Loving local is a Grandparent of the Year

LOVING grandfather, Peter Walsh, from Killiney, has been crowned the Leinster winner of Specsavers Grandparent of the Year 2019.

This is an award that celebrates the extraordinary contribution that grandparents make to the lives of grandchildren and the community.

Peter was named the Leinster winner for his outstanding support, care and devotion to his granddaughter, Eleanor Furlong.

The team at Specsavers Dun Laoghaire were delighted to present Peter with his prize of a bottle of champagne, a Specsavers eyewear voucher, and a framed certificate.

As well as being loving grandparent to Eleanor Furlong (17), his caring nature is infectious.

At times when Eleanor felt self-conscious as a female rugby player, her grandad Peter always reassured her to continue with her passion.

“He is my biggest fan,” Eleanor said. “He always stood by me and stuck up for me when I couldn’t stand up for myself.

“My grandad always speaks about how he would love to stay around forever to teach me everything he knows about life, but what he doesn’t realise is that he already has.”

Peter added: “I am delighted and overwhelmed to have been selected as the Leinster winner of the Specsavers Grandparent of the Year Award.

“It is such an honour and so touching to know that my very own granddaughter is proud of our story.”