Carmel Rooney has been volunteering with the Cat and Dog Protection Association of Ireland (CDPA) for five years. She currently volunteers as Chairperson and Rescue Team Lead.

“I feel we all have the power to make a change in the world,” says Carmel. “The local rescue has helped me change the destiny of cats and kittens for the rest of their lives.”

As Chairperson, Carmel manages the finances, administration and day-to-day running of CDPA. As Rescue Team lead, she is responsible for coordinating and facilitating CDPA’s trap-neuter-return (TNR) and rescue programmes.

“Carmel has made a direct and unimaginable positive impact on the lives of feral cats in Ireland,” say her CDPA colleagues. “Under her leadership, CDPA became a ‘no-kill’ animal rescue which means CDPA will never euthanise healthy or treatable animals. In addition, Carmel established CDPA’s trap-neuter-return programme, and rescue and rehoming programmes. The impact of her volunteering with CDPA is incredible. Roughly 1,000 cats per year are neutered under the TNR programme led by Carmel.

“She spends the majority of her free time volunteering with CDPA to help the most vulnerable and neglected animals. She is a single mother, works as a nurse and somehow always has time for everyone who asks her for help.

“Carmel is so dedicated to the charity and is involved in almost every aspect. She manages the CDPA helpline and is the first point of call for members of the public and often deals with very difficult situations related to animal neglect.

“She houses cats when they are first rescued in her own home before they are transferred to a foster home. Despite being the Chairperson, she is very hands-on and will be the first to roll up her sleeves and help a kitten in need.”