A mother from Co Laois, who cares for her twin sons with special needs and a third child who is undergoing cancer treatment, has won the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Award.
Sarah Dooley from Debbycot in Mountmellick is a mother to four boys - John, Patrick, Cathal and Eoin.
Five-year-old twins John and Patrick are autistic and non-verbal, while seven-year-old Cathal has been undergoing treatment for leukaemia for the past three years.
Family Carers Ireland said Sarah had shown extraordinary strength and dedication in caring for her children, overcoming immense challenges to ensure they receive the love and support they need.
The awards are now in their 17th year and celebrate the efforts of Ireland's 500,000 family carers.
The Netwatch Young Carer of the Year Awards were also presented at the event.
Shannon Egan who is 16 years old and from Athlone in Co Westmeath won the Netwatch Leinster Young Carer of the Year award.
She cares for her sister Alanna who has Koolen-de Vries syndrome and requires daily assistance. Shannon wants to become a genetic counsellor to support other families with rare conditions.
Ellen Gannon, 11, from Newcastle West in Co Limerick, won the Netwatch Munster Young Carer of the Year award.
She helps care for her nine-year-old twin brothers Andrew and James who are non-verbal and attend a special school.
Sarah Conway, 11, from Ballycroy, Co Mayo, won the Netwatch Connacht Young Carer of the Year award.
A leukaemia survivor herself, Sarah supports her 10-year-old, autistic and non-verbal brother Mick.
Lucy Connor, 14, from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, won the Netwatch Ulster Young Carer of the Year award.
She is described as her family's "little rock" and helps care for her autistic brother, her mum, and recently has been helping to support her dad due the sudden onset of a long-term illness.
Senan Vaughan who is 12 years old and from Rathfarnham in Co Dublin won the Netwatch Dublin Young Carer of the Year award.
He cares for his siblings, 10-year-old Abby who has a chromosomal disorder and autism, and seven-year-old Eoghan who is autistic.
