Monthly Archives: September 2010

Two “People of the Year” to attend Conference

catherinemcguinnessriohogarty
We are delighted that Rio Hogarty, Mum of the Year Award winner at the People of the Year awards on Saturday, 11th Sept, and Justice Catherine McGuinness, People of the Year award winner for her contribution to Irish life will be attending the National Conference.

Rio is a long time member of IFCA and a good friend of the Association and was honoured with the Inspiring Mum of the Year Award – a special Award for 2010 – for her energy, generosity and tremendous sacrifice in providing love, encouragement and support, not only to her own two children, but to 140 foster children over the past 40 years. Now 73 years old, she has ensured that many children have been able to benefit from a safe and loving home environment and are in a position to fulfil their own dreams and ambitions. The Award was presented by Donal Clancy, Director/General Manager QUINN-healthcare and personality Lorraine Keane.

Foster Carers provide a stable family environment for 89% of children in care and Rio and her family represent all that is positive about fostering, we commend her as we do all foster carers.

Justice Catherine McGuinness is Patron of the Irish Foster Care Association and she was honoured at the awards for her pioneering and vast contribution to Irish life in many roles over a lengthy career. These included her appointment as a High Court and Supreme Court Judge, as President of the Law Reform Commission and as a Senator, as well as for her unique contribution as an advocate for children’s rights reform. The Award was presented by broadcaster Gay Byrne.