Local family carer named Limerick Lidl Family Carer Of The Year

FAMILY Carers Ireland has announced Fiona Byrnes from Pallasgreen Co. Limerick, as the Limerick finalist in the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards.

Fiona cares for her son Sean, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, and her husband John, who lives with a blood disorder.

Sean describes her as the person who holds their family together, providing practical care, emotional support, and reassurance through every challenge they face.

Throughout Sean’s life, Fiona has helped with his personal care, medical appointments, transport, and the planning needed to make places and activities accessible.

She has also been his strongest advocate, seeking the services, support, and opportunities he needs to live a full and independent life.

Where others might see limitations, Fiona has always focused on what is possible, encouraging her son to pursue his goals and never allowing his disability to define him.

At the same time, Fiona cares for her husband through periods of illness and uncertainty.

She coordinates appointments, keeps track of changes in his health, and provides the support John needs on difficult days.

Caring for two family members means continually balancing different needs, making decisions and being the person they both rely on.

Much of what Fiona does happens quietly at home, from managing healthcare needs and daily routines to navigating services and worrying about the people she loves.

Yet Sean says “she faces each challenge calmly, looks for solutions and continues to give her family hope and encouragement.”

The annual awards celebrate the “remarkable contribution of Ireland’s family carers, recognising the love, commitment and dedication of those who provide essential care and support to loved ones, often with little acknowledgement.”

Jean Ryan, support manager for Family Carers Ireland 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: "At Lidl Ireland, with stores and teams rooted in communities nationwide, we see the importance of supporting the people and families with caring needs who can often be overlooked or unsupported.

“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.

“We are delighted to congratulate Fiona Byrnes on being named Limerick Lidl Family Carer of the Year."