Kildare youth worker awarded Mum of the Year
Carol Hyland is congratulated by her husband Paul after she was named Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year 2026 at the 2026 Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year Awards. Picture Brian McEvoy
A LOCAL woman living in Eadestown, just outside Naas was announced as the overall Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the year award for 2026 at the 2026 Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year awards ceremony.
Youth Worker, Carol Hyland, originally from Emly, Co. Tipperary who now lives outside Naas works as a Project Leader at Core Youth Services in Inchicore. The mother of two, to Dáire and Éala, accepted her award at a special lunch at 25 Fitzwilliam Place celebrating Irish mothers and highlighting their contribution across all facets of society.
By day, Carol works tirelessly with marginalised young people in Dublin, championing those whose voices are too often unheard. She fights for opportunities, safe spaces, dignity and the support they need to find their confidence and become their own best advocates. She doesn’t just talk about making a difference. She gets up every morning and makes one.
Back for an incredible 23rd year, the Beko Woman’s Way Mum of the Year Awards celebrate Ireland’s amazing mothers and shine a light on women who quietly and consistently make life better, for their families, society and everyone around them, with Beko proudly supporting the awards for more than a decade.
Additional awards were handed out at the ceremony with Lisa McGowan of Lisa’s Lust List being presented with the Woman’s Way and Beko celebrity Mum of the Year award, Leanne Flynn was awarded the Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year Special Recognition Award and Judie Lopes was honoured with Woman’s Way & Beko Champion Award.
Event host and chair of the Judging Panel Norah Casey commented on Carol’s win: “In choosing our overall Mum of the Year for 2026, the judges were looking for someone who embodies the very heart and spirit of these awards. Someone whose love, resilience, generosity and compassion extend beyond her own family. Someone who reminds us that motherhood is not simply about raising our own children, but about the values we nurture, the example we set and the difference we make in the lives of others.
“Carol stood out because she lives those values every single day. She sees people. She sees their struggles, their resilience and their potential. And rather than looking the other way, she asks what she can do to help. Her kindness is not passive; it is a powerful force for change.”
“The judges felt that what makes Carol so special is that she gives so much of herself to others while never losing sight of what matters most at home. Her children are growing up with a mother who teaches them, through her actions, that compassion matters, that everyone deserves a chance and that lifting others up is one of the greatest things we can do.”
Local Naas businesswoman, Karolynn Mac Hale, was also celebrated as a nominee of the awards. The proud owner of Aria Boutique on Poplar Square, Naas, has recently celebrated 20 years in business. She is mother to three boys, Adam (15) and twins Zach and Lewis (11).
