Dublin grandmother wins Specsavers Grandparent of the Year award

Dublin grandmother Kathleen McGuinness has been awarded Specsavers Grandparent of the Year 2018.

The Swords native was chosen from hundreds of entries, following a nationwide search. She was shortlisted by a panel of judges from Supersavers. She won the award for her outstanding support, care and devotion to her autistic grandchild Anthony Bissett.   She is described as being a "doting grandmother to her 11-year-old grandson Anthony", as well as a great-grandmother, and "provides unwavering support to the whole family." The 82-year-old understands her autistic grandson like nobody else does and both consider each other best friends. She plays a vital role in his development, helps to keep him calm and provides guidance on a daily basis. [caption id="attachment_339196" align="alignnone" width="3500"] Photo by Julien Behal
Picture shows l-r, Mary Black and Kathleen McGuinness.[/caption] Kathleen was joined at the award presentation by Anthony, and was overwhelmed by his winning entry - which detailed their close relationship, as well as her commitment to caring for him. She said:

"I’m thrilled to be named Grandparent of the Year. "It’s such an honour and so touching to know that my grandchild is proud of my story and that he cherishes our relationship. I am so proud of Anthony for his winning entry, I love him so much."

Anthony's winning entry details the special bond that they share. For example, she gently covers his ears with her scarf when they are out shopping as she knows that loud noise can upset Anthony. She always listens and is entertained by his lively stories. [caption id="attachment_339195" align="alignnone" width="3500"] Photo by Julien Behal
Picture shows l-r, Mary Black; Kathleen McGuinness; Anthony Bissett and Matthew Richards, Specsavers Swords Store Director.[/caption] On top of this she is Anthony’s minder three days a week, where she cooks and spoils him with his favourite food. She continues to make a weekly effort to gather the family and host a Sunday meal for everyone. Anthony’s mum, Ciara Bisset said:

‘The way they interact with one another is just amazing – she is the apple of his eye. They both care and look after each other. "It was Anthony who encouraged Kathleen to get her hearing tested. He thought she was suffering from hearing loss as he had to shout more for her to hear him. "Anthony and I with my husband and daughter go to Kathleen’s for dinner every Sunday. It’s Anthony’s favourite time of the week."

Campaign ambassador, Irish Celtic folk singer and grandmother of two, Mary Black, presented Kathleen and Anthony with the award and prizes. Chairperson of Specsavers Ireland, Kerril Hickey says:

"Congratulations to Kathleen on this much-deserved achievement and to her grandson Anthony for such a fantastic entry which we were truly moved by. We are really looking forward to helping Kathleen with her hearing."

The Grandparent of the Year campaign was launched in October by Specsavers in association with Beaumont Hospital to recognise the benefits of an ageing population and highlight the important role grandparents play in families and local communities. Grandchildren of all ages were asked to nominate their grandparents with a written entry on why they deserved the title.