Loreto didn’t know she had been nominated for a WW Mum of the Year award until her friend Angela Keane rang to tell her she was a winner.

“I hadn’t a clue. I thought it was a joke. It was such a shock and it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” says Loreto.

“I have four children. The youngest, Josephine, is 24 and working as a jockey in Australia, James is 28 and works as a farmer, Elizabeth is 30 and Louise is 32.

“Both Louise and Elizabeth have autism and mild to moderate learning disabilities. They can’t live independently and need support at all times, so they are still living at home.

“Looking after them is full-time – even though they are both adults, their needs are such that they are still like young children.

“Along with my own siblings, I’m also looking after my mum, who is 90. When Louise and Elizabeth go to day care, I use that time to take care of mum.

“My husband Jim is a farmer and he’s a very cool relaxed person and very supportive. He’s also got a great sense of humour which is a good thing because at the end of the day, no matter how hard it’s been, we can have a laugh.”

When nominating Loreto, Angela told Woman’s Way how Loreto lives with autism 365 days a year with no regular respite, but never complains and is always smiling.

Angela added that Loreto has fought tirelessly and knocked on many doors to get services and help, not only for her own two daughters, but also for all people with intellectual disabilities in the greater South Kerry area.

She has met with many councillors, ministers and even went to Áras an Uachtaráin to have a chat with President Higgins. She is also on the board of directors for Cúnamh Iveagh parent support group and is presently fundraising to convert the existing Cúnamh house into a respite centre.

“As well as President Higgins, myself and a group of carers have also spoken previously to President Mary McAleese,” says Loreto.

“We’ve also had meetings recently with Anne Rabbitte, TD, Minister of State with responsibility for disability.

“Back in 2013, through local fundraising, our group bought a building - Cúnamh house – a former presentation convent and made it into the day care centre that our young people currently use.

“However, the whole area is in need of a respite centre that meets HIQA standards. This would give parents overnight and weekend breaks. We have been granted planning permission, but are still fundraising to finish the project.

“When you are living with and raising children with autism, you almost have to become autistic yourself because you have to learn to think the way that they do in order to plan your day,” explains Loreto.

 “Going on a trip or to a shop needs careful planning.

“Respite care is so lacking in this area. Last year, was the first time in more than 30 years that we were offered respite. But it would have involved a five-hour round trip which wasn’t practical.

“That’s why we are working so hard to get something in the local area.

“Back when Louise and Elizabeth were young, there was little support on offer to parents,” adds Loreto.

“Often I had to travel to Killarney for speech and other therapy sessions. But what little we had, we held on to and myself and other carers successfully lobbied for services to be provided in Caherciveen, which is an easier 12 miles or so away.”

Says Angela: “Loreto has embraced her role as a mum with such positivity, patience and acceptance. All of her children bring her great joy.

“She is also actively involved in her local church. In difficult times Loreto seeks strength and courage from her great faith. She is a great listener and generous with her time and energy. She is loyal, discreet and doesn’t judge.”

Caring for Louise and Elizabeth, helping out on the farm, and now looking after her own mum, you can’t help but wonder where Loreto finds the time to lobby and fundraise.

“It’s a natural instinct,” she says. “You fight and do whatever it takes to get the best for your children.

“Louise and Elizabeth are very close. They have never fought and they would give the bite out of their mouths to each other. And they love their younger siblings very much.

“I also think James and Josephine have learned a lot having grown up with two older sisters who have disabilities – patience and the fact that we are not all the same. And be thankful for what you have.

“I believe in keeping life as simple as you can and appreciating the basics and what you have, because at the end of the day, all that matters is that everyone under your roof is OK.”