MOTYA Overall Mum of the Year 2021 is Louise Lynam
Louise Lynam from County Laois, was named the prestigious title of Overall Mum of the Year 2021 at The Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year Awards.
Louise and Kiera Lynam
The Portlaoise native was named ‘Mum of the Month’ for April in the Women’s Way and BEKO Mum of the Year awards for 2021.
The awards took place at a special lunch at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin. Woman’s Way and Beko teamed up for the sixth consecutive year to host the awards, which showcases and celebrates Irish mothers and highlights their contribution across all facets of society.
Louise, a single mother of two girls, Jessica (15) and Kiera (9), has been working on the frontline since the start of the pandemic as a healthcare assistant in the Accident and Emergency Department at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
Louise has taken her role of protecting her children from being exposed to Covid-19 extremely seriously, and with good reason. For months she felt unable to even kiss her daughter Kiera goodnight when putting her to bed.
Louise found out Kiera had cystic fibrosis a few weeks after she was born and, at five years old, she developed a chronic lung infection. However, in 2018 following lobbying of the government by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, a new drug called Orkambi was approved. This drug changed Kiera’s life immensely – for the better. Despite this, as a single parent and a frontline worker, Louise was naturally anxious about continuing to work in the emergency department while also caring for Kiera but thankfully, had a great support system to help her get through this difficult time.
Norah Casey, Chair of the Judging Panel commented: “After a difficult time, we are honoured to be back here celebrating the Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year Awards. A common theme we celebrate is how the true heroes of our society are the mums who hold family and community together, who care for their loved ones, old and young. “It’s always very difficult to select a winner but the judges were blown away by Louise’s story and we are honoured to present her with the very deserving award and title of Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year for 2021!”
Shane Kelly, Sales and Marketing Manager, Beko added: "We are delighted to be involved in The Mum of the Year awards and this is now our sixth year involved and every year we recognise how special an event it is. We know how tough the last couple of years have been for everyone and today is a real celebration of Mothers everywhere. We’d particularly like to thank those who nominated a colleague, friend or family member in support of those in their communities who strive to make a difference.”
Nominated for the award by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Louise and youngest daughter Kiera are ambassadors for the charity and have fundraised for over the years.