Niall Cullen announced as Meath Carer of the Year

Navan man Niall Cullen has been named the Meath Carer of the year

Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers has announced Niall, who is a dedicated carer for his wife Ger and three autistic children, as this year’s Netwatch Meath Family Carer of the Year.

Niall cares for Ger, who has a neurological movement disorder, and their three children (16, 19 and 21) who are autistic, with one having undergone multiple brain surgeries.

Five years ago, Niall co-founded TAG Meath Autism Group to build a supportive community for families like his. Initially motivated by his son’s struggle with loneliness, Niall has since helped the group grow to serve over 60 families weekly. He personally renovated TAG’s space, transforming it into a welcoming centre with an activity and sensory room, where children and teens feel valued and supported.

Known for his kindness and humour, Niall is a beloved figure among TAG’s members and is committed to expanding the group to help even more people.

In her nomination, his wife Ger said she feels “so blessed” to have Niall by her side and that even in difficult times, he ensures that every day is a good day.

Now in their 17th year, the awards seek to honour all family carers while shining a light on the urgent need for greater recognition and support of those who go above and beyond in caring for their loved ones, often without the necessary support from the State including appropriate financial compensation, respite and vital therapies for their loved ones.

There are over 500,000 family carers in Ireland caring for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction. Family carers play a critical role in our society and each week provide 19 million hours in unpaid work. If the State were to seek to replace this support, it would cost an astonishing €20 billion annually.

Jacinta Kennedy Mulligan, local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, highlighted the significance of the recognition: “Each year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards remind us of the vital role that family carers play in our society and shine a light on the incredible work that they do, which is too often unseen and unrecognised. As a society, we must do much more to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, valued and supported to care safely for their loved ones at home.”

Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey emphasised the importance of recognising this work: “I’ve seen the dedication family carers show day after day, often without any acknowledgement. Whether it's a mother caring for a child with additional needs or a young carer supporting a parent, the commitment and love they show is truly inspiring. These awards offer us all a chance to give something back and to let these carers know we see their struggles and their strength.”