Aideen O’ Connor

The Best Opportunities Are The Moments We Invest Our Time In, To Inspire Successful Results.

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

It is 2026, and yet we are seeing guards on the doors at Cork University Hospital. While "Infection Control" is the official line, we need to talk about the human cost of these "compassionate grounds only" restrictions.

Family is not just "visiting."
For a patient with dementia, a person with a disability, or someone gravely unwell, their family member is their advocate. They are the ones who know if a patient is in pain when they can’t speak. They are the ones who know how to calm the confusion. They are the voice for those who have none.

Family care is clinical care. Nobody cares more about hygiene and safety than the family who has everything to lose.

The "COVID Era" playbook is broken: Locking doors and "managing entrances" ignores the psychological trauma and the physical decline that happens when vulnerable patients are isolated from their support systems.

Advocacy is a Right, not a Privilege: Access to a primary carer shouldn't be a "clearance" granted by a clinical team; it should be a fundamental part of the care plan.

The Norovirus is serious, but so is the neglect that happens when we shut out the people who know the patients best. It is disgraceful to see our hospitals return to these restrictive measures instead of finding a way to let a nominated family member support their loved ones safely.

Our vulnerable deserve better than a locked door.

#CUH #DementiaAwareness #InfectionControl #FamilyFirst #CorkNews #CarePartner @HSELive @roinnslainte @kodonnellLK @CarrollJennifer #CarePartner

https://t.co/94ioREss5G

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

The low turnout of doctor and other healthcare submissions to the non-statutory COVID panel was predicted and isn’t a surprise. Without the legal "teeth" to compel evidence, we’re headed for a "fluffy" PR exercise rather than a full account of the truth.
A "desk-based evaluation" is code for selective memory. By refusing a statutory inquiry, the Govt is effectively gatekeeping the truth to protect the status quo. Frontline workers and the public deserve accountability, not a curated "lessons learned" essay.
This isn't just bureaucracy, it’s a calculated denial of transparency to bereaved and harmed families. The State is prioritizing institutional self-protection over the right of families to know the truth. We need a statutory care inquiry NOW.

#CovidInquiry #Healthcare #CareChampions #HumanRightsDoNotGrowOld @MichealMartinTD @SimonHarrisTD @MaryLouMcDonald @ivanabacik @LiamQuaide @Toibin1 @paulmurphy_TD

https://t.co/kl2Lz9O9ex

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

Care Champions will be holding a memorial and demonstration at Leinster House to mark the six years since our care facilities first went into lockdown. To honour those affected and advocate for those still in the system.
We invite you to join us
Memorial & Reflection: 11:00AM on Kildare st
AV Room Briefing: 1:00pm (If interested in joining, please send us a message, spaces limited)

We will be sharing powerful testimonies and up tovdate data highlighting the urgent need for a statutory COVID inquiry, Care Partner legislation, and proper safeguarding laws.

#HumanRightsDoNotGrowOld #CovidInquiry #SafeguardinglawsNow

[Aideen O’ Connor @AideenOConnor8]

Come along on Tues 3rd March 11am & Support Care Champions In Our Fight for Justice in Memory of our Loved Ones Who Were Hidden Away in nursing homes & Hospitals, During The Brutal & Harsh State- Sanctioned Confinement Of Our Vulnerable Elderly in 2020 /2021. & beyond.

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

Care Champions will be on RTE radio 1 news and RTE TV news to comment on the covid evaluation progress report today.

#CovidInquiry #HumanRightsDoNotGrowOld
#CarePartner #transparency #Reform

https://t.co/yloYm76uEZ

[Aideen O’ Connor @AideenOConnor8]

https://t.co/lsmVL9CT2U

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

1)We respectfully ask Collette Fitzpatrick to ask the candidates about the govt's COVID response & its aftermath
A) Do the candidates believe there needs to be a full, statutory public inquiry into the govt COVID-19 policies @VirginMediaNews @VirginMediaIE #presidentialdebate

[Sinéad McGarry @Sineadmcgar]

The best analysis of why we are where we are by @Age_Matters. Calls to action for the professions & the general public - political action will come from pressure from everyone else. Left on their own, nothing will happen.

[Aideen O’ Connor @AideenOConnor8]

There is a lack of proactive policy on nursing homes by the Dept of Health resulting in the current crisis we now see. HIQA needs to have statutory power 2 cancel a nh’s registration to protect its residents.

Source: Irish Examiner https://t.co/vCCd3oU05M

[Aideen O’ Connor @AideenOConnor8]

It’s Now up to the government to put place the proper structures in place.
It is just not a acceptable that it is profit over people.

[Sarah Donnelly @sarahmdonnelly1]

Tax breaks were given to developers of private nursing homes by successive governments- the estimated cost of the State subsidy was €10 billion. Investors were attracted by tax breaks, rather than an interest or understanding of older people and their care #RTEInvestigates

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

Zoom meeting for families of
Beneavin and The Residence Portlaoise at 6.30pm tomorrow Tuesday. Families only. Send a message if you are not in the family group.

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

Families visiting Benavin Manor today expressed significant disappointment regarding current staffing levels. They noted that even in the day room where all residents are designated for one-to-one care, staff were absent for "prolonged periods. This has led families to question whether there has been any meaningful improvement since the documentary.
Please join us on Thursday to demand a change in the care system now.

@BernardGloster @HIQA @HSELive @kodonnellLK

[Aideen O’ Connor @AideenOConnor8]

Thursday next 12th June at 11am.
Residents in all long term residential care facilities and hospitals need to protection on so many levels.
Let’s help them to be heard by government.

