Kildare family carer recognised with award
Mum-of-two Jacqueline cares full-time for her youngest daughter Molly
Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers, has announced that this year’s Netwatch Kildare Family Carer of the Year is Jacqueline Conlan from Naas.
Mum-of-two Jacqueline cares full-time for her youngest daughter Molly (12) who has many complex needs including epilepsy, autism, type 1 diabetes, dyspraxia and urticaria.
Molly has faced many trials and tribulations during her young life and Jacqueline has been by her side every step of the way, ensuring that her daughter can live as normal a life as possible while battling to secure vital supports and services including education.
Jacqueline is also heavily involved in her local community and has been described as a “hidden angel” by her husband David, who says that his wife is “everything to everyone” and someone who is always there to provide help and advice for family and friends.
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.
Grainne Quinn, local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, highlighted the significance of the recognition: “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 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.”