Limerick woman wins Family Carer of the Year Award

A LIMERICK woman has been named as Family Carer of the Year.

Colette O’Shea from Lisnagry, Limerick has been named Netwatch Family Carer of the Year at a national awards ceremony held in The Westin Hotel, Dublin.

The Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards, hosted by broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, seek to recognise and shine a light on the love, sacrifice and extraordinary commitment of the more than 500,000 family carers across the country who provide crucial care at home to loved ones with additional needs.

Colette cares for her husband Kieran who has Motor Neuron Disease and frontal lobe dementia.

She advocates tirelessly for Kieran and is his voice as they navigate the pain, stress and financial hardship associated with a progressive life-limiting condition. Colette also cares for their son Luke (11) who was diagnosed in 2016 with advanced Crohn’s Disease and his treatment and care means regular, long journeys by bus from Limerick to Dublin.

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Her aim for the future is ensure her husband and son receive the best care possible and to make life as normal and comfortable as possible for both, while also raising her other two children, Haydn (10) and Caoimhe (8).

Four remarkable young carers were also honoured at the event.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland, said:

“Although these awards highlight the remarkable dedication of a few, we’re really honouring all of Ireland’s family carers who go the extra mile every day in caring for their loved ones at home.

"Their stories are ones of love, kindness, empathy and selflessness. As a society, we must ensure that we listen to those stories, that we recognise the essential contribution made by family carers and that they are truly supported to care safely at home."