Two mothers from Donegal have been selected as finalists in the Mum of the Year Awards 2017.

Rosemary Doherty from Carrowkeel and Lena McNulty from Donegal Town are among the top 3 picks in Ulster for the Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year Awards.

The two mammies rose above hundreds of entries from families all over Ireland. Their unique experiences and special qualities were hand-picked to be awarded with the regional title. Now both Rosemary and Lena will join 15 other mums at the grand finals in July who are all hoping to take home a prize worth €3,000.

Mum of five Rosemary Doherty, aged 52, was nominated by her daughter Áine, who was quick to extol her mother’s qualities, ‘her outgoing, fun and loving character and utterly selfless nature.’

Rosemary Doherty

Rosemary has helped others, family and community alike, as far as possible. Ten years ago, she started a bi-weekly youth club and from there came summer and Easter camps which she runs with her daughter. She also works to put money into the local community centre which includes discos and a ladies club.

The mother of five and grandmother of three says her house is always full: “It’s the kind of house where someone’s coming in the back door and someone’s coming out the front door. Between young and old, there’s always a full house.”

Lena McNulty

Lena McNulty, aged 69, was nominated by a former next-door neighbour Irene whose mother was Lena’s best friend. Lena stayed with Renee during her battle with pancreatic cancer until she passed.

“I’m shocked really and truly, this is overwhelming that this family would really think this much about me,” Lena told Woman’s Way.

Lena looked after Irene’s son and many other children in the area. With six in her family, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, it’s not surprising that she loves company. In the late 1980s, Lena worked in a nursing home, extending her level of care beyond her family and community.

Five years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer but has fortunately since got the all clear.

Lena and Rosemary were selected by a judging panel of well-known Irish personalities including Norah Casey, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, Mary Byrne and Alison Canavan.

Each finalist will receive prizes of upwards of €250, with the overall prize awarded at the July luncheon being €3,000 worth of Beko home appliances.

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Shane Kelly, Sales and Marketing Manager for Beko says: “On behalf of Beko, I would like to congratulate all the finalists for the 2017 Mum of the Year. The courage and strength of character of all entries was nothing story of incredible. Beko has been part of Irish families for over 25 years and are extremely proud to help recognise the fantastic role Ireland’s top mums play in their home and communities right across the country.”