A Ballinroad woman has been named Waterford Family Carer of the Year for 2026.
Sinead Kilcawley has been selected as the Waterford finalist in the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards, organised by Family Carers Ireland.
She has spent years caring for her children Niamh and Eoin, while also campaigning for better supports and opportunities for them.
Niamh was eight years old when she developed cancer and lost her sight following surgery.
As she grew older, Sinead campaigned alongside her daughter for additional time in examinations for students with additional needs, including making repeated visits to Leinster House.
Niamh is now studying law at UCC.
Sinead has also advocated for her son Eoin, who is autistic, including pushing for transport supports as he moved into adult services.
Her work has extended beyond her own family, with involvement in Waterford Disability Network, Vision Ireland and Surprise Surprise Dungarvan and West Waterford.
She also supports other families through the Carers Café in Dungarvan.
Richie Molloy, Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, said the awards recognise the contribution made by carers across the country.
‘These awards give us the opportunity to bring those stories into the spotlight and recognise the remarkable people behind them,’ he said.
Sinead will now represent Waterford as part of the national Family Carer of the Year Awards.
