Meet the Shortlisted

I am shocked and honoured to be nominated. I start working in Marian House 11 years ago when I had 2 young children. Management were very good to me. I was able to bring my kids to school and be off in time to collect them which meant the world to me.

From the time I started in Marian House I had the utmost respect for the residents and my colleagues. As time went on, I didn’t look at them as residents but as family.

Although I am the receptionist I help out in all aspects of Marian House. No matter what they ask me to do I will do my best to do it even if it’s only a little chat. I will give them my full attention. The paperwork will always be there tomorrow. I wouldn’t be able to do my job without the great team of colleagues both management and staff.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without each and every resident that has come and gone from Marian House and of course my family.

I would like to say that Marian House has a great team and I think they all deserve to be nominated.

Ashbi, a Senior Healthcare Assistant at Esker Ri Nursing Home, brings warmth, dedication, and a wealth of experience to her role. Originally from Kerala, India, Ashbi has a career that spans over 12 years, beginning with her graduation in nursing in 2006.

During her studies, her hard work and commitment were recognized with the Best Student Award in her second year, setting a tone of excellence that has followed her throughout her career. Eager to expand her skills, she moved to the Middle East at a young age, where her dedication was honoured with a Special Honour Award from her employer in Saudi Arabia.

Ashbi’s character shines through in her unwavering commitment to her patients and colleagues alike. She worked as an emergency department nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting her own safety aside to provide critical care. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, and she was awarded the Frontline Hero Award in 2021, a testament to her bravery and compassion.

Since joining Esker Ri in July 2022, Ashbi’s caring nature and skilled approach have made her an invaluable part of the team. Her ability to build meaningful connections with residents and her attentive, compassionate care earned her the Employee of the Month award in August 2024. Colleagues and residents alike admire her calm, friendly demeanour and her genuine interest in the well-being of those she cares for.

Beyond her professional life, Ashbi is a dedicated mother of three, balancing her family and career with grace. Happily married and grounded in her love for her family, Ashbi brings that same sense of kindness and reliability to her work every day. Her gentle nature and years of experience make her someone whom residents trust deeply, and her team relies on her for support and guidance. Ashbi’s warmth and compassion are evident in everything she does, embodying a deeply caring spirit that enriches Esker Ri Nursing Home.

Carmel has worked as a carer for over 28 years and has earned immense respect from all her patients and their families throughout her career.

She has been with Signacare Nursing Home for the past four years, and we are so proud to hear she has been shortlisted for the NHI awards. Her dedication to her residents knows no bounds, and we are truly grateful to have her as part of our team.

Carmel resides with her partner, Tommy, and has one son, Justin. She also shares her home with a beautiful cat named Bonnie. A natural nurturer, Carmel finds joy in spending hours with Bonnie, stroking her on the sofa—if Bonnie allows it, of course. Carmel even bears a few scratches from her bundle of joy!

Known for her unique sense of humour, Carmel’s quick wit and hearty laugh are cherished by both residents and colleagues alike. Her laughter often fills the room long before she appears, and her stories have everyone in tears of laughter. Carmel is truly the life and soul of the party, and her presence lights up any room.

Carmel has also faced her own share of tragedy. When her three brothers were diagnosed with a terminal illness, she dropped everything to nurse them through the most challenging times. Carmel was there for them every day until they passed, putting her own grief aside to continue caring for others.

Her brother Gerard (RIP) wrote a beautiful poem, which Carmel has treasured since he passed in 2020 at the age of 57.

Ciara grew up in the Seaside village of Greystones in Co Wicklow with her Mum, Dad, and older sister Roisin. She attended secondary school in Loreto in Bray.

Before embarking on a career in admin and finance, she worked as a barista and fashionista.

Renowned for her huge bright smile and cheeky giggle both inside and outside of work, we managed to get her onboard the Saint Josephs Team in October 2018. She was quite reserved, well, for the first 2 hours of working in Saint Josephs. She then found her voice and spread her butterfly wings engaging with staff, residents and their families and friends.

She has a heart of gold and never stops helping people. Now 6 years in Saint Josephs she still has her sparkle and has never lost it.

We are so lucky to have someone with her care, compassion and kindness as part of our team.

Deborah O’Reilly stands out as an exceptional caregiver who goes above and beyond in her role, creating a compassionate and supportive environment within the Brookhaven Healthcare family.

