Mum-of-five Deirdre is Carlow’s family carer of the year for 2024
Deirdre Nolan receives the Netwatch Carlow Family Carer of the Year award from cllr Fintan Phelan, mayor of Carlow, in Carlow Town Hall. Also pictured are Deirdre's husband Pat, sons Shaun, Patrick, Christian and Gavin, and Robyn (Shaun's partner), John Barrett of Netwatch and Danielle Dunne of Family Carers Ireland. Missing from picture is Deirdre's son James Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
AN AMAZING mother who consistently puts the needs of her family above her own has been named as the Netwatch Carlow Family Carer of the Year.
Deirdre Nolan from Bagenalstown was named by Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers, at this year’s Netwatch Carlow Family Carer of the Year awards. Deirdre, who was nominated by her husband Pat, cares for their 12-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy, and her 90-year-old mother. As a mother of five boys, Deirdre provides support, attends appointments, cooks, cleans and cares for her entire family.
Pat describes his wife as someone who is always on the go, taking care of everyone and multi-tasking on everything, from organising hospital visits to fixing leaking roofs. He says that the family wants Deirdre to know that they love her, that they are thinking of her and that she is not alone.
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.
“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,” said Danielle Dunne, local community support manager with Family Carers Ireland.
“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 emphasised the importance of recognising this work.
“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.”
