Nominations Open for Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards 2025
Pictured at the launch of the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards 2025 are Sarah Dooley, Family Carer of the Year 2024; Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland; Miriam O'Callaghan, Charity Ambassador and awards host; Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland; and Lucy Connor (15), Ulster Young Carer of the Year 2024. PHOTO: Mark Stedman
Thursday, 4th September 2025: Family Carers Ireland has announced the launch of this year’s Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards. Now in their 18th year, the awards seek to recognise the dedication and commitment of family carers across the length and breadth of the country who go above and beyond caring for their loved ones, often without sufficient support from the State.
2025 marks the first year where Lidl will be the title sponsor of the awards, following the company’s announcement last year of Family Carers Ireland as its official charity partner. Lidl has pledged to raise €1,000,000 as part of the 3-year partnership with Family Carers Ireland.
The deadline to nominate a family carer is Friday, 10th October 2025 ahead of the awards ceremony on Thursday, 27th November at the College Green Hotel, Dublin.
Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland said: “These awards are a powerful reminder of the work carried out by Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers. Every day, we hear their inspiring and often selfless stories of providing care and supporting their families. Too often, they do so without access to vital supports and services which should be provided by the State. The awards are an opportunity for the public to nominate a friend or family member who is a family carer. The stories shared with us will help to shine a light on the urgent need to do more to properly support all family carers and address long-standing issues including access to respite, vital therapies for their loved ones, and an appropriate non-means-tested payment for the work they do.
Charity Ambassador and awards host Miriam O’Callaghan is encouraging the public to nominate a friend or family member: “I am honoured to be the ambassador for the Awards. The work and support of family carers often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. These awards are an important opportunity to truly recognise and value the unseen care that is provided behind closed doors in homes right across the country.”
Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said: “We are exceptionally proud to support Family Carers Ireland as our official charity partner and are well on our way to our fundraising target of €1 million by 2027. This year, we are also delighted to support the Lidl Family Carers Ireland Awards for the first time. Each year, these awards provide a special moment for families to come together and celebrate their loved ones. Family carers play a pivotal role in our society and communities, and it is an honor to stand alongside Family Carers Ireland in shining a light on their incredible commitment and contribution and really show we care back.”
Last year’s Family Carer of the Year, Sarah Dooley from Portlaoise spoke about receiving the award and the impact it has had on her: “Being nominated for the award was a surprise and receiving it was truly a shock. You don’t think about awards or any recognition, but it reminded me how family carers and those who support their loved ones are not forgotten about and what we do each day is truly important.”
Nominate someone you know today at www.familycarers.ie or call the National Freephone Careline on 1800 24 07 24 to request a nomination form by post. Nominations should be submitted no later than Friday, 10th October.
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.