CASTLEDERG woman with close Donegal ties says being recognised in the New Year’s Honours List is a ‘privilege’ beyond her dreams.
Carmel Garvey, who is dancer-in-residence and choreographer with Arts Care, a pioneering arts, health and well being charity has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to dance throughout the North.
Speaking to our sister newspaper, the Strabane Chronicle, Carmel said: “Words cannot express the privilege and pride I feel having been awarded this incredible accolade.
“It is just beyond my dreams.
“Over the past 40 years, my work and the people I have dance with – young and old – have brought me great joy and I have been very privileged to do the work I do.”
Thirty-five years ago, Carmel and her husband bought a small house in Rossnowlagh.
The beautiful seaside village became a home from home for their six children, and 12 years ago their son, James Garvey, went on to open Rossnowlagh Surf School, an award-winning, fully inclusive surf school.
He credits his mother, Carmel, for inspiring his commitment to inclusion.
In a heartfelt social media tribute, James said he was very proud of his mother.
“Mum raised six of us on her own after my dad died in an accident when I was eight,” he said.
“After we were old enough, she got back into her work and passion as a choreographer.
“From when I was a small child, I have watched mum make the impossible happen in her huge performances, with hundreds of people on stage with all forms of what people would have seen as disabilities.
“But not mum, mum never saw the disability, she saw the person, and she taught us and everyone around her to do the same in her kind natured way.”
James recalled that every one of her performances received a standing ovation.
“Mum has been at the forefront of inclusion in Ireland for over 50 years, before it has developed into what it is today,” he continued.
“Today the King of England wants to recognise what mum has done through her dancing in Northern Ireland, with a BEM.
“We don’t need the King of England to know how brilliant you are mum, we are so lucky to have such a dedicated, creative, warm hearted, beautiful and overall kind person to call mum.
“Well done mum, dad would be so proud.”
