'He's very excited' VIP Laois boy and award winning mammy to turn on Christmas tree lights

A special Laois boy and his loving mother are being honoured with the job of turning on the Christmas lights in their town this year.

Cathail and Sarah Dooley are the VIPs who will light up Mountmellick Christmas Tree this Friday, December 5 just in time for the Late Late Toy Show.

It marks a happy moment for the Dooley family from Debbicot, Mountmellick, after difficult years.

Cathail, 8, has successfully recovered after over three years of treatment for leukaemia.

Sarah's youngest two boys, twins Patrick and John are autistic and non-verbal. Sarah went through a long battle to find school places for them in time for starting junior infants, finally finding a school at the far side of Laois.

This year they are happily attending the same school as their brothers, thanks to the new ASD unit in The Rock NS.

Sarah gave her reaction to being invited to turn on the lights, to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"I was shocked to be asked, and very honoured. Little Cathail can't wait, he's very excited," she said.

"The boys are doing brilliant. They are settled in, doing really good, the twins are even doing homework. For them not to be travelling 45 minutes to school, and them to be in the same school together, it's a dream come true," she said.

The Dooley boys in their Rock NS uniforms; Cathail, John, Patrick and Eoin.

Sarah won the 2024 national Carer of the Year award for her dedication to all four boys, including eldest son Eoin, 10.

The Christmas tree committee, chaired by Cllr Paddy Buggy, praised the inspiring mother and son they have chosen for the big light-up job.

"We are thrilled to share that the 2026 Community Christmas tree will be lit by two very special people. This year, the honour goes to Sarah Dooley, Family Carer of the Year 2024, and her son Cathal Houlihan, Hero Forever.

"Sarah is a mother of four from Mountmellick whose courage, kindness, and unstoppable determination have inspired people far beyond Mountmellick. Herself and her partner, Cathal senior have faced enormous challenges, yet they never stop advocating, and never stop showing what resilience really looks like. Cathal junior’s own bravery and good humour have been just as remarkable. Together, they have shown what is important in life: family, health and being together.

"When we asked them to press the button this year, they didn’t hesitate for a moment. Their spirit is a lesson for all of us, especially here in Mountmellick where we know hardship only too well. We have faced many challenges, including the recent risk of flooding, yet we keep coming together, we keep looking out for one another, and we keep fighting.

"So, as Sarah and Cathal light up our Christmas tree, please remember that this season can feel heavy for some. Not everyone loves Christmas, and many will carry loneliness, worry, or the ache of loss. Let the light remind us to look out for one another, to be kind, and to make space for those who need a little extra care this time of year.

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"Finally, from all of us volunteers to all of you, may your Christmas be peaceful, and your new year filled with good health and happiness," Mountmellick Christmas Tree committee say.