Local man, Sean Harraghy recently won the Diabetes Federation of Ireland’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award.
Now in its eleventh year, Sean joins a select group of people who have been recognised by their peers for their tireless efforts in supporting, educating and motivating people with diabetes, raising awareness of diabetes in the community and in promoting the interests of people with diabetes.
For the past 10 years, Sean, who has Type 1 diabetes, has been an active member of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland and has been at the forefront of diabetes service developments in Mullingar and the Midland region.
Through his determination to enhance local diabetes care, he was instrumental in the campaign to obtain a full time Consultant Endocrinologist and specialist diabetes team in Mullingar General Hospital. Most recently he initiated a fundraising campaign to buy a continuous glucose monitoring device for the local diabetes clinic and has now turned his attention to advocating for local podiatry and dietetic services for people with diabetes.
As Chairperson of the local diabetes branch Sean has given his time freely throughout the Midlands, helping where he could by offering enthusiasm and support to everyone he has met.
Kieran O’Leary, CEO of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland said “Sean’s nomination was signed by 12 people including the local Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Shu Hoashi and current Branch Chairperson Norman Dolan which reflects the high esteem he is held in by healthcare professionals and patients alike”.
Sean stepped down as chairperson of the Westmeath Branch this year to become the Midlands representative on the Diabetes Federation’s Board of Directors.
Mr Norman Dolan said “everyone is truly grateful to Sean for his outstanding and successful work in the past number of years. He is an inspiration to us all in making us realise that living with diabetes can enhance our lives and make us more determined to achieve our goals and ambitions in life. Sean is quite simply a fantastic advocate for diabetes”
The Diabetes Federation of Ireland Volunteer of the Year Award, is sponsored by Roche Diagnostics. As well as receiving a crystal vase, Sean received €1,000 to nominate to an Irish diabetes project of his choice.
