Laois nursing home administrator wins national award

A LAOIS nursing home administrator was honoured among Ireland’s best at the 2025 Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) Care Awards.

Mamie Dunne from Oakdale Nursing Home, Portarlington, received the Olivia Slater Administrator of the Year award at a ceremony on Thursday, 6 November in the Mansion House, Dublin.

The special award was introduced this year in memory of a woman who is described by colleagues as a pillar of the NHI organisation, who was renowned for her warmth, professionalism and unwavering dedication.

The award was presented to Mamie by Minister for Older People Kieran O’Donnell, alongside Olivia’s husband and son, during an emotional and uplifting moment at the ceremony in the Round Room.

More than 250 nominations were 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.

NHI chief executive Tadhg Daly said: “Mamie Dunne of Oakdale Nursing Home embodies the kindness, professionalism and service ethos that Olivia Slater represented throughout her life. It was fitting that the very first Olivia Slater Administrator of the Year award was presented to someone who reflects the same values of empathy, respect and excellence that Olivia brought to her work and to our organisation.” 

Held in association with Homecare Medical, the awards honour the dedication, compassion and professionalism shown by individuals and teams supporting more than 27,000 people living in nursing homes across Ireland. 

Further information is available at nhicareawards.ie