‘Heart and devotion’ - Margaret Brabiner named Dovida Donegal Caregiver of the Year

A Ballintra woman whose “heart, courage, and devotion have quietly changed many lives,” has been named Dovida Donegal’s Caregiver of the Year for 2026.  

Margaret Brabiner, who has worked as a Dovida Caregiver for six years, received the recognition of her peers during a special event in Letterkenny. Margaret will now be considered for the Dovida Ulster Caregiver of the Year award, the winner of which will then be in contention for the Dovida National Caregiver of the Year award to be announced in May.  

“For six years, Margaret has been a constant, steady presence in the lives of the people she supports,” Dovida Donegal General Manager Roberta Cuddy said. “Not only does she provide comfort and support, she 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. She truly is a worthy winner, and we’re delighted to honour her today.”

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Shane Jennings, CEO of Dovida Ireland, said that Margaret “typifies what it means to be a Dovida Caregiver” who reflects the very heart of Dovida by “preserving dignity, fostering independence, and empowering people to live the life they want in the comfort of their own homes, connected to their family, friends, and community.”  

(L-R) Shane Jennings, Dovida Ireland CEO, Pearse Doherty TD, Margaret Brabiner, Dovida Donegal Caregiver of the Year, and Joseph Musgrave, Home and Community Care Ireland CEO, during a special event in Letterkenny on Friday, March 13.

“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 is truly deserving of this award,” she said.  

For Margaret, care is defined as "the maintenance of health and welfare of a person,” which to her “comes with professionalism, skills, training and experience.” However, what makes the job truly worthwhile is “the trust, smiles, laughter and conversation I have with my clients daily.”