Waterford nursing home resident named as winner of national achievement award

A resident of a nursing home in County Waterford has been named as the winner of a national achievement award.

Ann Van Hemeledonck of Tramore Nursing Home was announced as a winner at the Nursing Homes Ireland (NH) Care Awards 2026.

Ann was awarded the Resident Achievement Award for her charity work in the community.

The award was handed out at a gala dinner held in Croke Park in Dublin on Thursday, November 5.

Speaking about the Waterford winner, Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, said: “We are incredibly proud to recognise our Waterford Winner, Ann Van Hemeledonck.

“Ann's success at this year's NHI Care Awards reflects the enormous contribution she has made to her own nursing home community, and the wider Waterford community through her personal dedication and resolve to thrive for better.

“This was illustrated through her success with the 50K in May Challenge which raised much needed funds for MS Ireland. Well done, Ann, you truly are an inspiration to us all!"

Ann was joined by other nursing home professionals, as part of the 31 finalists that were shortlisted, following the deliberations of an expert independent judging panel.

The NHI Care Awards, held in association with Homecare Medical, are the premier national celebration of excellence in nursing home care in Ireland.

The awards promote best practice within the nursing home sector and provide an opportunity to pay tribute to individuals and teams demonstrating outstanding excellence and dedication in their work.