Known for her unwavering empathy, Deborah consistently demonstrates genuine care and concern, treating each resident as if they were part of her own family. Her ability to connect on a personal level with residents, as well as their families, has made her an indispensable part of Brookhaven. Her nurturing approach brings comfort and reassurance, making her a trusted figure in the lives of those she cares for.

Deborah’s dedication does not go unnoticed by her colleagues, who admire her for her professionalism, commitment, and warm nature. Her peers see her as a beacon of what providing care should be, and families often express gratitude for the positive impact she has on their loved ones. Deborah’s outstanding ability to balance emotional intelligence with skilled care has solidified her as a cherished member of the Brookhaven Healthcare family and a worthy recipient of recognition at the highest level.

Gary Morgan transitioned from his role as a supervisor in the construction industry to pursue a career in healthcare. In 2013, he earned a FETAC Level 5 qualification in Healthcare Support, which led to his role at Castleross as a Healthcare Assistant. Over the years, Gary progressed through various positions, first becoming a Household Coordinator, and eventually advancing to Senior Household Coordinator in May 2022.

With 11 years of experience in Care of the Elderly, Gary has demonstrated his passion for promoting Person-Centred Care. He excels at leading and empowering his team, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the lives of all those that live in Castleross. His dedication to fostering a supportive and respectful environment has made him a vital part of the Castleross and Grace healthcare team and an advocate for the residents that he cares

Chef Joan O’Brien was raised in Brocurra, County Wexford, in a time when a six-mile round-trip walk through muddy fields was the standard journey to school. Her challenging upbringing taught her resilience, empathy, and the importance of goodwill—values that have shaped her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Joan eventually moved to Dublin to take part in a 10-week catering course organised by her then-employers, and her career quickly took off. She was offered a job in the city and began studying at the Cathal Brugha Catering College, embracing city life while drawing on her rural roots to inform her core principles of charity and compassion.

A dedicated mentor, Joan spent 19 years as a Brownie leader with the Irish Girl Guides, inspiring young girls to reach their potential and show kindness and respect to others. Her commitment to children’s welfare also extends to Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, a charity supporting families of children receiving treatment at St. John’s Ward in Crumlin Hospital. Joan has proudly participated in numerous charity events for them, including the 2018 Guinness World Record for the world’s largest skinny dip, with 2,505 women from around the world.

Joan’s caregiving journey expanded to elder care when she cared for her husband’s uncle, even bringing him into her home to provide the support he needed. This deeply personal experience prepared her well for her role at Foxrock Nursing Home, where she has worked since 2016.

Though officially head chef, Joan’s role at Foxrock extends far beyond the kitchen. She knows every resident by name, their preferences and needs, and often prepares alternative dishes to accommodate their tastes. Joan acknowledges the emotional challenge of forming bonds with residents, knowing she may one day lose them, but she finds this role one of the most fulfilling of her life. It has deepened her appreciation for life and respect for those who need care.

Her compassion and desire to help others also led her to volunteer with Aware’s helpline, where, for nine years, she has provided emotional support to countless callers needing a listening ear.

Joan’s life is centered on her three children, whom she considers her greatest achievements. She is humbled to be nominated by her Director of Nursing and cherishes the opportunity to stand alongside her fellow carers, grateful for the chance to make a difference in the lives of her residents and their families.

John is a devoted head chef who goes to every effort to serve up restaurant-style fare for the 99 residents at Knockrobin Hill Care Home in Wicklow ensuring the homes’ residents receive nutritious and delicious meals 3 times a day without fail. John is also a huge advocate for staff wellbeing and always ensures that the staff have a healthy & delicious dinner to support them throughout their working day.

In my career my ethos has always been ‘If I’m not going to eat it then I shouldn’t present it. If it doesn’t look appealing, then nobody is going to eat it and I’m not doing my job.’

I have a love and respect for food and for healthy produce & believe good nutrition and hydration are key to remaining well and healthy as we age.

Kathleen is a 45-year-old mother of three from Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

Having spent much of her working life in the hospitality industry, Kathleen leaped at the opportunity to work at Willow Brooke Care Centre when it opened in 2019, thrilled to find a meaningful role close to home and family. She began as a cleaner and soon discovered a true passion for caring for older persons.

Her dedication did not go unnoticed, and senior management encouraged her to enrol in training to become a Health Care Assistant.

