Joe O’Loughlin named Netwatch Limerick Family Carer of the Year

Cllr John Sheahan; Joe O’Loughlin, 2024 Netwatch Limerick Family Carer of the Year with baby Precious; Jacob O’Loughlin; Caleb O’Loughlin; Donna O’Loughlin; Mari Jougbi and Jean Ryan, Community Support Manager for Limerick, Family Carers Ireland.

Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers, has announced that the 2024 Netwatch Limerick Family Carer of the Year is Joe O’Loughlin from Athea

Joe O’Loughlin, Athea, cares for his wife Donna, who has a traumatic brain injury, as well as their three children including Jacob (6) who is autistic and has ODD and ADHD, and Caleb (4) who faces multiple complex challenges including a brain injury, autism, epilepsy, scoliosis, and oral dysphagia.

Despite barely getting a few hours of sleep each night, Joe tirelessly supports his family including their baby girl Precious and is constantly on the road driving his loved ones to medical appointments and therapies across the country at hospitals such as Temple Street, Crumlin, Cork University, and Kerry General.

Known for his positivity and resilience, Joe goes above and beyond every day to ensure his family’s wellbeing and happiness. His unwavering dedication and strength make him truly deserving of this recognition.

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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.

Jean Ryan, 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.”