'Good Spud' Ceara mashes opposition to be crowned Unsung Hero

Speech and Language Therapist Ceara, who worked at the ICAN Centre in Ballynahinch, a specialist unit which helps nursery children with speech and language difficulties, scooped the award by winning the public vote after Star readers had nominated her for her dedicated work with children and parents at the centre.

Ceara and her family, husband Steven and 11-week-old son Luca, will now enjoy a 2,000 holiday to any destination of their choice, after being Ceara was picked as the country's 'top potato' in the competition which were organised by leading potato brand Wilson's Country and the publishers of the Star, Morton Newspapers.

One parent who nominated Ceara for the award said: "She is so passionate helping the children. She always goes the extra mile."

Another added: "The children love her, the parents love her and our children who start off life mute or with very little speech flourish under her care. I can never thank her enough."

"I can't believe it," said Ceara. "This began because Kathy Black saw the competition on the back of her bag of Wilson's when she was peeling her potatoes. She started the ball rolling and contacted some of the other parents. I would like to thank everyone involved, Kathy, Lisa Kavanagh, Kim Kearney, Stephanie Beattie, Joanne Martin, Ann-Louise Fell.

"I am just over the moon. I was delighted to win the voucher for the meal after winning the Co Down section but I never in a million years thought I'd win the overall title. I didn't have any expectation I was going to win; it was just nice to be nominated.

"I would just like to thank anybody who voted, it is just unbelievable that people have taken the time and effort to do it. I don't deserve it; the parents deserve it."

Ceara was with the ICAN Centre since its inception ten years ago and had joined parents as they fought to save the centre which was closed this summer in the midst of funding cuts.

"I'd like to thank the parents from the ICAN Centre and the South Eastern Trust for their ongoing support in regards to speech and language therapies in the area" she added.