Kathleen completed her training and emerged as a key team member during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period was especially personal for her, as her mother, who had been diagnosed with vascular dementia, became a resident at Willow Brooke. Supporting her mother and other residents during such a challenging time deepened Kathleen’s empathy and understanding of the families visiting their loved ones, creating a bond that resonates strongly with everyone she meets.

Kathleen’s natural ability to connect with others and her aptitude for compassionate care led to her promotion to Senior Health Care Assistant. She takes great pride and satisfaction in her role, finding peace and fulfillment in knowing she has made a positive impact by the end of each day.

Kathleen describes herself as someone who has never had much luck with awards or prizes, which makes this NHI Care Award nomination even more meaningful to her. She feels honoured to represent her colleagues, residents, and The Windmill Health Care Group. Her greatest joy comes from knowing her family is proud of her accomplishments, and she is grateful for the personal and professional development opportunities she has received. Kathleen looks forward to a long and happy career doing what she loves.

Martin Gerard Byrne is a proud Carlovian who, as a young boy first become involved caring for elderly people in the ‘Old Sacred Heart Home’ in Barrack Street Carlow where his late Mother Annie worked. During his early adult years, Martin continued his work caring for people, becoming a driver of the Carlow Ambulance before the term ‘Paramedic’ was ever heard of, when he, with a nurse beside him, dealt with whatever they faced on arrival at serious incidents.

Martin is well known throughout Carlow and Kildare as a ‘people person’, but also as a shrewd businessman within the hospitality sector having worked in Senior Management roles and subsequently as the owner of his own successful business which he shared with his wife Jenny in Tenerife.

Returning to Ireland from Tenerife, Martin, a caring person, whose respect and love for older people began during his Carlow childhood, joined the Team in Gowran Abbey Nursing Home in 2020 and soon became a pivotal member of staff using his management and hospitality experience to lead and manage the Catering and Facilities Team.

Martin’s compassion and care for older people is always evident as he ensures Residents and their families feel they are loved, respected, and part of a ‘Gowran Abbey Family’.

His nomination for this award is evidence that he is loved and respected in the nursing home by Residents, Families, Colleagues and Management, who witness his caring and compassionate nature and appreciate the ‘daily sunshine’ he brings into Gowran Abbey regardless of the weather outside!

A kind, caring man, all in Gowran Abbey are proud of Martin and delighted he has been shortlisted for an NHI Award – he truly deserves to know how much he is appreciated for who he is and for what he does!

Martin is a keen golfer, and his ‘Gowran Abbey Family hope he feels that this nomination is truly a ‘Hole In One’!

Mary O’Rourke began her RGN training at Altnagelvin Hospital in Co. Derry in January 1980 and qualified as a nurse in April 1983. She worked as a staff nurse in Derry until 1985, then took up a position in Iraq at Ibn Albitar Hospital, where she worked in an oncology ward. Upon returning to Ireland in early 1987, Mary joined St. James’s Hospital, working in the oncology unit and later transferring to the cardiac intensive care unit.

After marrying, Mary and her husband moved to Europe to further their careers, living in Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg before settling in Holland, where she worked as a personal assistant to the Electrical Site Manager until the birth of their first daughter.

In 1992, they returned to Ireland, and Mary resumed her nursing career with the Talbot Group as a staff nurse. Four years later, she was promoted to Director of Nursing, a role she held for 16 years. During her time at the Talbot Group, Mary gained invaluable experience in elder care, successfully opening two new units—Psychiatry of Old Age and Care of the Elderly—and implementing HIQA standards in 2009, with numerous successful HIQA inspections.

After many fulfilling years with the Talbot Group, Mary decided it was time for a change. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Nursing at AnovoCare Nursing Home, where the residents are truly the heart of everything. From day one, she has felt valued and welcomed into a supportive environment that enables her to provide the highest quality of care for residents while supporting, teaching, and encouraging the staff. For Mary, every day is an adventure.

Mary believes that ageing is not “lost youth” but a new stage filled with opportunity and strength, saying, “The longer you live, the more beautiful life becomes.”

Mary Paul Keane is a women young in heart and mind but embraces the experience of ageing.

Throughout her life her empathy led her towards working, thought education, with women who wanted/needed a second educational opportunity. She was an educator, and an activist throughout her life.

She travelled, experienced a world beyond herself, and ended up living in Denmark for 5 years; this experience, in her early to late twenties, was transformative.

