
Wexford woman receives regional award recognising her dedication as a carer for over 30 years
After a career in the caring sector which spans almost three decades, Anne-Marie Lonergan has received the award for her high standards in caring and her dedication to her work.
Attended by family, friends, and Comfort Keepers colleagues, Anne-Marie received her official award at a recent event held in Croke Park to celebrate the 2025 Regional Carer of the Year Winners, as she was chosen as one of ten finalists from around the country.
Speaking at the Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year Awards, regional winner Anne-Marie Lonergan said: 'I am honoured to receive this recognition for helping to make a positive impact on my Gorey clients; I help them to stay in their own homes, and I provide great comfort to their families to have that extra support and peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well cared for.
'It's an amazing feeling, the satisfaction you get from helping your clients, making them happy, and knowing you have made a difference in their day-to-day lives. It's a very rewarding career and I couldn't see myself doing anything else apart from caring.
Originally from Bray in Wicklow, Anne-Marie lives in Gorey with her partner Seamus and their three children; Alannah (15), Jamie (12) and Millie (3), and their two dogs, Buddy and Milo. Anne-Marie was originally inspired to pursue a career in caring after watching her mother, who was a carer and loved looking after people.
Comfort Keepers Ireland is an award-winning homecare and support service that helps people stay living independently in their own homes and communities as safely as possible while maintaining connection, dignity, confidence, and joy.
CEO of Comfort Keepers, Collette Gleeson said, 'At Comfort Keepers, we have been providing homecare services to homes and communities across Ireland for over 20 years now, and what our teams do is much more than daily support. Each of our carers brings care, joy and connection into their clients' homes every day, while helping them to stay independent, confident, and part of the communities they love. 'This is why this annual celebration is a really important opportunity for us to honour the incredibly hardworking and passionate members of our teams and for our winners to connect. Anne-Marie is a natural, diligent and conscientious carer, always mindful of her clients' wellbeing. She is a fabulous ambassador for Comfort Keepers and a very deserving regional winner.'
Comfort Keepers has launched a new digital marketing campaign in partnership with GAA+, the GAA's live and on-demand streaming platform. The campaign is featuring a vignette-style ad, showcasing the company's values, services and role in communities. See this here on the homepage of its website at comfortkeepers.ie.
It also involves giving 250 clients free access to GAA+, particularly the older people and people with disabilities, to help ensure they feel part of their community and ease the isolation felt by some older people after the development to move greater numbers of GAA matches behind a paywall.
Comfort Keepers has been operating for over 20 years and employs over 50 people at its hub in Gorey.
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RTÉ News
05-06-2025
- RTÉ News
Blood, sweat and milk: the changing world of GAA interviews on TV
The first broadcast of The Sunday Game on RTÉ in July 1979 paved the way for the proliferation of GAA interviews on TV. The timing and setting of an interview indicate an immediacy to the match. With this comes immense elation and adrenaline that can lead to an unpredictable series of events which is entertaining for viewers. When Offaly sensationally beat Galway in 1981 to win their first All-Ireland senior hurling title, RTÉ's GAA correspondent Mick Dunne was in the winning dressing room afterwards to capture the atmosphere. Priests and supporters surrounding bloodied players as they downed pints of milk in front of the camera is a sight that will likely never be recreated - and RTÉ cameras are unlikely to gain such access to dressing rooms again. Mick Dunne joins the victorious Offaly hurlers in the dressing room after the 1981 All Ireland hurling final But maybe it was a step too far to have cameras in the dressing rooms in the first place? The dressing room as a sacred space is often spoken of by players. It's a distinct, closed off, separate space where the team can gather and privately absorb their achievements before the crowds descend again. Interviews at half-time are difficult to construct as players and backroom teams are anxious to get to the dressing room for a rest and recharge, no matter how the scoreline is shaping up. Occasionally a coach or selector will do a hasty and general interview to camera, but this usually adds little insight once a good commentary team is on duty and has already outlined where things are going right or wrong on the pitch. Ger Loughnane's interview with Marty Morrissey at half-time of the 1995 All-Ireland senior hurling final is undoubtedly the most memorable GAA interview of its type. Loughnane's "we are going to do it" assurance is iconic in Clare hurling folklore. Had the team not won the title, the interview would be considered an embarrassing example of improper conduct by a manager in the cauldron of Croke Park. Now, it