Laois Carer of the Year is dedicated Mountmellick mother of four

A dedicated Laois mother with three of her four young children needing extreme care, has been chosen as the Netwatch LaoisFamilyCarer of the Year for 2024.

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.

Sarah, who was nominated by a friend, is a mum 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 to 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," Family Carers Ireland say about Sarah.

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 is the local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland.

“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. 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 is the Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey.

“I’ve seen the dedication family carers show day after day, often without any acknowledgement. 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,” he said.

Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family carers across the country who care for loved ones such as 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.

It provides a range of services and supports for family carers through its Carer Support Centres nationwide and through its National Freephone Careline 1800 24 07 24. See www.familycarers.ie for more information.