She was the founder of a unique publishing house, Attic Press, which forged the way for women academic and literary writers in the early 1980s. She also was the cofounder of a significant bookshop in Galway, Sheela na Gig, and lived in Galway close to twenty years.

Her educational qualifications are under and post grad in History and Sociology and her master’s dissertation was in Culture and Colonialism.

She is a resident in Rathborne Nursing Home and chairs the Residents Committee, which established the book club and the choir. The committee also acts as an advocate for all residents. Committee meeting minutes, which articulate concerns, recommendations and applauds are forwarded to the DON, of Rathborne.

Her motto is one step forward, one step forward.

I was practicing my nursing profession in the Philippines for 7 years before I came to Ireland in 2019. It was always my dream to work as a nurse in Ireland. I am currently working as a clinical nurse manager at SignaCare New Ross.

I am the team leader for managing pressure ulcers and the head of our caru team. The entire journey of becoming a nurse in Ireland was a bit crucial. Leaving behind the vibrant culture and warm-hearted communities that shaped my upbringing, I embarked on a profound mission to care for the elderly, a vocation that resonates deeply with the values of honour and respect instilled in me by my family.

At first, it was quite difficult for me to adjust to the work setting because we have no residential homes, but, as I was learning, I found my passion in caring for older people. I am very close to my family, especially to my grandparents when they were still alive. Each day, I immerse myself in the stories of my residents, recognising the wealth of wisdom and resilience that comes with age, and I strive to create an environment where they feel not only safe but also valued and cherished.

I prioritise building meaningful relationships, taking the time to listen intently and advocate for their needs, preferences, and dignity. This dedication manifests in the small but significant gestures—an encouraging word, a gentle touch, or even shared laughter—reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.

Through personalised care plans and attentive support, I endeavour to enhance their quality of life, ensuring that their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are nurtured with the utmost respect and love. This whole experience has been life-changing, steeped in both challenge and fulfilment.

I am very blessed and honoured to be a part of the NHI Care Awards finalists and to be recognised and fully supported by the management team and colleagues.

Noranna started her nursing career in 1995 graduating from Beaumont. She worked here and subsequently moved home and took up a position in the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar.

Following a career break she returned to nursing and for the past 3.5 years has taken the post of the Assistant Director of Nursing in Cuan Chaitriona in Castlebar. Noranna fights for the rights of her residents and strives through her leadership for equal access for them to continue to live a full life despite being in long term care.

She pushes home the point and changes the narrative that long term care does not have to be the end but in fact can also be a beautifiil beginning. Because of her hard work over the past few years the lives of her residents have been enriched to a level of what was once thought to be impossible. The impact of Norannas leadership has been transformational.

Her unwavering dedication and ability to create a compelling vision have inspired her team members to strive for excellence and promote a quality standard of care, choice, dignity and full life for our residents. Noranna has a magical ability to make you want to be a better person simply by being around her and witnessing what she accomplishes.

She is never one who gives up easily and tirelessly gives of herself for a better cause. She is the true definition of selflessness both as a leader, a nurse but also as a colleague and a friend. She shy’s away from the limelight and quietly carries on ensuring that everyone is looked after often to a fault.

Staff look forward to working with her every day to see what next changes they can bring about for our residents with her inspiration, hard work and vision for a better world for them to live in.

Pamela started working as an activity coordinator in Newpark in 2016. Pamela immediately settled in as part of the team in Newpark and was always thinking outside the box and suggesting new activities.

Pamela believed that a lot of activities provided were quite generic for residents, such as bingo and knitting. By giving residents a chance for their say in resident committee meetings, chaired by the activities team, the timetable was changed to reflect the projects that were more satisfying for residents.

Pamela always reviewed these activities based on the enjoyment residents showed and feedback from residents/staff. In 2018, Pamela was promoted to activities manager.

She has a wonderful team of Mairead and Jaya, who are extremely passionate and follow Pamela’s lead with the underlying goal of enhancing the quality of life for residents. Pamela and her team felt the activity timetable still wasn’t quite right and began to research in their free time. They sourced a website with valuable and productive information to help excel our activities timetable.

There has been excellent feedback from residents, families and staff about this. Pamela’s passion for enhancing the lives of residents filters through her team and all 3 are an essential and core part of caring for residents in Newpark. Group activities are always a wonderful occasion, but the team ensure they deliver 1:1 activity time to residents who cannot engage in group activities.

