Offaly carer Vanessa Craven honoured as 2026 Regional Carer of the Year
A Tullamore-based carer has been announced as a regional winner of the Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year Awards 2026.
A Tullamore-based carer has been announced as a regional winner of the Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year Awards 2026.
Vanessa Craven received the award for her dedication and consistent high standards in caring. In the storied halls of Croke Park, and attended by family, friends, and colleagues, Vanessa was honoured at a special Comfort Keepers event to celebrate the 2026 Regional Carer of the Year Winners – she was chosen as one of 18 finalists from around the country.
Vanessa Craven, Regional Winner of the Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year Awards 2006, said: “It truly is such a heartwarming honour. There is something so special about getting to help others. I’m welcomed everyday into the homes of people that have truly become like extended family, and I do my best to help all my clients to the best of my abilities. 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.”
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. The company has been operating for over 20 years and employs over 150 people at its hub in Tullamore.
Comfort Keepers has also been named the Business All-Star, All-Ireland Champion Home Care Company 2026. The company has achieved this accreditation three years in a row, reflecting its commitment to trusted care, professional excellence and supporting people with compassion.
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 dedication and genuine passion for her work reflect the difference that compassionate, high-quality care can make when it is tailored specifically to each person. Through this kindness, connection and commitment, we help clients continue to live with confidence and remain part of the very communities they have helped shape. Vanessa is an excellent ambassador for Comfort Keepers.”
This year, Comfort Keepers became the Official Community Impact Partner of the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association. This partnership brings together three organisations that care deeply about enhancing and protecting social connections across Ireland. Pat Spillane, former Kerry footballer and Comfort Keepers Ambassador, said:
“In my time on the pitch, I’ve seen what real heart and dedication look like, and I see those same qualities in every one of these Comfort Keepers finalists. As a Comfort Keepers Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of the people who rely on these vital services to chat about life, community and Gaelic games. I see the same thing everywhere: carers are the backbone of our communities, providing a lifeline and a sense of connection to our GAA supporters and their families. These finalists are the all-stars of care in homes all across Ireland, and it’s only right that we shine a spotlight on the amazing work they do every single day.”
In addition, Comfort Keepers is delighted to support the FTD Brothers in their courageous Irish Challenge of completing 32 marathons in 32 days across every county in Ireland, raising vital funds for The FTD Foundation and the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland. This effort creates crucial visibility for people and their families living with dementia, helping to open conversations and reduce stigma.
Established in 2005, Comfort Keepers Ireland is an award-winning 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 wants to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.