Mary Walsh from Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford has been named the Waterford Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025.
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.
Kindness and compassion
In a statement, Family Carers Ireland said: “Mary has spent her life caring for others with kindness and compassion. Now retired, she continues to give her time and love selflessly, playing a huge role in caring for her granddaughter Faye (9), who is autistic and non-verbal. Mary’s strength and instinct have always shone through. When her granddaughter Sara became seriously ill with meningitis at just four months old, it was Mary’s quick action that saved her life. Today, Sara is a happy and healthy 19-year-old, a reflection of her grandmother’s love and courage. Mary’s devotion to her family and her lifelong care for others capture the true spirit of what it means to be a carer in Waterford and across Ireland.”
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. Mary 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.”
Dedication and commitment
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. Mary Walsh is a wonderful example of the compassion and commitment that exist in homes and communities all over Ireland.”