Pamela and her team deliver hand massages and sensory therapy to residents who require 1:1 time. We are so proud of Pamela and her amazing team. Our social media pages give a great idea of activities provided both inside and outside our nursing home by our activities team.

Rosetta is a registered general nurse with more than 34 years of experience, almost exclusively in older person care. She commenced her training in London but moved back to Ireland immediately afterward, working at the Royal Hospital Donnybrook for nine years. During her time in this long-stay hospital, she realized that if she wanted to see older person care at a standard she would be happy to receive, she needed to be part of the decision-making team. Therefore, she continued learning and training, always pushing herself to reach the next stage so her voice would be heard and her opinions considered.

In 2000, she moved from Dublin to Dundalk and began working at Carlingford Nursing Home as a part-time nurse, where she was soon promoted to Nurse Manager. Over time, with her Masters in Management, she advanced to Group Operations Manager for Arbour Care Group. In 2021, she joined Evergreen Care as the COO.

As an exceptional leader, she is known for her unwavering support and approachable nature, which truly make her stand out. Always ready to answer questions—whether clinical, non-clinical, or personal—she does so with kindness and expertise. Her dedication and care for everyone have made her a well-deserved candidate for recognition in her field.

Her extensive experience as a nurse on the floor plays a crucial role in ensuring that decisions made for the home are well-informed and reflect the highest standards of care and resident wellbeing. Her hands-on knowledge of clinical care, combined with her understanding of the day-to-day needs of residents, positions her as an invaluable contributor in shaping policies and practices that promote safety, comfort, and overall health outcomes. This practical insight, garnered from years of direct patient care, ensures that every decision is both compassionate and aligned with the best interests of the residents. 

She leads by example and is always willing to assist whenever asked or when she recognizes that help may be needed, regardless of whether she has been asked. Her happy, upbeat, and motivating demeanour inspires those around her. Her availability to her team and the smiles she brings to conversations make her a joy to work with, and she continues to inspire those she encounters.

Her goal at the outset of her career was to make people’s lives a bit better if she could and to be part of their journey, whether it was for a short time or a long time. She has been fortunate enough to be part of many people’s lives throughout her career and has loved being part of the teams that improved residents’ independence and quality of life. She has been at the bedside of many individuals at the end of their lives and has felt honoured to be with them in those moments, providing comfort and dignity.

Everything she has done in the past 34 years has been to achieve those goals, and she is very happy to have been just a small part of the evolution of older person care within her organizations. She has witnessed the massive changes in accommodation, care practices, and management culture during that time.

She looks forward to continuing her career in this sector and trusts that if she is fortunate enough to live to old age, she will reap the benefits.

Sabine has been navigating the halls of Greenpark Nursing Home since she was just 15 years old, when she was part of a community art project with a youth group here in Tuam. Sabine’s mum, Elga also works here and Sabine used to come in and help her some Saturdays. She has work everywhere within the Nursing Home from the kitchen to the laundry and from housekeeping to Healthcare Assistant during her younger years and going through college.

Sabine qualified as a Social Care Practitioner and for a short period of time worked with another Nursing Home where she gained valuable experience. In May 2022, Sabine returned to us as our Activities Co-Ordinator and very quickly proved herself to be a very valuable member of our team. Her dedication to each and every Resident goes above and beyond the call of duty.

I am a prescribing practice nurse working in Dublin for the last 16 years.

I commenced my career in Tallaght hospital, moving on to community based nursing. I have always loved working with both patients and their families, my focus being providing a holistic and patient centred care approach.

In 2021 I commenced with Virtue Medical, a unique GP practice that predominantly looks after 3 large nursing home totalling over 300 residents across the 3 locations. This was a change of direction for me but one which I thoroughly enjoy.

My areas of special input are Diabetic care management where I have instigated and implemented a diabetic register, arranged pilot project for all insulin dependent diabetics providing patients with continuous glucose monitors and providing nurse education to ensure effective continuation of the ongoing diabetes management.

I have also implemented a nurse-led bone health service in an attempt to bridge the treatment gap that exists for patients living with osteoporosis. Both myself and Dr Warlow have been fortunate enough to display our poster on this service at the recent WONCA conference, I also presented at the Irish Gerontological Society Conference this year.

Finally, as part of the collaborative MDT approach in our nursing homes I am part of the “falls committee” which aims to reduce and prevent falls.

I firmly believe considerable work can be done to compliment the need for preventative medicine alongside a patient centred approach while caring for our elderly population in Nursing Homes.