Dundalk duo win top care awards

Two Dundalk carers have taken home top honours at the 2025 Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI) Home Care Awards.

Lucy Lynch of Servisource, Dundalk, was named Nurse of the Year, while Edwin Solis was recognised as Unsung Hero of the Year.

On selecting the winner in the Nurse of the Year category, judge, Prof Mark White of RCSI said:

“Lucy comes across as being super client focused and is nominated for her ‘dedication and professionalism’ being a true ‘Wonder Woman’ and for ‘inspiring everyone with her strength and kindness’.

“The testimonial quotes provided by colleagues and clients stand her out as a clear winner”.

Joseph Musgrave, CEO of HCCI said “We are very lucky to have people like Lucy working in homecare.

“Her dedication and ingenuity make a real difference to clients and their families. Sincere congratulations to Lucy on her well-deserved recognition.”

Edwin Solis, who won the unsung hero award, accompanied his terminally ill client on a trip to their native Philippines, where the client unfortunately passed away.

Despite the tough job at hand, Edwin facilitated his clients dying wish and was there for him every step of the way.

Joseph Musgrave, CEO of HCCI said “We are very lucky to have people like Edwin looking after our families.

“His kindness and professionalism have had a profound effect on us. Sincere congratulations to Edwin on his well-deserved recognition.”

Nurse of the Year nominees are qualified nursing professionals who work in the home and community care sector.

Whether they have spent their entire nursing career in this sector or have joined more recently, the standard of care they provide is irrefutably and consistently stellar.

The Unsung Hero nominee can be from any occupation but should be someone that has gone above and beyond for others behind the scenes, often without seeking recognition.

Nominees for this award have been steadfast within their community or organisation, and some people say they don’t know where they would be without them.

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The award honours those whose impactful efforts have gone unnoticed but have made a profound difference in the lives of others.

Joseph Musgrave, CEO of HCCI concluded: “I would like to sincerely thank our event sponsor Gallagher whose support made this ceremony possible, as well as Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet, Spry Finance, Bank of Ireland, the Access Group, PASS, RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and Good People for their sponsorship of individual awards.

He added, “we are also very grateful to our independent judges for their time and expertise. And thank you to all our members who nominated colleagues for the awards.”