'He always adds that bit of humour' - Roy Keane praised by daughter Caragh for helping her through 'incurable illness' which forced her to turn down 'dream job'

Diagnosed in 2021, at the age of 25, Caragh endured a difficult period marked by severe symptoms such as joint pain, alopecia, and painful blisters on her skin. Following extensive medical tests, doctors confirmed she had lupus, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The severity of the illness left her physically drained and cognitively impaired, with significant memory loss and constant exhaustion. At its worst, Caragh spent nearly six weeks confined to her bed.

Caragh had been offered what she described as her "dream job" at her former school in Manchester but was unable to accept the position due to the overwhelming impact of her illness.

Speaking to the IrishIndependent,Caragh said: "I cried on the phone because I had to turn down the job and just had to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’m really not very well at the moment.’ I wanted to be the best teacher I could be."

Despite the challenges, Caragh was fortunate to have a strong and supportive family by her side. Growing up as one of five siblings - alongside her sisters Alanna, Shannon, and Leah, and her brother Aidan - she was raised in a household where her father, Roy, always made time for his children.

"My parents were worried, but they put on a brave face a lot of the time, and they’ve been so supportive," she said. "My dad puts things into perspective and always adds that bit of humour to lighten the mood."

Rather than letting her illness define her, Caragh has used her experience to create something positive. She founded Superkeen Foods, a company dedicated to providing nutritious food options tailored for those with autoimmune conditions. Her brand’s award-winning products include cereals that are free from gluten, nuts, milk, and eggs - making them 100% natural and suitable for individuals following an autoimmune-friendly diet. By channeling her struggles into a business that promotes healing and better dietary choices, Caragh has turned adversity into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar battles.