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Margaret in bid to be 'Mum of the
Year'
31.05.12
BURNFOOT woman Margaret
McLaughlin is in the running to become the Woman's
Way/John West Mum of the Year.
The 61 year old Daniel O'Donnell fan is one of just
15 mums to be chosen for the final. She was
nominated for the awards by doting daughter Sarah
who thinks she is best mum of any year.
Margaret was "humbled" by the nomination - in
recognition of her tireless efforts as a home carer
looking after her mother, mother-in-law and husband.
"It was something I enjoyed doing, in life, you do
think about what your talents are and maybe this is
my leaning, to look after people," she beamed.
The local woman even undertook a course to ensure
she was providing the best possible care and became
a member of the Carers' Association of Ireland.
Not only has she been busy as a carer. She raised
six children, worked the family farm and opened her
own flower business at the age of 50. |
"I'm not a professional
florist but I love the interaction. There's a whole
spectrum of people and you can see their
personalities changing."
Sadly Margaret lost her husband in 2007 and while
she admits she is still trying to keep going, she
praises her family for their support.
"My attitude was, if I stay up, people will stay up
with me, if I moan, people will leave."
When she does manage to get some down time Margaret
enjoys music and loves going to concerts. "I love
music, I'm going to see Duke Special in Belfast soon
and I'm a big Daniel O'Donnell fan."
The finalists now have the chance of being judged
Ireland’s No.1 mum with a prize to the value of
€10,000 including a cheque for €4,000 provided by
sponsor John West. |
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Mum's the word: Margaret McLaughlin
of Burnfoot who is a finalist in the 2012 Woman's
Way Mum of the Year awards. |
The judges include
Norah Casey, chief executive of Harmonia and RTE
Dragons’ Den star; Anna Daly, Sinead Desmond, Mary
Kennedy and John O’Callaghan, president of the Irish
Countrywomen’s Association.
The awards ceremony will take place at a gala
luncheon on June 11, 2012 at Dublin's Westin Hotel. |
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