beyond the bounds in offering company and humour to these families. Florrie is selfless, caring and guarantees confidentiality to everyone she meets and cared for. Florrie’s greatest attribute is the humble and gracious way she is with people. Although Florrie no longer works as part of the CEP scheme, she continues in her caring role and demonstrates a high regard and love which she shows to PwMS in this rural area. One of her care recipient’s commented “if you were to ring Florrie at 10 p.m. on any winters evening, you can be assured that she would be at your door within the hour”.
2009 Volunteer of the Year
MS Ireland's Chairman, Allen O' Connor and Volunteer of the Year, Yvonne Corrigan
Yvonne Corrigan was awarded Volunteer of the Year. For the past 5 years, Yvonne has been assistant secretary, secretary, fundraiser and committee member. Yvonne works non-stop in her endeavours for the branch and its members. She steps in as PA for anyone requiring assistance at events. She does not have MS, nor do any members of her family yet she works tirelessly and is a wonderful asset to the South Mayo branch. She organises transport, PA help and often is a friendly voice on the phone for members living alone… the list of her assistance to members and fundraising campaigns goes on and on. Yvonne exhibits fabulous enthusiasm, a professional approach, compassion and total commitment even though she has a full time job. She is forefronting the Branch’s campaign to change planning laws for disabled toilets to be bigger and more accommodating to fit all wheelchairs.