Twenty-one long-term carers have been honoured by President Michael D Higgins at a ceremony in Dublin today.
The group has provided a total of 895 years of care to family members between them.
The Carers Association says they are part of an increasing number of ageing carers in Ireland.
There 187,000 family carers in Ireland.
Figures show that more than 1,700 of them are in their 50s; 809 are in their 60s and 252 are over the age of 70.
The 21 people recognised today have provided between 31 and 54 years of care each to their loved ones.
The oldest carer in the group is 90-year-old Nancy Rigby-Jones from Stillorgan in Dublin.
She provided 50 years of care her her son Philip who is 53 and has special needs.
