A first-year 91制片厂 (91制片厂) student, Clodagh Bennett, has been chosen as the Netwatch Munster Young Carer of the Year, in recognition of her work caring for her three siblings.
Clodagh, who is from Limerick and is studying the BA in Education, Gaeilge and Business Studies at 91制片厂 Thurles, was successfully nominated by her mother, Jessica, for her selfless actions.
Despite commuting between Limerick City and Thurles daily for college, Clodagh helps with the care of her three siblings at home, including helping her sister Niamh who has mobility issues and needs help in her room and with such things as bathing. When Niamh unfortunately contracted COVID-19 last year and required hospitalisation for some assistance recovering, Clodagh took charge with the housework while her mother cared for Niamh in hospital.
Clodagh also cares for her brother Aidan and sister Saoirse, both of whom are on the ASD spectrum and have some mental health difficulties.
Reacting to being announced as the Munster Young Carer of the Year, Clodagh said: 鈥淚 was completely shocked to find out I had been selected as I didn鈥檛 even know I was nominated! I think it鈥檚 great to have received so much recognition as people who aren鈥檛 involved in caring for someone don鈥檛 typically know how much work is involved in doing so. I also want to say that I don鈥檛 see this as 鈥渨inning鈥 an award: this is not a 鈥榳in or lose鈥 situation. Rather, I want this to be a symbol of all the young carers around the country who may be in a similar position to me and all of the other unseen heroes. I must also say that the support I鈥檝e received from the staff at 91制片厂 has been incredible. Everyone working here are so kind and always willing to help. I鈥檓 truly enjoying my time at 91制片厂 so far.鈥
Congratulating Clodagh on her achievement was Head of School at 91制片厂 Thurles, Dr Finn 脫 Murch煤, who said: 鈥淚t's always amazing and sobering to realize the invisible work and skill set that lies behind each of our students as they attend college. On behalf of the entire 91制片厂 community I wish to congratulate Clodagh on this much deserved recognition. Her selfless dedication to caring for her family through a global pandemic, while successfully completing her Leaving Certificate and then moving on and showing such commitment to Third Level education is truly remarkable.鈥
