Letterkenny University Hospital Celebrates International Nurses Day and International DAISY Award Winners

Throughout the month of May, the extraordinary dedication of nurses and midwifes is celebrated around the world, with International day of the Midwife taking place on 05 May and International Nurses Day on 12 May.

Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) proudly celebrated International Nurses Day, with a vibrant programme of events organised by the Clinical Nurse Management (CNM) Magnet Council in recognition of the commitment, compassion and professionalism of nurses across the hospital.

The day featured cultural music, dance performances and sharing of international food and traditions from nurses representing a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, a workforce that plays such a vital role in patient care.

The highlight of the day was the presentation of the prestigious DAISY Awards. The Award is an international programme that honours the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care demonstrated by nurses and midwives every day. Established in the United States by the family of J. Patrick Barnes following his death at the age of 33, the DAISY Foundation has grown into a global movement, with participating healthcare organisations celebrating professionals who consistently go above and beyond for their patients.

LUH hosts four DAISY Award ceremonies annually. All nominees receive a DAISY certificate and pin in recognition of their contribution, while three honourees are selected each quarter to receive the award. Award recipients are presented with a hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, an honouree pin, a certificate, and cinnamon buns to share with colleagues, a tradition inspired by ‘Patrick Barnes’ family.

The DAISY Award recipients that were nominated for a wide range of reasons were:

Louise Gallagher, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Fetal Assessment Unit and Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit who was recognised for the profound impact she had on one family during a particularly challenging pregnancy.

Tina McGlynn, Clinical Nurse Manager 1 in Medical 2 was honoured for the extraordinary care she provided to an elderly gentleman during his final admission to hospital.

Helen McDaid, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Children with Life-Limiting Conditions was recognised for her exceptional commitment to children and families facing the most difficult circumstances.

Una Cardin, Director of Nursing at LUH, said, “International Nurses Day provides us with an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution nurses make every day to patients, families and communities. At Letterkenny University Hospital, our nurses consistently demonstrate compassion, professionalism and excellence in care. These celebrations also reflect the diversity and cultural of our nursing workforce, which is one of our greatest strengths. I would also like to congratulate our DAISY Award recipients whose dedication and kindness truly embody the very best of nursing.”

Marion Doogan, Director of Midwifery at LUH, also acknowledged the dedication and compassion demonstrated by midwives and nurses throughout the hospital saying, “International Nurses Day is an opportunity to honour the incredible care and shown by our nursing and midwifery staff every single day. Across every department in LUH, our teams provide not only expert clinical care but also comfort, reassurance and advocacy for patients and families during some of the most important and challenging moments of their lives. I would like to thank all those who were nominated and to the award recipients of DAISY Award, you are an excellent role model to those who work alongside you.”

LUH extends its sincere thanks to all staff who participated in and supported the event, helping to make International Nurses Day 2026 a memorable celebration of the nursing profession.

For more information about the DAISY Awards and to read about past LUH honourees, visit: www.daisyfoundation.org and search for “Letterkenny”.

To nominate a Nurse or Midwife at LUH, visit: www.daisynomination.org/4939