Knockcroghery's Lisa Dowd named Family Carer of the Year

Knockcroghery's Lisa Dowd named Roscommon Family Carer of the Year

Knockcroghery's Lisa Dowd has been named Netwatch Roscommon Family Carer of the Year by Family Carers Ireland.

Lisa is a lone parent of four children who have multiple complex needs.

Twin girls Kacey and McKenzie (4) are autistic and non-verbal; her son Caden (13) is autistic, has OCD and asthma; and her daughter Brooke (15) has OCD. Kacey also lives with a respiratory disease.

Lisa always goes above and beyond for her children, while battling her own health challenges, caring 24/7 for their needs and spending a huge amount of time on the road managing their care.

She has put her career as a homecare worker on hold to ensure her children are supported in every way possible and can live their best lives. Lisa is truly deserving of recognition for the immense love, strength and support she provides to her family.

Now in their 17th year, the awards seek to honour all family carers while shining a light on the urgent need for greater recognition and support of those who go above and beyond in caring for their loved ones.

Family carers play a critical role in our society and each week provide 19 million hours in unpaid work. If the State were to seek to replace this support, it would cost an astonishing €20 billion annually.

Bernie Dowling, local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, highlighted the significance of the recognition: “Each year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards remind us of the vital role that family carers play in our society and shine a light on the incredible work that they do, which is too often unseen and unrecognised. As a society, we must do much more to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, valued and supported to care safely for their loved ones at home.”

Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey emphasised the importance of recognising this work: “I’ve seen the dedication family carers show day after day, often without any acknowledgement. Whether it's a mother caring for a child with additional needs or a young carer supporting a parent, the commitment and love they show is truly inspiring. These awards offer us all a chance to give something back and to let these carers know we see their struggles and their strength.”