Barbara James – Mayo Mother of the Year 2008 - receives a crown and gifts

The Mayo RC Youth group – Holy Spirit Movers - presented their pre-Mother’s Day show Mom, Me and Tea, for the Tortuga parish on May 4 at the Whiteland Community Centre.

At the end of the show the Mother Of The Year or MOTY as master of ceremony, journalist Keino Swamber opted to use, was crowned.

The title went to 81-year-old Barbara James. “Teacher Babsie”, as she is affectionately and suitably called, is the founder of the 43 year-old Mayo Pre-school, which is still in existence.

She was described as a community activist as she also served as postmistress, nurse and a member of a Child Welfare League in the quiet village of Mayo.

This great grandmother, who bore nine children, is still an active church member as she is greatly involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society. 

During the show Mrs James was given numerous gifts including a cake, flowers and of course a crown to go with her title.