‘Kind-hearted’ Donegal woman to be recognised with BEM from King Charles

A “kind-hearted” Donegal woman will be recognised for her contribution to dancing in Northern Ireland. 

Newry-native Carmel Garvey, who lives in Castlederg but resides in Rossnowlagh, is set to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) from King Charles. Around 300 BEMs are granted annually for service to local communities. Carmel is set to receive a civil BEM for services to dance in Tyrone. 

Carmel - who is a choreographer by trade - has been at the forefront of inclusion in Ireland for 50 years. Dancers of all abilities, such as wheelchair users, Down Syndrome and Autism, have had a chance to shine in Carmel’s shows.

“From I was a small child, I have watched mum make the impossible happen in her huge performances,” her son James tells DonegalLive. “Hundreds of people on stage with all forms of what people would have seen as disabilities, but not mum, mum never saw the disability, she saw the person, and she taught us and everyone around her to do the same in her kind-natured way.”

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When James was eight years old, his dad died in an accident and Carmel raised her six children on her own. When they grew up, she reignited her passion for dancing and choreography.

“Every one of her performances where I was lucky enough to be working backstage or with the performers has got a standing ovation,” James continues. “We don't need the king of England to know how brilliant you are, mum. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated, creative, warm-hearted, beautiful and overall kind person to call mum. 

“Well done, mum. Dad would be so proud.”