A Cork woman who cares for her husband who suffered catastrophic injuries after he was knocked down by a car, and who looked after her sister during a 10-month battle with cancer, has been named Netwatch Family Carer of the Year 2023.
Breda Morrissey, a mother-of-three adult children, from Ballyvolane in Co Cork received her award at a special ceremony in Dublin today.
Family Carers Ireland said the 67-year-old's story of caring for her husband following a life-changing car crash, and a subsequent fall in hospital, is marked by her resilience in the face of adversity and stands as a testament to the selflessness of family carers.
Now in its 16th year, the Awards recognise the contribution of Ireland's carers.
It is estimated that over half-a-million people care for a family member in Ireland today.
Breda's husband Timmy, who is quadriplegic following severe head injuries sustained in 1999, and a subsequent fall in hospital, accompanied his wife to the awards ceremony.
Her son Ted, and one of her daughters Niamh, who nominated her mother for the award, also attended.
The Netwatch Young Carer of the Year Awards were also presented at the event to honour the significant support provided by five young people to their families.
Among them was 10-year-old Cillian McCarthy, from Oranmore in Co Galway whose care and support for his twin brother Fiachra who has Down syndrome and is autistic, was acknowledged.
Awarded the Netwatch Connacht Young Carer of the Year, Cillian was described as a remarkable young carer with a heart of gold.
Cameron Mills, who is 12 years old, and from Drum in Co Monaghan, has been a devoted caregiver for his father who has a rare and challenging condition called IBMPFD. Cameron's commitment to his family's care was described as profound. He was awarded the Netwatch Ulster Young Carer of the Year.
19-year-old Conor Byrne, from Wicklow who cares for his mother was named Netwatch Leinster Young Carer of the Year.
12-year-old Laura Keelan from Dublin, who cares for her siblings is the Netwatch Dublin Young Carer of the Year.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lyrah Dooley from Cork received the Netwatch Munster Young Carer of the Year to acknowledge the care she gives to her mother.
Catherine Cox, Family Carers Ireland's Head of Communications and Policy, said while the awards highlight the exceptional commitment of a few, "they truly celebrate the entirety of Ireland's family carers who consistently go above and beyond to care for their loved ones".
"As a society, it is imperative that we not only listen to their stories, but also recognise the indispensable role played by family carers and provide the necessary supports and services to enable them to care safely at home," she said.
