Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 5:00pm

Athlone woman is an All-Ireland inspiration

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Athlone woman Carmel Devaney, aged 73, scooped an All Ireland Inspirational Life Award last week for being an outstanding role model and an example of an active and inspirational life at an award ceremony in Belfast, hosted by BT. Carmel, was presented with her award, along with two other winners, by Senator Mary White and Dame Joan Harbison, for her role as chairperson of the Athlone Careers Support Group and for living a life dedicated to caring for others, including family and friends, over the past 20 years.

Speaking after receiving her award, Carmel Devaney said: "I was shocked to hear I was nominated for, and won this award for caring for family and friends, which I have done all my life. In today's fast paced world, people don't have time for older people, but they are the very top of my list, especially as chairperson of the Athlone Carers Group. The group is a great relief to those who spend their time dedicated to others and may have no other outlet. We meet once a week, where members partake in activities, exercise, workshops and even have the opportunity to go abroad for weekends."

Carmel is well known in the area for her work as chairperson of the Athlone Carers Support group for the last decade, organising

Annual Carer's respite trips abroad, the Annual Carer's Mass (which is held in her home) and ticket selling to homes and friends for annual draws and fundraisers.

Other winners on the day were, Professor Des O'Neill, for his inspirational leadership in engaging older people to lead active and fulfilling lives, for developing the Irish Gerontological Society, his involvement in the Leas Cross Report, as well as for his roles as: Medical Director for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Chair of both the Irish National Audit of Stroke Care and the Irish governments Elder Abuse Working Group.

Also rewarded was Belfast City Council, who showed leadership to end discrimination on age grounds and in developing initiatives to engage older people in leading active and fulfilling lives, under the theme, Better Support for People and Communities. The award, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, is kindly supported by BT, The Irish Times, Vodafone and Tyrone Crystal.

Awards will be presented in May and August 2010 followed by an annual event to recognise the achievements of all the award winners.

The panel of adjudicators comprises leaders of organisations to the fore in promoting positive ageing, those who took imaginative initiatives in their organisations and people who are themselves role models for active living.