Lavey woman awarded ‘Pharmacist of the Year’

Popular County Derry pharmacist, Lavey’s Shania O’Boyle has scooped the prestigious ‘Pharmacist of the Year’ award at a glitzy ceremony in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza. 

Sponsored by Sangers AAH Pharmaceuticals the 2026 Pharmacy in Focus Awards took place on March 21, 2026. 

Shania and her colleagues had double cause for celebration on the night when their workplace, Bannside Pharmacy in Portglenone won the ‘Commitment to Health and Wellbeing’ award.

The ‘Pharmacist of the Year’ award recognises pharmacists whose leadership, dedication and clinical expertise make a lasting difference to patients, teams and the wider community

Nominated for the award by her boss Eoghan O’Brien, the citation which preceded its presentation was read by BBC News Correspondent Mark Simpson. 

He said: “Demonstrating exceptional progression and ambition early in her career, Shania O’Boyle has been named a finalist for the Pharmacist of the Year Award.

Shania at work in Bannside Pharmacy in Portglenone.

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“In just three years, Shania has significantly expanded pharmacy service provision, completing extensive advanced training including independent prescribing, phlebotomy, ear microsuction, cryotherapy and travel health. 

“She has led the implementation of new technologies, including a next-generation PMR system and digital booking platforms, improving efficiency and patient access. 

“Her commitment to service innovation, staff development and high-quality patient care exemplifies the future of progressive community pharmacy. [Shania is] a fantastic example of the next generation of pharmacy leadership,” said Mr Simpson.

Shania received her award from Steven Craig from AAH Pharmaceuticals.

Speaking to the County Derry Post, Shania, whose mum and dad are Frances and Shane O’Boyle, explained she had been a registered pharmacist since August 2022.

“The way it works is, after graduation pharmacists do a ‘training year’. When I graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast, I completed my ‘training year’ in Bannside Pharmacy and then I registered,” added Shania.

“I started working part-time in Bannside Pharmacy when I was 17. When I graduated I did my placement year there and, after that, I ended up getting a full-time position. 

Group: From left: Shania O'Boyle, Niamh Moore, Emma Craig, Helen McErlean, Lisa Banks (NPA), Eoghan O'Brien, Bernie McLaughlin, Richenda McPeake, Nicola Gordon, Chloe Logan, Orla Gribben, Louise McErlean and Heather Peacock. Bannside Pharmacy was presented with the award by Lisa Banks from NPA for 'Commitment to Health and Wellbeing'. 

“We had a great night at the awards ceremony. 12 of us went up from Bannside Pharmacy - Eoghan and all of the shop and dispensary staff. I couldn’t believe it when my name was called out, “I didn’t expect it at all, and it was so funny because they started playing Shania Twain as I was walking up to the stage. We were all buzzing.

“I was genuinely shocked because I was up against three other such amazing pharmacists and I was surprised considering I have only been a registered pharmacist for just over three years. 

“It was great to have everyone from Bannside Pharmacy there for extra support too. I could not have achieved this award without the support of all the girls in the shop and Eoghan. We all work great as a team. I would not be able to do the things I am able to do without their support. So definitely I would say a big thanks to them,” said Shania. 

“I love my job,” she added, “because every day is different. You don’t know who is going to come walking in the door of the pharmacy or what they will need, so it is good. It is a high pace job. All of our local customers have been in congratulating me, which is lovely.”