Tipperary teenager set to make history at national conference highlighting young carers

Cara Darmody, a disability activist from Tipperary, is set to make history at a major national conference shining a spotlight on young carers.

The upcoming 'National Young Carer Conference' will take place in University College Dublin from 11am to 4.30pm on Saturday, March 7 2026.

The conference will be officially opened by President Catherine Connolly who will attend as Guest of Honour.

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Tickets to the event, which are free, can be obtained here.

Among the keynote speakers are Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon and Professor Philip Jaffé, Vice Chair of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

In a landmark moment for the event, Cara has been chosen as Master of Ceremonies and in doing so will become the youngest ever recorded MC of a formal event in Ireland.

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The conference will bring together young speakers, expert panels, entertainment, interactive activities, and leading academic research from UCD and the University of Limerick.

It aims to raise awareness among professionals and the wider community about the often intensive and under-recognised role of young carers in Ireland, while exploring ways to improve their experiences and outcomes.

Speaking ahead of the event, Cara said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the Master of Ceremonies of such a huge event, an event that will shine a light on the huge role of carers in Ireland.

"For so many years, carers haven’t got the recognition that they deserve so hopefully this event will go some way towards closing the gap.

“It’s going to be amazing to meet President Connolly again, and to have breakfast with her on the morning of the event.

"I’ll then have the high honour of being the MC of the event and being the person to introduce her to the large crowd, so I can’t wait to do that!

“As the President loves the Irish language, I’m going to surprise her by speaking Irish to her on the podium, so that’ll be a great moment as well.

“And then on a personal level, I’ve been informed that once I step on the stage as Master of Ceremonies, I’ll become the youngest ever recorded person to do that, so that’ll be amazing in itself. I can’t wait to get on the stage now,” she concluded.