A Conamara mother, who provides endless care for her eldest daughter, who has multiple sclerosis, and her husband who had a serious stroke, has been honoured for her selfless dedication and compassion.

Maryann Walsh from Cill Chiaráin has been named the Galway Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025, an award to recognise the remarkable commitment of those who provide essential care to loved ones every day.

Maryann cares for her eldest daughter, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the early 2000s, and for her husband, who had a serious stroke.

She has supported them both with endless love, patience and strength, always putting their needs before her own.

When her husband needed full-time care, she chose to support him at home so that he could remain surrounded by family.

Maryann has overcome major health challenges herself, including heart surgery, yet she never lets anything stand in the way of caring for those she loves.

She also helps with her grandchildren, who treasure every moment with Mamó and Daideo.

That made her a deserving Galway winner of the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards celebrating those whose dedication and compassion make a difference in the lives of the people they care for.

They also serve as a reminder that behind every person receiving care is someone providing it, often quietly and without rest, recognition or access to vital supports and services which should be provided by the State.

“Family carers are the silent supporters of so many households across Ireland,” said Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland.

“They juggle multiple responsibilities, often at great personal cost, driven by love. Too often, their work takes place behind closed doors, unseen, unsupported and unacknowledged. These awards are about visibility and respect for the vital work that they do.

“Maryann represents the compassion and resilience we see every day among family carers in every town and village. By recognising them, we are shining a light on all those who quietly care, who continue to give, and who deserve to know that their efforts are valued and understood,” she added.

Pictured: Galway Family Carer of the Year Maryann Walsh (centre) with Adam Griffiths, Store Manager, Lidl Clifden, and Michelle Moriarty, Community Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland.