Wexford woman known for her kindness and strength is named carer of the year

Bernie Tyrell, from Clonard in Wexford town, was crowned Netwatch Wexford Family Carer of the Year at a ceremony this week organised by Family Carers Ireland.

Bernie is a devoted carer to her son Darragh who has muscular dystrophy and requires full-time care. Since his diagnosis at age five, Bernie has dedicated her life to ensuring Darragh's needs are met with love and compassion. Her family describe her as "one in a million" and say they want her to know how just much they appreciate and love her for all that she does.

Beyond her role at home, Bernie also supports other carers in her community as an active member of Family Carers Ireland in Wexford town, providing guidance and comfort to families facing similar challenges.

Known for her kindness, Bernie has been an incredible source of strength for friends who have lost loved ones to muscular dystrophy, offering empathy and support during difficult times.

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, often without the necessary support from the State including appropriate financial compensation, respite and vital therapies for their loved ones.

There are over 500,000 family carers in Ireland caring for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction. 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.

Jason Carroll, 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."

Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, or addiction.

It provides a range of services and supports for family carers through its Carer Support Centres nationwide and through its National Freephone Careline 1800 24 07 24. See www.familycarers.ie for more information.