Thurles duo named Tipperary Lidl Family Carers of the Year 2026

Family Carers Ireland has announced Thomas Doherty and Chloe Kiely from Thurles as the Tipperary finalists in the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards.

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.

Thomas Doherty and Chloe Kiely care for their eight-year-old son Jamie, who is non-verbal and autistic, while also raising their 11-year-old daughter Kaylee.

Thomas and Chloe have had to fight for the support Jamie needs, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and a suitable school placement.

His current autism unit does not meet his needs, leaving his parents continually advocating for the services and education that will give him the best possible chance to progress.

At home, much of family life is shaped around Jamie’s needs and routines and what he can manage in busy or overwhelming environments.

Thomas and Chloe work as a team, adapting plans and often taking turns at family or community occasions so that Jamie feels safe while Kaylee can still enjoy the things that are important to her.

Kaylee has shown enormous patience and understanding as family life adapts around her brother’s needs. Thomas and Chloe are constantly trying to find the balance, making sure Jamie gets the care and support he needs while ensuring Kaylee has the time and attention she deserves too.

For Thomas and Chloe, it ultimately comes down to wanting the very best for both of their children. They continue to fight for essential services for Jamie, while creating a loving family life in which both he and Kaylee feel supported, included, and understood.

Richie Molloy, Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland 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 Thomas and Chloe on being named the Tipperary Lidl Family Carers of the Year."