NURSING home professionals in Kinsale and Skibbereen are finalists for the 2025 Nursing Homes Ireland Care Awards, which celebrate excellence in nursing home care.

Among the nominees are Zineb Lemzouri, Healthcare Assistant at Skibbereen Residential Care Centre and originally from Morocco.

She relocated to Ireland in 2006 and obtained Irish citizenship in 2013.

Her healthcare journey began with voluntary work with individuals with disabilities, inspiring her to become a Healthcare Assistant.

Since joining Skibbereen in August 2022 after completing her QQI Level 5 Healthcare course, Zineb has demonstrated exceptional passion for her profession.

Shortly after joining, she was selected to mentor new staff due to her exemplary teaching skills. Patient, empathetic, hardworking and conscientious, Zineb is loved by residents, colleagues and families alike.

At Haven Bay Care Centre in Kinsale, both Sherin George, Clinical Nurse Manager and Margerete Moreto, Healthcare Coordinator, have been shortlisted showcasing the depth of excellence within their team.

Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) is the national representative body for the private and voluntary nursing home sector, encompassing over 440 nursing homes across Ireland, which provide care to over 27,000 people.

Its mission is to actively support and represent our members, enabling them to deliver sustainable, high-quality care to their residents.

Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, and originally from Drimoleague said the nominations reflect not only the individual’s personal dedication and skill, ‘but also the exceptional standard of care being delivered in Cork and across Ireland’s nursing home sector.’

‘Every day, nursing home staff demonstrate remarkable compassion and professionalism in caring for older people. These awards provide a platform to celebrate their achievements and to say thank you for the profound difference they make to residents’ lives and to their families,’ he said.

The finals takes place on November 6th.