Kildare woman is named Carer of the Year

Sinead Freeman from Brownstown, Co. Kildare has been named the Kildare Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025. The awards recognise the remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family carers who provide essential care to loved ones every day.

The Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards celebrate those whose dedication and compassion make a difference in the lives of the people they care for. They also serve as a reminder that behind every person receiving care is someone providing it, often quietly and without rest, recognition or access to vital supports and services which should be provided by the State.

Sinead cares for her seven-year-old son Charlie, who has a rare eye condition called nystagmus along with astigmatism, which affects the movement of his eyes. She has never allowed his condition to hold him back and always encourages him to be the bright, fun loving and cheeky boy everyone knows and loves. With her support, Charlie has learned to ride his bike, loves swimming and is making great progress with reading and writing at home and in school.

A devoted mother, Sinead also has a wonderful two-year-old daughter named Sophie. Her patience and warmth give her children the confidence to face every challenge and the love to know they are never alone. Her story reflects the daily reality of caring in Kildare and across Ireland, where love and responsibility often intertwine and where family carers so often put the needs of others before their own.

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Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, said: “Family carers are the silent supporters of so many households across Ireland. They juggle multiple responsibilities, often at great personal cost, driven by love. Too often, their work takes place behind closed doors, unseen, unsupported and unacknowledged. These awards are about visibility and respect for the vital work that they do. Sinead represents the compassion and resilience we see every day among family carers in every town and village. By recognising them, we are shining a light on all those who quietly care, who continue to give, and who deserve to know that their efforts are valued and understood.”

Since announcing their partnership with Family Carers Ireland at the end of 2024, Lidl has been supporting the caring community through the development of their Lidl Charity Champion programme. One team member from every Lidl store and Regional Distribution Centre across Ireland has volunteered their time and energy to support Family Carers Ireland through a host of activities including planning and participating in store fundraising and fostering greater community engagement. 

Christine McIntyre, Senior Partnership and Events Manager at Lidl Ireland, added: “At Lidl, we are proud to support Family Carers Ireland and to show family carers that we care back. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people across Ireland give their time, energy and love to support others, often putting their own needs last. Through the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards, we want to recognise their incredible dedication and remind them that no one should have to care alone. Sinead Freeman is a wonderful example of the compassion and commitment that exist in homes and communities all over Ireland.”