Dundalk woman crowned Louth Family Carer of the Year
Family Carers Ireland has announced Lauren Casey from Dundalk, Co. Louth, as the Louth finalist in the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards.
Lauren Casey from Dundalk has been named as the Louth finalist in the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards
Lauren has cared for her daughter Ruby since she was born in October 2009.
Lauren was just 21 when she and her husband Brian welcomed Ruby, whose complex needs include epilepsy, autism, a severely compromised immune system, and other serious medical complications requiring regular hospital treatment.
Lauren left work to care for Ruby full time, managing weekly transfusions, appointments, and long hospital stays.
The family also explored the possibility of a stem cell transplant, but Ruby’s condition was too unstable for the procedure to go ahead. Through it all, Lauren has remained firmly by her daughter’s side, fighting for the care and support she needs.
Ruby’s care continues through the night, when she uses a CPAP machine because of unstable breathing. Lauren often goes without sleep, but typically makes light of it, joking to her family that “sleep is overrated anyway”.
Even a family holiday requires oxygen, medical equipment, medication, and careful planning.
Lauren believes that none of this should stop Ruby experiencing and enjoying life. Despite everything Ruby goes through, she even looks forward to hospital trips because she loves seeing her favourite doctors and nurses.
Lauren’s sister describes the pair as best friends who “fit together like a jigsaw puzzle”. Their relationship is full of laughter, and Lauren’s focus has always been on giving Ruby the fullest and happiest life she can.
Louise Cosgrove, Support Manager for Louth said: “Every nomination for these awards gives us a glimpse into lives that most people never see.
“The nominations are filled with stories of love, determination, humour, difficult days and small victories, and above all, the difference family carers make to the lives of their loved ones right across the country.
“These awards give us the opportunity to bring those stories into the spotlight and recognise the remarkable people behind them. But recognition must come with real support.
“Our research shows that three in four family carers have never had a break, a similar number are struggling financially, and almost half feel severely lonely. They deserve so much more.”
Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to congratulate Lauren Casey on being named Louth Lidl Family Carer of the Year.
“Our partnership with Family Carers Ireland reflects our commitment to supporting carers across every community, giving us an opportunity to recognise the vital contribution of family carers and help bring greater understanding to the realities of caring.”