Tullamore carer wins national award
A Tullamore carer has been crowned Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year 2026.
Vanessa Craven received the national award at a special Comfort Keepers National Day of Joy celebration at the company’s Tullamore office on June 24. This initiative highlights the role of home care within the Irish health ecosystem, focusing on community-based support, connection, and dignity for individuals receiving care. Comfort Keepers also took the opportunity on its National Day of Joy to celebrate its teams who work together to bring joy into people’s homes every day. It also gave out special awards and long-service awards.
Ms Craven was initially recognised as the Midlands and Offaly regional winner at an event held in Croke Park. She was chosen as the national winner from a group of 18 regional finalists from across Ireland, and for her dedication and consistent high standards of care.
Having worked as a carer for approximately 18 months, Ms Craven entered the profession after spending time caring for a relative.
Collette Gleeson, CEO of Comfort Keepers, said: "At the heart of Comfort Keepers is a commitment to care that goes beyond daily tasks. It is about helping people to feel dignity, respect and independence while staying connected to the community around them. Vanessa’s compassion and the care she takes in delivering her support have been phenomenal."
Vanessa Craven said: “Winning this award is such an honour. I’m so grateful for my clients, and this is more than just a job. You get to help people have a bit more confidence in themselves; you're helping to change people's lives in a way. Company is a big thing, so it’s nice to go into people’s homes and have a chat and make them feel comforted.
“I have encountered some very special people and amazing work colleagues in a short space of time, and I’m so grateful to our staff and management for this recognition. And to think that I’d even be considered is such an honour. I hope I can continue to do even more and live up to the title.”
Established in 2005, Comfort Keepers Ireland is a national homecare company. It works closely with the HSE, their clients, and their families to offer a full range of nurse-led, tailored homecare and support services for any individual, including older adults, who want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. The company has been operating for over 20 years and employs over 150 people at its office in Tullamore.