A Laois nursing home administrator has been recognised among Ireland’s best at the Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) Care Awards 2025, the leading national celebration of excellence in nursing home care.

Mamie Dunne, from Oakdale Nursing Home, Portarlington, received the Olivia Slater Administrator of the Year Award, sponsored by Nursing Homes Ireland.

This is the first year of the awards existence, created in memory of Olivia Slater, a pillar of Nursing Homes Ireland for many years. Ms Slater is remembered for her warmth, professionalism, and 'unwavering dedication' to supporting nursing home members, staff, residents, and families across Ireland.

Pictured: Mamie Dunne & Eamonn Prone (Evergreen Care CEO). Pic: Oakdale Nursing Home

This award recognises those with dedication similar to Ms Slater, with Portarlington's Mamie Dunne named a deserving winner.

There were 250 nominations for this award from across the country, with the Portarlington worker presented the award by the Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell TD, alongside Olivia’s husband and son, during an emotional and uplifting moment at the NHI Care Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 6 at Dublin's Mansion House.

"We are thrilled to announce that Mamie won the very first ‘Olivia Slater Admin of the Year Award’ at the 2025 NHI Care Awards," said a representative for Oakdale Nursing Home.

"As we all know, everyone who comes through the door at Oakdale is greeted with a warm smile and welcome from Mamie, who works tirelessly to keep the admin side of the nursing home running whilst also being the front of house.

"We are delighted that Mamie’s hard work and commitment to the residents, families and staff at Oakdale is being recognised.
Mamie was honoured to accept the award from the Slater family- Nigel and Darren, and Minister Kieran O’Donnell," they said.

"The presentation of this award was significantly poignant as it is dedicated in memory of Olivia Slater, the NHI administrator who sadly passed away in January of this year. Mamie was thrilled to share this moment with the Slater family, and to share a few words with them too.

"Let’s all give a massive shout-out to Mamie, we are so proud for your massive accomplishment!" the nursing home finished.

Pictured: NHI Care Awards Olivia Slater Family, Minister Kieran O'Donnell and NHI CEO Tadhg Daly

“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. 

“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.

“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," Mr Daly finished.

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.

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