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

We demand safeguarding legislation now & reform all care provisions! Join us at Leinster House this Thursday, June 12th. We refuse to let documentaries be the only catalyst for change. The same care failures have plagued us from before the pandemic until now, creating new victims without real solutions. Action is long overdue. #OlderPeople #Disabilities #NursingHomes #ResidentialCare #HomeCare. Talks to start from 12 midday. All care groups are welcome! Let's stand together for change.

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

Families with loved ones residing at Beneavin Manor and The Residence, featured in last night's documentary, report receiving only a brief communication on May 26th, followed by yesterday's apology email. They are appalled by the documented failures and abuses their loved ones endured, and are demanding a full independent safeguarding review. Families also want answers regarding @HIQA's delayed intervention, full disclosure of safeguarding efforts from when they became aware and an explanation for the lack of support provided.

The current option of moving to alternative private nursing home is insufficient for many, as trust in the private sector has been completely eroded. They seek assurance that their loved ones will be protected from future failures, and that those requiring additional support will receive one-to-one care in a @HSELive
Facility.
A WhatsApp group has been established for families of residents in these homes; please send a direct message if you wish to join. A Zoom meeting for families will also be organized & further statement of their plan of action.

@AmandaC62359371 @BernardGloster @kodonnellLK

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

A Call for Urgent Action in Care Sector Reform
Today, our thoughts are with the residents of The Residence and Beneavin Manor, and their families. We also stand in solidarity with countless other residents and families across Ireland who have bravely voiced similar concerns, only to be met with resistance or even threats of eviction.

The government's feigned surprise and shock today are disingenuous. For years, we and others have been highlighting critical failures within the care sector. The absence of robust adult safeguarding measures, a lack of mandatory reporting, and the practice of isolating families have created an environment where harm, neglect, and abuse can thrive. The current system, heavily reliant on an overly privatized care sector, is failing those it's meant to protect and instead shields itself from accountability.

Adding to these critical failures is the dire lack of a fit-for-purpose complaints system. Adult safeguarding teams can give poor and inconsistent responses to families and staff, and it is unacceptable that some offer no support or intervention simply because they can not enter private facilities. Furthermore, HIQA, as the regulator, must be independently audited to ensure they are diligently passing all complaints to the relevant authorities. We also acknowledge and stand with the brave staff who do the right thing, often at great personal risk.

We demand immediate action and accountability from the government. Our Garda teams must be equipped to thoroughly investigate all allegations of abuse and neglect, rather than deflecting responsibility. It's time to translate our collective anger into meaningful reform.

We will have a presence at the Dáil on Thursday, and your support is greatly welcomed. This isn't just about today's outrage; it's about ensuring a safer future for everyone. We will all need care at some point in our lives, whether at home, in disability services, nursing homes, or hospitals. We can not allow this anger to dissipate as it did after previous tragedies like Leas Cross, Áras Attracta, and the cases of Emily, Brendan, Grace, and Ultan Meehan.

It's time to stand up together for those in care now and for your own future. Let's make our voices heard.

@AmandaC62359371 @HIQA @HSELive @roinnslainte @IASW_IRL @alzheimersocirl @rtenews @morningireland @NewstalkFM @AilbheConneely @Independent_ie @irishdailymail @IrishTimes @aoifehegs @thejournal_ie @BernardGloster @MichealMartinTD @SimonHarrisTD @kodonnellLK @davidcullinane @paulmurphy_TD @Toibin1 @LiamQuaide @PhoenixRises_24 @AccessForAll7

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

Care Champions is here to support families affected by the appalling failures in nursing homes, especially following the documentary airing this Wednesday. We also want to extend a thank you to the many staff members who have reached out to us over the last few days; your bravery and willingness to speak up are invaluable.

You can reach us at [email protected] or send a WhatsApp message directly from our Facebook page.

We've been highlighting these critical issues for over five years, yet the government has unfortunately not taken adequate action. Please know, you are not alone & we are not giving up. We will continue our fight until proper oversight and legislation are firmly in place to protect those who live in care.

#Safeguarding #humanrightsdonotgrowold #RTEINVESTIGATES #NursingHomes

[Aideen O’ Connor @AideenOConnor8]

@officialgaa @NewYorkGAA @CavanCoBoardGaa Very proud Auntie tonight - huge congrats to Tomas and all the team on your win today 🏆

[Aideen O’ Connor @AideenOConnor8]

I’m a proud auntie tonight as my nephew Tomas got a great goal for @NewYorkGAA today in Croke Park.
Great to get the win too - lots of celebrations ahead 🎉👏🥂🍻

[The GAA @officialgaa]

Tomás O'Connor with a goal 🎯 for @NewYorkGAA against @CavanCoBoardGaa in the Lory Meagher Cup Final 🏆 #CAVVNY

[Care Champions Ireland @CareChampions2]

The Care System is failing older people. Ahead of the documentary on nursing home care, Care Champions wishes to issue a stark reminder to the Government. The care system was fundamentally flawed long before COVID-19, and it continues to fail people today.
We have consistently demanded reforms as a result of our lived experiences, and our urgent requests must now be met:
Implement adult safeguarding legislation that includes mandatory reporting and legally recognizes care partners.
Establish a truth-telling process for those who have been harmed.
Launch a statutory COVID-19 inquiry to expose the systemic issues still afflicting the care sector.
Furthermore, we must address ageism and the unacceptable lack of urgency in rectifying the failures impacting older people. They are entitled to the same human rights as everyone else, yet where is the outrage when they are harmed? We saw little reaction to the revelations about the abuse in the Emily Home or the plight of Ultan Meehan.
The time for feigning surprise and making empty promises is over. We demand immediate action.

#Safeguarding #CarePartner @MichealMartinTD @SimonHarrisTD @CarrollJennifer @kodonnellLK #RTEInvestigates #HumanRightsDoNotGrowOld #CovidInquiry