Tullamore's Kathleen named Offaly Family Carer of the Year
Kathleen McMahon, from Tullamore, has been named the Offaly Lidl Family Carer of the Year for 2025.
These awards recognise the remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family carers who provide essential care to loved ones every day.
Kathleen is a devoted mother of four children, each with their own unique needs. Ranging in age from 16 to 22, they can rely on her calm, patient guidance every day. Since the death of her father last December, Kathleen has also helped to support her mother, who now lives with her.
Despite living with epilepsy and other health challenges herself, Kathleen continues to manage everything with strength, organisation and love. She rarely takes a break, always putting her family first and ensuring her children have the support they need to thrive.
Kathleen’s story is one of devotion, resilience and unconditional love, a true reflection of family caring in Offaly and across Ireland.
Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, said: "Family carers are the silent supporters of so many households across 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.
"Kathleen 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."
Since announcing their partnership with Family Carers Ireland at the end of 2024, Lidl has been supporting the caring community through the development of their Lidl Charity Champion programme.
One team member from every Lidl store and Regional Distribution Centre across Ireland has volunteered their time and energy to support Family Carers Ireland through a host of activities including planning and participating in store fundraising and fostering greater community engagement.
Christine McIntyre, Senior Partnership and Events Manager at Lidl Ireland, added: "At Lidl, we are proud to support Family Carers Ireland and to show family carers that we care back. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people across Ireland give their time, energy and love to support others, often putting their own needs last.
"Through the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards, we want to recognise their incredible dedication and remind them that no one should have to care alone. Kathleen McMahon is a wonderful example of the compassion and commitment that exist in homes and communities all over Ireland."