Unsung hero Anthony is Carlow carer of the year

ANTHONY O’Reilly from Myshall, Co Carlow has been named the Carlow Lidl Family Career of the Year 2025. Mr O’Reilly cares for his four sons, each of whom has ADHD and are autistic, and he also supports his wife with her health challenges, all while dealing with his own chronic back pain.

The award recognises the remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family carers who provide essential care to loved ones every day, often without sufficient support from the state.

Anyone can nominate someone they know for the award to Family Carers Ireland, and then Lidl and Family Carers Ireland select an overall winner and a winner for each county. Each county winner is given a €200 Lidl voucher, flowers, chocolates and a framed certificate.

According to the organisers, Mr O’Reilly remains positive, selfless and full of warmth while keeping his family cared for and their home filled with laughter.

The overall 2025 Family Carer of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony on 27 November at the College Green Hotel in Dublin.

This is the 18th year that Family Careers Ireland has run the Family Carer of the Year award, but it is the first year that Lidl has been its title sponsor. When Lidl announced its three-year partnership with Family Carers Ireland earlier this year, it pledged to raise €1,000,000 for the charity during that time.

Family Carers Ireland is a national charity that supports the 500,000-plus family carers across the country who care for loved ones with additional needs, chronic illnesses, physical or intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges and addiction. The charity provides a range of services and runs a national freephone careline.