Limerick woman named Munster Caregiver of the Year 2025 – ‘we'd be lost without her'
A 'good' and 'hard-working' Limerick woman has been named Dovida Munster Caregiver of the Year 2025, after being nominated by both colleagues and clients as 'irreplaceable.'
Mary Kenihan, who works with Dovida's Limerick and Clare office, was honoured during a special ceremony marking 20 years of outstanding care services in Ireland, even after their rebrand from Home Instead.
Described by clients as a 'good friend' and a bright light in their day, Mary advanced to the regional stage after winning the local title, and ultimately took home the top honour for Munster.
'It was very emotional to hear what my clients said about me,' Mary said.
'You don't realise the difference you make to them until you hear it back. Just receiving the local award was brilliant for me, so to get the Munster one was amazing.
'I wasn't expecting it, because I feel that all the caregivers deserve it,' she added.
Client Kathleen O'Connell said: 'Mary is a very hard worker and a great carer, I always feel comfortable and looked after when she's around. I wouldn't be able to live at home without her help around the house.'
She added: 'Over the last few years, my favourite thing about her is how good a friend she has become to me, and I love having her around.'
Maureen Murnane, whose mother Theresa lives with dementia, described Mary as 'an extension of the family.'
She shared how Mary brought joy back into her mother's life through cards, puzzles, painting, and baking. 'It's heartening to see my mother's face light up with joy again.'
Renowned broadcaster and competition judge Mary Kennedy praised Mary's compassionate nature and the heartfelt testimonials from clients' families.
'The testimonies from the family members of Mary's clients made a real impact on me. It's clear that she cares deeply for her clients and treats everyone she meets with compassion and respect,' she said.
'I was particularly impressed by Mary's willingness to go above and beyond for her clients, in one instance even paying a visit on her own time to a client who was in hospital. It's stories like these that really brighten up my day, just like Mary does to all of her clients,' she added.
Brian O'Sullivan, General Manager of Dovida Limerick and Clare, called Mary 'irreplaceable,' saying: 'She sets the gold standard for caregiving. Her clients feel seen, supported, and respected.'
Dovida Ireland CEO Shane Jennings echoed this sentiment, adding: 'Mary embodies what it means to be a Dovida caregiver. We're incredibly proud to have her on our team.'
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