Eleven-year-old girl from Limerick honoured as a Young Carer of the Year

AN 11-YEAR-OLD girl from Limerick has been honoured for caring for her twin brothers with non-verbal autism.
Ellen Gannon, 11, is from Newcastle West.

She attends Kilcolman National School and her brothers Andrew and James Gannon, 9, attend Nano Nagle special school in Listowel, Co Kerry.

Ellen was honoured with the Munster Young Carer of the Year 2024 award, as part of the Netwatch Young Carer of the Year national awards.

All three children live with their mother, Helen O’Flynn, in Newcastle West.

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“Ellen herself has ADHD and Dyslexia. She is a special sister, showing her brothers with love and upbeat energy always!

“She helps care for them and is so happy to receive the award,” said Helen, who is originally from Ardagh.

“While being only 11-years-old, Ellen assists with daily tasks such as bathing, toileting, and cleaning up with her brothers, while also engaging them through play, dancing, and teaching.

“She is described as a “patient and gentle soul, who is adored by her brothers”.

Despite her responsibilities, Ellen excels in sports, enjoys art, and brings joy to everyone around her.

The annual Netwatch Young Carer of the Year awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of five young carers of 500,000 from across Ireland. It is now in its 17th year.

“These remarkable young people have stepped up to support their families in extraordinary ways, balancing their own lives while caring for siblings and parents with additional needs,” a spokesperson said.

“Their stories highlight the dedication, compassion, and maturity they bring to their roles, often providing vital support and comfort to their loved ones.”

Family Carers Ireland is the national charity of family carers who care for loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, or addiction.

It provides a range of services through its carer support centres nationwide, with the Limerick office located in George’s Quay.