News
26 May 2026
‘One of the family’: Louth’s Emma McGrath is the National Caregiver of the Year
A Louth woman described by her client as being like “one of the family” has been named Dovida National Caregiver of the Year 2026.
Emma McGrath received the special award at a ceremony celebrating compassion, dedication, and excellence in care.
Emma, who has worked as a Dovida Caregiver for almost five years, was nominated for the award by her clients and colleagues from Dovida’s Louth office.
Having won the county award earlier this year, Emma was put forward for the regional and national competition and had also scooped the Leinster Caregiver of the Year award before being crowned the overall national winner on the night.
“Emma’s commitment to her community shines just as brightly as her dedication to care” – Mary Kennedy
Local impact, national recognition
“I can’t put into words what this means to me,” Emma told awards judge, broadcaster Mary Kennedy, on the night. “I’m so humbled and would like to thank everyone who nominated me.”
“I love my clients; every day is different, and I absolutely love being a Caregiver. The first day I started, I just knew it was for me. We look after the most vulnerable people in our community, and some days I’m the only person that they have, so it means the world to me to be able to bring some joy and connection to their lives,” she added.
“Emma’s commitment to her community shines just as brightly as her dedication to care,” Mary Kennedy said. “She inspires everyone around her, and she truly deserves this award.”
“She is just one of the best that I’ve ever met” . – Eva Bingham, Dovida Client.
‘Respect, kindness, and compassion’
Emma’s clients and colleagues alike had great things to say about her. “She’s like one of the family,” client James Murphy said. “She’s always the same way every day, great craic, we can talk about anything… family, boxing, Dundalk FC. She puts everyone in good form when she walks through the door,” he added.
“She is just one of the best that I’ve ever met,” client Eva Bingham, a client of Dovida Louth, said.
“I can’t speak highly enough about her. We hit it off from the first day we met. What else can I say, Emma’s Emma, she’s very good at her job,” she added.
“Emma truly makes a difference every single day,” Allison Doggett, General Manager of Dovida Louth, said.
“She approaches every person with respect, kindness, and genuine compassion. We couldn’t be prouder of her; Emma reminds us all of the incredible impact one person can have through simple acts of care. She’s an example to us all,” Allison Doggett added.
“The Caregiver of the Year awards honour extraordinary caregivers from across the country; people who bring dignity, kindness, and reassurance into the lives of those they support every single day,” Shane Jennings, Dovida Ireland CEO, said.
“Emma consistently shows professionalism, dedication, kindness, and commitment to both her clients and colleagues. She exemplifies the very best of caregiving and is a truly worthy winner,” he added.
Dovida is currently recruiting experienced health care professionals as well as those new to care and is committed to supporting them every step of the way.
