This St. Patrick’s Day, Praxis Care proudly honours the Hidden Heroes of Ireland — the carers whose dedication and compassion often go unrecognised but have a profound impact on the lives of those they support. As a leading provider of care services across the island, Praxis Care celebrates the vital role carers play in strengthening Irish communities.
As part of this celebration, we caught up with Daire Oconnor, a Support Worker at Station Lodge and the team at Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) to highlight his experiences and the challenges they face in their roles.
Daire Oconnor
The Heart of Caregiving: Compassion and Connection
Daire Oconnor has been working in the care sector for almost two years. His journey into caregiving was inspired by his father, who worked in the sector and spoke highly of the work. After completing a healthcare course, Daire got to experience the job first-hand during his work experience and immediately knew it was the right path for him.
For Daire, caregiving is about creating meaningful connections with the people he supports, but it’s far from a static role. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
Like many carers, Daire faces the challenges of balancing a physically and emotionally demanding role with his personal life. When he first started, he struggled with the long shifts and the intensity of the work.
“When I started, the work was intense but I took on a lot of extra hours because I really enjoyed the work. I continue to try to achieve a better work life balance — I regularly use my annual leave to support this and enjoy my hobbies.”
Despite these challenges, Daire finds great satisfaction in the rewards of caregiving. Seeing the progress made by the people he supports keeps him motivated.
“It can be tough at times, but when you help the person you support complete a task that they find difficult, and you see them overcome the challenge of completing the task independently, it brings me a lot of joy. The most rewarding thing is the impact you can have on someone’s day in this job.”
Building Connections
At the heart of caregiving is the ability to build trust and forge strong connections. Daire believes that the key to being a successful carer is spending quality time with the individuals you support and truly listening to their needs.
“Spending time with the person and really listening to what they have to say is key. I engage in activities they enjoy and also know when it’s important to give them space. It’s all about creating a balance between being supportive and respecting their personal space.”
The work carers do extends beyond just the individuals they support. As Daire notes, caregiving is a communal effort, and the connections built contribute to stronger communities.
“Everyone involved in the care of the people are just like a community – we all come together to support these people in their day to day life. Even when times get tough, we have to remain resilient to keep helping the people we support.”
Advice for Aspiring Carers
For anyone considering a career in caregiving, Daire encourages them to take the leap. Though the work can be challenging, the rewards are worth it.
“I would say go for it! The experience you will get from being a carer is amazing. There will be days where you find it tough but the reward for helping the people we support far out ways the tough days.”
Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) Team
One of the most inspiring examples of care comes from Praxis Care’s Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) service in Greenville, Cork, where a team of carers are making a meaningful difference. The team works closely with individuals, using horticulture as a tool for connection, growth, and healing. Their stories of caregiving reflect not only the challenges but also the deeply rewarding moments that come with making a positive impact in others’ lives.
A Career Built on Compassion and Nature
Anita O’Brien, the STH Co-Ordinator, has worked with adults with autism for over 14 years. She started her career as a horticulture facilitator, where she spent time in nature, engaging people in meaningful activities and building trusting relationships. For Anita, the work was inspired by her own experiences with nature. “I was nurtured, supported, and cared for in nature, and I could see that this gentle, empathetic approach would benefit others as well,” she says.
For Eugene McSweeney, a gardener who has been at Greenville for three years, the role was a natural fit, aligning with his values of inclusivity and support. Eugene felt that working in horticulture would allow him to share his skills with the people he supports while also learning from them. “The opportunity for mutual learning is truly rewarding,” he shares.
Gary Prendergast, also a gardener, came to the STH gardens after a career change, moving from a bakery to pursue something new. “I started this role after wanting a new career. The work here has been so fulfilling,” he says.
A Day in the Life of a Carer: Finding Purpose in Every Task
Each day in the service brings a variety of tasks and experiences. Eddy Costello, STH Facilitator, describes how he begins his day by meeting with co-workers to plan the activities. “We decide what needs to be done that day and match tasks with the people we support. One day, we might be sowing seeds, the next, we’re turning compost or flower arranging,” Eddy explains. The focus is always on the needs and interests of those he supports, ensuring that each task is meaningful.
Eugene also notes the flexibility required in the role. “My role changes daily, requiring us to be adaptable to the needs of the people we support. Lately, we’ve been preparing fruit beds for the new season, which is both productive and engaging,” he says.
Dee Johnston, another gardener on the team, enjoys the variety in her work. “Most days are spent tending to the grounds, whether it’s weeding, cutting hedges, or something else. The variety keeps things interesting,” she says.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
The emotional and physical demands of caregiving can be challenging, but the team finds motivation through the support of one another and the positive outcomes they see. Eddy shares that the majority of sessions are positive, and when things don’t go as planned, the team comes together to learn from the experience. “Knowing I have a supportive team and that a positive session is just around the corner keeps me going,” Eddy says.
Anita stresses the importance of self-care. “Caring for others starts with caring for yourself. I make sure to spend time in nature, get enough rest, and engage in activities that bring me joy. By filling my own cup, I can then share with others,” she says.
Eugene finds motivation in the shared sense of purpose within the team. “The support we offer each other makes the work rewarding, even when it’s challenging. I know that the impact we have, however big or small, keeps me motivated every day,” he says.
Building Connections
The work at Praxis Care’s Greenville campus extends beyond the immediate team, creating a lasting impact on the wider community. Eugene describes how horticultural support fosters connection and wellbeing. “By creating therapeutic spaces, we bring people together, encouraging a sense of belonging. This promotes health and wellbeing, not just for the individuals, but for the community as a whole,” he explains.
Dee adds that the community benefits greatly from the team’s efforts. “The work we do here brings joy to the community. Nature has a calming, healing effect on everyone, and it’s wonderful to be part of a team that helps facilitate that,” she says.
Eddy highlights the tangible impact of their work. “Through our sessions, the people we support take part in maintaining their surroundings, from trimming hedges to choosing flowers to grow. It’s a visible impact that everyone can see,” he says.
Advice for Aspiring Carers
For anyone considering a career in care, Anita offers this advice:
“Be very clear on your motivations – being a carer can be a thorough journey of self-discovery and self-awareness – to know thyself is an incredible gift on this carer journey, so it is important to understand that what you give as a carer is also returned to you in multi-faceted ways by the people you support once you are open to receiving. An open-heart, a warm smile and a creative spark wrapped in clear boundaries and a nurturing disposition is a blessing in the community of social care.”
Celebrating Caregivers this St. Patrick’s Day
This St. Patrick’s Day, Praxis Care invites you to join in celebrating the unsung heroes of caregiving. Whether in a moment of stillness or a hard-won victory, carers shape lives in profound ways. These individuals who, though often hidden, are essential to our communities.