'Remarkable' Leitrim man honoured as Lidl family carer of the year

Family Carers Ireland has announced Joe Lynch from Kinlough as the Leitrim finalist in the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards.

Joe Lynch is being honoured after giving up work to care full-time for his young son Oscar, who was born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Oscar spent much of his first year in hospital, with repeated stays in intensive care and periods when he was critically ill.

Oscar now has a tracheostomy and feeding tube and needs constant supervision. Joe has learned how to manage his medication, feeds and medical equipment, taking on many of the aspects of care that he once watched nurses provide at Oscar’s bedside. He also manages the prescriptions, supplies and equipment Oscar needs to be cared for safely at home.

After so much time in hospital, having Oscar home with his family is hugely important. His care is a constant part of Joe’s day, but so too are the ordinary moments of having a young child at home. Oscar is a happy, mischievous little boy who wants to play, learn and explore, and Joe makes sure he has every opportunity to do that.

Joe is also dad to Arthur and makes a conscious effort to give his older son time and attention too, taking him on adventures and making sure the demands of Oscar’s care do not take away from their relationship.

Joe’s days may now look very different from the life he had before Oscar was born, but at the centre of them are two young boys and a dad doing everything he can to be there for both of them.

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.

Alvina Devaney, Support Manager for Leitrim, 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.”