A Galway nursing home professional has been recognised among Ireland’s best at the NHI Care Awards 2025, the leading national celebration of excellence in nursing home care.
Kathryn Lavelle, from An Teaghlach Uilinn, Kilrainey, Moycullen, received the Quality Enhancement Award, sponsored by BDO Ireland.
Kathryn was honoured at the NHI Care Awards ceremony on Thursday, 6th November 2025, in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin.
The event was attended by the Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell TD, who also presented an award on the night. The ceremony celebrated exceptional care being delivered every day across nursing homes in Ireland.
There were over 250 nominations submitted from across the country, with 34 finalists selected by an independent judging panel representing nursing, academia, and the wider health and social care sector.
The evening brought together colleagues, families, and representatives from every corner of Ireland, with an atmosphere of celebration, positivity, and excitement filling the Round Room as winners were announced.
“The NHI Care Awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication of those who provide compassionate, person-centred care every day,” said Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland.
“Kathryn Lavelle, reflects the innovation, quality focus, and resident-centred values that underpin excellence in nursing home care. Her commitment to continuous improvement and her contribution to enhancing the quality of life for residents represent the very best of our profession.”
“I also wish to extend warm congratulations to all those nominated across the country this year. Each nominee represents the compassion, commitment, and expertise that underpin quality nursing home care nationwide.”
“We extend our sincere thanks to Minister Kieran O’Donnell TD for attending and presenting an award on the night, and to all our sponsors for their continued support, in particular to Homecare Medical, our long-standing awards partner and key sponsor, whose commitment helps make this national celebration of care possible.”
The Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) Care Awards, held in association with Homecare Medical, are the leading national celebration of excellence in nursing home care.
The NHI Care Awards honour the dedication, compassion, and professionalism shown by individuals and teams supporting more than 27,000 people living in nursing homes across Ireland.
The Awards recognise outstanding achievements and best practice in every aspect of care, from clinical excellence and innovation to teamwork, resident wellbeing, and quality improvement.
By highlighting these exceptional contributions, the NHI Care Awards showcase the vital role that nursing home care plays in enabling residents to live life to its fullest.