is completely unthinkable for a manager to give such an interview at half-time when the All-Ireland title is at stake. Post-match interviews are the most common TV interview and are usually taken right after the match, on the pitch or in the media zone. The basic idea of an interview is to elicit information. However, in the case of a post-match interview, this information is unlikely to reveal anything surprising or new about the match, as there has been little time for the interviewee to reflect on, rewatch or analyse the event in question. Consequently, post-match interviews are not the place to hold the player or manager accountable for their actions or critically evaluate their performance. Pitchside interviews are usually celebratory in nature and focus on the winning team. With the usual 'ah sure we're delighted with our team performance' being rehashed, it is often the fans in the background scrambling for an appearance on television that is more distracting and entertaining than the interview itself. Interviews with the losing side are often conducted not as immediately as the winning team's interviews and usually off the pitch in more colourless, neutral spaces. This change of tone and environment is most likely out of respect for emotions in the face of defeat. From RTÉ Sport, Armagh's Rian O'Neill gives his reaction after their win over Kerry in the 2024 All Ireland football semi-final Pundits and presenters in studio have an indirect experience of a match through detached observation, which is why sideline reporters are tasked to relay important information that is only available by being positioned close to the action. It also means that they are ready to approach players and managers for their post-match insights. A new style of interview has emerged on The Sunday Game in recent years which involves inviting a player straight from the pitch into the studio. What this type of interview hopes to achieve is an evaluation of the match by one of the active players and the type of insight that cannot be provided by anyone else. But what often happens is an awkward interaction, created by the visible contrast between the polished pundits lauding over the player who is still visibly marked by the previous physical activity. In a conversation so soon after the match, interviewers are unlikely to risk conflict or controversy and instead, strive to reach a consensual evaluation of the match with the player. Interviewers in this context will usually empathise with the interviewee either in their defeat or in their celebration. Any other type of approach would result in interviewees refusing to participate. Which begs the question, what are viewers to gain from these studio interactions except than to see how tired a player is after a match or how dirty their jersey is? Brian Hayes joined our panel after Cork's victory yesterday to look back on their scoring exploits and the prospect of taking on Limerick again. #SundayGame — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 26, 2025 Digital media has enabled the emergence of new forms of sports journalism such as blogs, podcasts, and social media-based reporting. Streaming services and mobile devices have transformed the way fans consume sports media, allowing for on-demand and personalised viewing experiences. Interviews with supporters are another way of gaining a fresh insight into a game whether it be the anticipated beforehand or the dejection or delight after a match. However, these interviews are not taken seriously, and the main objective is to capture the atmosphere outside the grounds in the hope that a one liner or a vibrant outfit will create a viral moment online. Sports journalists are constantly striving to find new, innovative approaches to GAA interviews to remain relevant, profitable and engaging. To gain insight into the minds of players and managers past and present, indepth interviews about personal experiences have become more widespread. Focused RTÉ documentaries such as Jimmy's Winnin' Matches, Micko, Christy Ring: Man & Ball, The Game and the forthcoming Hell for Leather series on Gaelic football offer an opportunity to uncover unknown information that would never be revealed in other styles of interviews. From RTÉ, Micko documentry first aired in 2018 While watching matches is entertaining, sometimes the personalities participating in these events are themselves, almost as interesting. TG4's Laochra Gael is a popular example of how long form, indepth interviews backed up with archive footage is an appealing way of forging a new angle from often worn-out stories. The reality is that most GAA interviews on TV are repetitive and forgettable. Post-match interviews are a ritual exercise by the media in the hope that the interviewee will make a comment that can be used for headlines, clickbait and discussion. The lament of the loss of the unruliness and unpredictability of dressing room interviews will continue as viewers face more constructed approaches to interviews that are constrained by the boundaries of studio lighting and players that cannot give too much away unless they want to upset their team or supporters. The future of GAA TV interviews will continue to be shaped by the evolution of technology, the changing nature of match day regulations for the media and the ongoing battle for audience attention and engagement.


