Aoife Markey named Dublin finalist for 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year

Family Carers Ireland has announced that Aoife Markey of Lusk is the Dublin finalist for the 2026 Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards.

Markey has cared for her daughter, Keela, for nine years. Keela is non‑verbal, autistic and has a significant intellectual disability, requiring round‑the‑clock supervision and very little sleep, leaving her mother often with only a few hours of rest.

From Keela’s earliest months, Markey recognised the need for additional support and became an advocate for her daughter well before a formal diagnosis was confirmed at age two. Facing long waits for public services, the family paid privately for therapies to ensure Keela received the necessary care.

The nomination highlights Markey’s years of effort in seeking appropriate care and ensuring her daughter’s needs are heard.

Source: Dublin Gazette. Photo: JustPhotof Photo & Video / Pexels.