Family
Carer of the Year 2026
02.10.26
FAMILY Carers Ireland is
urging the people of Inishowen to make their voices
heard by nominating a local family carer for the 2026
Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards.
Nominations will close on Friday, 9 October, and this is
the final chance to ensure that the care being provided
every day in homes and communities across the county is
recognised on a national stage.
Tina Smith from Moville was named the Donegal Family
Carer of the Year 2025. The award recognises the
remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family
carers who provide essential care to loved ones every
day. |
 |
|
Pictured from left to
right are Mary McConalogue, Lidl Carndonagh; Tina Smith,
Donegal Family Carer of the Year 2025 and Patricia Blee,
Community Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland. |
Tina has cared for her
mother, who lives with multiple myeloma, for the past 15
years. She is there for her through every stage of the
illness, managing her care with quiet strength while
still looking after her own family. She never complains
or takes time for herself and is always thinking of
others. Her kindness, dedication and warmth are an
example to everyone.
There are an estimated 20,300 family carers in Donegal,
yet many do not think of themselves as family carers.
They see themselves as simply a husband caring for his
wife, a daughter supporting her mother, a parent looking
after a child, or a young person helping to care for
someone at home. As a result, the enormous contribution
they make - and the challenges they face - can often go
unseen.
The call for nominations comes as Family Carers
Ireland’s State of Caring 2026 report lays bare the
pressures many family carers experience. Of the 2,930
family carers surveyed, 75% have never received respite,
71% find it difficult to make ends meet, and almost half
(48%) experience severe loneliness.
By nominating a family carer in Inishowen, you can
recognise their love, sacrifice and the difference they
make every single day, ensuring they know they are
valued and not alone.
You can nominate a family carer or young carer until
5pm on Friday, 9 October 2026 at
www.familycarers.ie . |
|