Extra.ie
04-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Dublin GAA star's link to RTÉ presenter mum — who admits it's ‘hard to watch' him play
A Dublin GAA star's mum has admitted that it's 'hard to watch' her son play — particularly after she tried her hand as Bainisteóir. Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne emerged as a rising star in the Dublin senior team, after he won an All-Ireland U20 title with the county, which he captained, in 2019. Making his senior debut that same year under legendary manager Jim Gavin, Peadar's mum Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh — who took Nobber GFC to the semi-final of Celebrity Bainisteóir 2010 — admitted that while she's proud of her son, it's sometimes hard to watch your son in a game as physical as GAA. Dublin's rising star Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne's mum Bláthnaid has admitted that it's hard watching her son play. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile 'I'm very proud,' Bláthnaid told RSVP. 'It is hard to watch as a mother though. If they get a belt, you want to kill the person that hit them, it is human nature. If the referee is talking to him, you are wondering what he said. 'The younger lads are playing together on the club minor team as well, pride is a great thing,' she continued. 'When I think of Peader, I think of all his pals and of course you want them to continue. 'When you are in the thick, everything is important but you take the next thing as it comes because there are injuries… he's very competitive and happy, and he's good at football.' Bláthnaid recently spoke about her son being a senior GAA player, admitting that it is a bit scary at times. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos Peadar recently spoke about wanting to fill the void left by county captain Brian Fenton, who announced his retirement last November, as well as James McCarthy, who himself retired a few weeks prior. 'They are tough boots to fill. Playing with James and Brian was a pleasure,' Brian said ahead of the All Ireland club final. ' I know there are a lot of lads there. Ethan Dunne is a young fellow coming up, Tom Lahiff and myself. 'There were a lot of lads chomping at the bit and trying to get the jersey off the lads, trying to compete with them and that made us better as a team. That was great but now they're gone.' Peadar admitted that he has some big shoes to fill, particularly following the retirements of James McCarthy and Brian Fenton (pictured). Pic: INPHO/James Crombie 'I have not been involved yet so I don't even know who is even there at the moment … Even with the new rules and stuff, I am sure it will be quite different. I know that it is going to be a massive loss for the team, character-wise.' Bláthnaid and her husband Ciarán Byrne have four children together — with her previously trying her hand in the GAA as a manager on Celebrity Bainisteóir, managing Nobber. She ultimately lost in the semi-final, with Derek Burke and Castleisland Diamonds beating Mairéad Farrell and Ballymun Kickhams in the final.


Extra.ie
04-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Six months on, former Derry Captain Chrissy McKaigue is content with his decision to retire
Hanging up his boots last year former Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue is still getting used to the idea of watching from the side-line but says he is still happy that he decided to call it a day. Making his debut for his county team in 2008 against Monaghan, Chrissy has a list as long as his arm when it comes to achievements with Derry, including a national league medal and two Ulster championships medals and an All-Star in 2022. However, when it comes the star has no time for regrets and concentrates more on the achievements he accomplished along the way. Chrissy McKaigue in action for Derry. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Sitting down with Extra as part of the launch of this year's Electric Ireland's Minor Championship Chrissy is still immersed in the sport. 'I'm so, heavily involved with GAA still in the day job. I work in a secondary school, coordinating Gaelic games. Not only just boys, Gaelic games, the girls, camogie and ladies football is a heavy part of my remit also. 'I'm back playing football for Slaughtneil, my club and doing bits and pieces of media too regarding GAA.' When it comes to throwing on the county jersey though he said 'I'm content to walk away from Inter-county and I'm actually enjoying the freedom of not having it and put my energy into other facets of it.' Chrissy McKaigue at the 2025 Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Championship launch. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan 'And like, I didn't want to be that way, but it's just the way I was and It is, it's, it's, it wears heavy after a while and it certainly wears weighs heavy after 16 or 17 years, let me tell you.' The former defender who has come up against some of the best of the best over the years such as Dublin's Diarmuid Connolly and Kerry's David Clifford says it is relief to step away from the intensity of the game. 'I don't have be thinking about football or the pressures of inter-county football, because I don't take any pride in saying this, like I find it really difficult to switch off from the game. When the season started in inter-county until it finished, it probably captured too much of my thinking,' he said. Chrissy McKaigue tussling with Kerry's David Clifford. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Admitting that doing this for several years can take its toll on your mind. Looking forward to this year's season, the Derry man has full confidence in his former team believing that Sam is up for grabs from several contenders. 'It's been so long since we've had so many teams jockeying for possession in the race for Sam,' and this year all bets are off to who will be bringing the trophy home.