A SOUTHSIDE mum of two has won a Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year Award.
Jean Barrett (63) from Dublin 4 was crowned Mumpreneur of the Year 2019. Education and development are key to Jean who went to college aged 40, before setting up a private psychotherapy practice in Monkstown in 2000.
Continuing to upskill, she has recently finished a Masters in Mindfulness in the University of Aber-deen and has worked with large technology companies and youth groups. She also instructs in Mindfulness, something in which she feels very strongly.
“It’s brought huge awareness of myself, of my body, how the body reacts to stressful situations, how to look out for that, how to take just moments and how valuable they are,” she says.
The Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year Award winners were announced last week at a special lunch at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin.
Woman’s Way and Beko teamed up for the fourth consecutive year to host the awards, which showcases and celebrates the evolving role of Irish mothers and highlights their contribution across all facets of society.
Legendary broadcaster and TV presenter, Gloria Hunniford, arrived in Dublin to accept the prestigious Icon 2019 Award, in recognition of her outstanding career and achievements.
Broadcaster and author, Kathleen Watkins, was also recognised with the overall Celebrity Mum of the Year accolade. The award was chosen exclusively by Woman’s Way readers.
Martina Cox, whose husband Sean was attacked outside Anfield before the 2018 Champions League semi-final and who suffered life-changing head injuries, accepted the Courage 2019 Award on behalf of her family.
She was credited with her strength of character throughout her husband’s intensive medical treatment and continuing rehabilitation.
Norah Casey, Chair of the Judging Panel, said: “The true heroes of our society are the mums who hold family and community together, who care for their loved ones, old and young, despite the enormous obstacles life throws at them.
“This year in particular we have seen phenom-enal women lead the way in terms of Irish society, mums like Martina Cox who against insurmountable odds have shone through with courage and determination. The backbone of modern Ireland is the warrior mums who keep it all together and show the way for others to follow.”
Shane Kelly, Sales and Marketing Manager at Beko, added: "We are delighted to support the 2019 Mum of the Year Awards for a fourth consecutive year.
“We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the category winners on their outstanding achievements. We also want to commend all of those who entered this year’s categories.”