Longford Carer of Year Grace represents the compassion we see every day among family carers

Grace Farrell from Aughnacliffe has been named the Longford 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.

Grace has devoted the past 13 years to caring for her mother Annie, who lives with vascular dementia. Thanks to her constant care and attention, Annie has been able to remain in her own home surrounded by love and familiarity. 

Grace gives her mother not only physical care but also friendship, reassurance and emotional support, bringing calm and stability to each day.

Her kindness and patience shine through in everything she does, from managing daily routines to ensuring her mother’s comfort and wellbeing are always at the heart of her care.

Grace’s quiet strength and selflessness have made an extraordinary difference to her mother’s life and to those who see the love and dignity she brings to her role. 

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Her story reflects the daily reality of caring in Longford and across Ireland, where love and responsibility often intertwine and where family carers so often put the needs of others before their own.

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 support and services which should be provided by the State.

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. 

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“Grace 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. 

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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. Grace Farrell is a wonderful example of the compassion and commitment that exist in homes and communities all over Ireland.”