Tributes paid to Tipperary Family Carer of the Year Jim Roche

im and Nuala Roche with their sons, daughters and grandson - Joe Roche, John Roche, Mary Roche-Cleary, Odhrán Roche, grandson (John’s son) and Geraldine Whelan

placeholder image — im and Nuala Roche with their sons, daughters and grandson - Joe Roche, John Roche, Mary Roche-Cleary, Odhrán Roche, grandson (John’s son) and Geraldine Whelan

Jim battled back from serious health issues to look after Nuala

A man who battled his way back from serious illness to look after his wife of 64 years was presented with the Tipperary Carer of the Year award.

86-year-old Jim Roche, who looks after his wife Nuala with the support of their daughters Mary and Geraldine and sons Joe and John, was presented with the award at a poignant ceremony at Hotel Minella on Monday.

“I am so proud of all of our family who are with me every twist and turn of the way,” said an emotional Jim Roche.

Jim was nominated for the award by his son Joe.

“Dad was at deaths door but he battled back to look after my mother. He was out on his bike in 2022 and did not feel well. He had a heart attack and had a triple by-pass and came out of hospital after three months,” said Joe.

Family Carers manager in Clonmel Richie Molloy led the tributes to Jim.

“Though once an active cyclist, Jim found himself with limited mobility and facing his own health struggles. Around this time, Nuala began showing symptoms of dementia, later diagnosed as Alzheimer’s. Recognising her discomfort in residential care, Jim worked hard to bring her home after only a month, committed to caring for her himself.

Today, Jim manages the daily responsibilities of Nuala’s care with quiet resilience, focusing on her comfort and happiness despite his own battles,” said Richie Molloy.

Mayor Cllr Michael Murphy said carers were at the heart of the community.

Presenting the award the mayor said Jim and all of the carers in the home were real heroes. Rugby great Mick Galwey, representing sponsors Netwatch, said carers like Jim were real heroes as they were looking after loved ones in the home 24 hours a day seven days a week.

John Nallen of Hotel Minella, who presented a hamper to Nuala to mark the occasion, paid tribute to Jim and said all carers in the community were very special people and deserved recognition.