‘One of the best’ - Donegal woman named Ulster Caregiver of the Year
Margaret Brabiner from Ballintra was nominated for the award by her clients and colleagues from Dovida’s Donegal office
A south Donegal woman described as “one of the best” and “a breath of fresh air” to her clients has been named Dovida Ulster Caregiver of the Year 2026.
Margaret Brabiner from Ballintra received the special award at a ceremony celebrating compassion, dedication, and excellence in care.
Margaret, who has worked as a Dovida Caregiver for six and a half years, was nominated for the award by her clients and colleagues from Dovida’s Donegal office.
“I am delighted and full of gratitude,” Margaret said of her award win. “I’d like to thank Roberta and the team in Donegal for nominating me, it’s done my heart the world of good,” she added.
“Margaret has shown extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and compassion to her clients during her time with Dovida,” competition judge, broadcaster Mary Kennedy, said.
“Her calm and reassuring presence has brought comfort and dignity to people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Margaret quietly lifts morale, supports teammates, and consistently leads by example. She is a natural leader and someone who truly deserves this recognition,” she added.
“I honestly can't praise her highly enough,” Margaret’s client, Liz Magnier, said. “She is a breath of fresh air, and I know if I'm feeling low, she will breeze in and put a smile on my face. If anyone deserves this recognition, it is Margaret,” she added.
Fellow client Anne Marie McPhelim described Margaret as a “remarkable lady who goes above and beyond in every possible way.”
“Thanks to her compassion, expertise, and commitment, Margaret has given me back a level of comfort and quality of life I thought I had lost. I cannot thank her enough for her kindness,” she said.
“For over six years, Margaret has been a constant, steady presence in the lives of the people she supports,” Roberta Cuddy, General Manager of Dovida Donegal, said.
“Mags makes people feel seen, respected and truly valued. Her commitment to the people of Donegal is humbling, and her compassion inspires all of us here in Dovida Donegal. We’re all so proud of her.”
“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.
“Margaret 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.