Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers has announced that this year’s Netwatch Laois Family Carer of the Year is Sarah Dooley from Debbycot, Mountmellick.
Ms Dooley is a mother of four boys including twins John and Patrick (5) Cathal (7) and Eoin (9).
The twins are autistic and non-verbal while Cathal has been treated for leukaemia over the past three years which has required constant hospital visits.
Sarah has had battle hard to get her youngest sons a school place and has put her career on hold to care for her children full-time.
She is a remarkable woman who shows incredible dedication to her kids every day.
Now in their 17th year, the awards seek to honour all family carers while shining a light on the urgent need for greater recognition and support of those who go above and beyond in caring for their loved ones, often without the necessary support from the State including appropriate financial compensation, respite and vital therapies for their loved ones.
There are over 500,000 family carers in Ireland caring for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.
Family carers play a critical role in our society and each week provide 19 million hours in unpaid work. If the State were to seek to replace this support, it would cost an astonishing €20 billion annually.
Beth Wogan, local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, highlighted the significance of the recognition:
“Each year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards remind us of the vital role that family carers play in our society and shine a light on the incredible work that they do, which is too often unseen and unrecognised,” Ms Wogan said.
“As a society, we must do much more to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, valued and supported to care safely for their loved ones at home.”
Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey also emphasised the importance of recognising this work:
“I’ve seen the dedication family carers show day after day, often without any acknowledgement,” Mr Galwey said.
“Whether it’s a mother caring for a child with additional needs or a young carer supporting a parent, the commitment and love they show is truly inspiring.
“These awards offer us all a chance to give something back and to let these carers know we see their struggles and their strength.”
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