Kind-hearted Donegal man acknowledged in Family Carer of the Year Awards

Family Carers Ireland has announced Hugh Brendan McDyer from Glenties as the Donegal finalist in the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards.

For 35 years, Hugh Brendan McDyer, has cared for his wife after a devastating brain haemorrhage followed by strokes.

Rose was 34, Hugh was 38 and their three children were aged 10, four and three when she lost the ability to walk and talk.

Hugh left work to become her full-time carer while also raising their children, taking on school routines, football training, communions, confirmations, and everything needed to preserve a happy childhood. Alongside that, he provided personal care, prepared every meal, managed the home, and spent countless hours helping his wife rebuild her mobility and speech.

Every appointment and outing still requires careful planning around Rose’s needs. When she was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2025, Hugh again became her constant source of practical support and reassurance.

Now aged 73, he still makes every meal and cup of tea, does all the driving and organises their days around her comfort, inclusion and dignity. His daughter says Hugh has lived the promise he made when they married 51 years ago, loving his wife in sickness and in health. His care is a lifetime of loyalty expressed through thousands of ordinary, essential acts.

The annual awards celebrate the remarkable contribution of Ireland’s family carers, recognising the love, commitment and dedication of those who provide essential care and support to loved ones, often with little acknowledgement.

Elaine Rooney, Support Manager, for Donegal said: “Every nomination for these awards gives us a glimpse into lives that most people never see. The nominations are filled with stories of love, determination, humour, difficult days and small victories, and above all, the difference family carers make to the lives of their loved ones right across the country.

“These awards give us the opportunity to bring those stories into the spotlight and recognise the remarkable people behind them. But recognition must come with real support. Our research shows that three in four family carers have never had a break, a similar number are struggling financially, and almost half feel severely lonely. They deserve so much more.”

Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: "At Lidl Ireland, with stores and teams rooted in communities nationwide, we see the importance of supporting the people and families with caring needs who can often be overlooked or unsupported. Our partnership with Family Carers Ireland reflects our commitment to supporting carers across every community, giving us an opportunity to recognise the vital contribution of family carers and help bring greater understanding to the realities of caring. We are delighted to congratulate Hugh Brendan McDyer on being named Donegal Lidl Family Carer of the Year."