(June 18th, 2025) Tallaght University Hospital is very proud to announce today the latest winners of the TUH Hero Awards. The annual awards recognise employees who go above and beyond in their dedication, service, and leadership.
Since the awards were launched in 2019, they have honoured exceptional individuals/teams across the Hospital, highlighting their contributions to excellence in healthcare and support to their colleagues.
The winners were celebrated at a special awards ceremony held in the Hospital's Centre for Learning & Development. Their families and colleagues gathered to recognise their achievements and contributions.
Sharon Larkin, Director of HR at TUH, said, "Reading through this year's nominations, it was again inspiring to be reminded of the quality of staff who work alongside us at the Hospital. The response to our call for submissions this year was tremendous and gave the judging panel, which includes a member of the Patient Community Advisory Council, plenty of options as we made the difficult task of selecting the winners. Once again, the process made me feel very humbled and lucky to be part of the TUH leadership team.”
John Kelly, Interim CEO of TUH, said, "It is a great privilege to announce the winners of our TUH Annual Heroes Awards for 2025. These exceptional individuals were nominated by their colleagues for showing outstanding dedication and truly embodying our core vision of 'People Caring for People to Live Better Lives.' I want to commend each of them sincerely for the very significant impact they have had on our hospital, our patients, and their colleagues."
The TUH Heroes for 2025 are as follows:
Patient Experience Award - Ruttle Ward Team
The family that nominated the staff of Ruttle Ward did so after a prolonged hospital stay by a family member. “We had some challenging days as Dad was very ill, but the care and compassion he and the family received were excellent. The staff were always in good form, even when we were having a bad day, and did their best to keep our spirits up. All of the staff touched our hearts. We would love to enter all of these wonderful people for an award.”
People Caring for People Award - Megan Berry, Staff Nurse
In this nomination, Megan’s colleague stated: “In my almost 30 years of nursing, I have had the privilege of working alongside some incredible individuals, whose dedication to patient care is world-class. Megan is one of these individuals who has left a mark on me as a colleague. Megan truly embodies the role of a nurse well beyond her young age. She has an outstanding approach to all patients in her care, and encapsulates the core values of our hospital.”
Unsung Hero Award - Josephine Diwa, Clinical Nurse Manager I
Her colleague wrote: “Josephine comes to work with a smile on her face every day, she is always willing to help and support her colleagues, never mind the patients she is caring for. Her flexibility and organisational skills, and her energy is remarkable. It is her willingness to lead and be flexible and to do whatever is needed that keeps our theatre department functioning as well as it does.”
Service Excellence Award - Dorothy Hughes, Administrator Neurovascular Service
In this submission received for Dorothy, her co-worker said: “Dorothy goes about her business in a quiet but extremely efficient and conscientious manner, and when the going gets tough, she simply rolls up her sleeves! She is so helpful to patients and colleagues alike and, without request, goes the 'extra mile'. She is an exemplary member of staff who has given a consistently outstanding level of service throughout her long working career in the Hospital.”
Professor Sean Tierney Mentoring Award - Bernadette Corrigan, Directorate Nurse Manager
One colleague wrote, “Bernadette has been a mentor and support to me since the beginning of my career in the Hospital. She is always available to answer questions, set the standards across the ward, and make sure they are maintained, as well as encouraging education and professional development. As she has moved into more senior roles, she has continued to consistently support her colleagues. Bernadette continues to encourage, provide guidance, and challenge when necessary, but always instilling a sense of self-belief.”
Teamwork Award - Clodagh Glynn & Michelle Kissane, Lung Cancer Nurse Coordinators
Joint winners of the Teamwork Award, this proposal said: “I am proud to nominate Michelle and Clodagh in recognition of their outstanding commitment, collaboration, and service to the lung cancer service over the past 20 years. Working in a non-designated cancer centre, they have provided a lung cancer service equivalent to that of larger, designated centres. What sets them apart is not only their resilience and professionalism under pressure, but their drive to improve the system itself. They embody the essence of teamwork — consistently supporting each other, sharing responsibilities seamlessly, and demonstrating a quiet, sustained excellence that has earned them the deep respect of colleagues across disciplines. They are the definition of a high-functioning team and have had an immeasurable impact on patient care, staff morale, and the reputation of our service.”
Team of the Year Award - Critical Care Outreach Team
This nominator wrote, “The strength of this team lies in their ability to function as a cohesive unit while simultaneously integrating into wider multidisciplinary teams. They respond swiftly, day or night, to medical emergencies, always bringing a calm, professional, and supportive presence. Their willingness to help, educate, and advocate for patient safety makes them an indispensable part of our hospital’s care network. This unit embodies the spirit of true teamwork - not only within their own team but with nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, and families. They are proactive, approachable, and always ask, “How can we help?” even beyond their expected duties. Their contributions have significantly improved the early recognitionand management of deteriorating patients, fostering a culture of safety, support, and continuous learning. Their tireless work often goes unrecognised, but their impact is deeply felt throughout the Hospital.”
Special CEO Recognition Awards
Award # 1Telecoms & Reception Team
Commenting on this award, Interim CEO John Kelly said: “The team receiving this award is being recognised for the important service they provide to patients and staff. Their professionalism, warmth, and dedication are the first impression many members of the public have of our hospital. This can be at a time when they are anxious or upset. This award is recognition of work which is often unseen but incredibly important. Their dedication, patience, and organisational skills help keep everything running smoothly.”
Award #2 Synergy Team
John Kelly remarked, “The Synergy team is receiving this award for their commitment to excellence in the delivery of Phase 2 of the Synergy IT project. They have truly made a significant impact on the delivery of this vital new system for the Hospital. Launching a new IT project is no small feat; it takes vision, planning, hard work, and seamless collaboration. The Synergy team managed all the challenges the rollout presented with energy and professionalism. The work they have done is not just a technical achievement, but a bold step forward towards greater efficiency, innovation, and growth for the Hospital.”
ENDS
