Annual Awards Night 2025
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation at the Society
Over 140 guests, including MISCPs, student awardees, families, staff, and Board members, gathered at the Camden Court Hotel in Dublin on 24 April for the Society’s annual Fellowship, Innovation, and Student Awards. The evening celebrated excellence across the profession, showcasing both seasoned leaders and the promising talent of tomorrow’s physiotherapists (our #NextGenPhysios).
CEO Marie Ó Mír welcomed attendees and introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Professor Phil Glasgow, whose address provided an energising start to the occasion. With over 25 years’ experience in high-performance sport, including roles at three Olympic Games, Professor Glasgow offered insights into leadership, team collaboration, and performance in the front line.
President Gillian Walker led the formal presentations, beginning with the Student Awards. These annual honours acknowledge academic and clinical excellence, and this year’s recipients reflected the high calibre of students emerging from Ireland’s physiotherapy programmes.
Anne O’Brien Prize
Awarded to students achieving the highest results in Clinical Assessment during their final year:
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Kayley Barrett – UCC (MSc)
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Chloe Lynch – UCD (BSc)
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Lauren Cooke – UCD (MSc)
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James Linehan – RCSI (BSc)
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Conor O’Brien – TCD (BSc)
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Sophie Crosbie – UL (BSc)
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Eadaoin McNamara – UL (MSc)
Student Research Prize
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Maeve McInerney – UCC (MSc)
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Alaidh Ní Mhuirí – RCSI (BSc)
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Jessica Rynne – TCD (BSc)
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Niamh Coffey – UL (BSc)
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Aoife Houlihan – UL (BSc)
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Nimra Ahmed – UL (MSc)
UCD Student Research Prize Recipients:
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Chloe Lynch UCD (BSc)
Neasa Ruane UCD (BSc)
Shane Prendergast UCD (BSc)
Sofia Challoner UCD (BSc)
Mary Nic Dhonncha UCD (BSc)
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UCD MSc
Lauren Cooke UCD (MSc)
Cian Maher UCD (MSc)
Róisín O’Mara UCD (MSc)
Olivia Snider UCD (MSc)
Innovation Awards
This year marked the exciting introduction of the ISCP Innovation Awards, proudly sponsored by our stategic support partner, Arachas Insurance. Aimed at encouraging creative solutions to clinical and professional challenges, the awards recognise physiotherapists who are pioneering change in their fields. With strong applications across both public and private sectors, two outstanding projects were selected.
Public Health Innovation Award – Kate O’Brien, The Coombe Women’s Hospital
Kate was recognised for her project Endometriosis Pain Education, which developed a structured, evidence-based pain education class for individuals attending the Enhanced Endometriosis Clinic. Through a multidisciplinary and peer-led approach, the initiative empowers patients to manage persistent pain and flare-ups with improved biopsychosocial strategies and a self-management toolbox.
Private Health Innovation Award – Cian McDonnell, Gold Star Physiotherapy
Cian’s project, RENEW, is a clinical exercise programme tailored to support individuals aged 60+ through structured, enjoyable, and research-driven physical activity. Created in response to increased inactivity and isolation post-pandemic, RENEW promotes improved physical and mental health while reducing the risk of chronic disease and injury in older adults.
These inaugural awards highlight the Society’s commitment to fostering innovation, quality improvement, and patient-centred care across all practice settings.
Fellowship Awards
The final segment of the evening honoured the recipients of the ISCP’s most prestigious distinction: Fellowship of the Society (FISCP). These awards celebrate exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to advancing the physiotherapy profession in Ireland.
Jenny Branigan (FISCP)
A two-term ISCP Board member and former Director of Communications, Jenny has led impactful public awareness campaigns and shaped the Society’s communications strategy during a crucial period of growth. Her advocacy for healthy living and her strategic contributions to national physiotherapy visibility earned her this well-deserved honour.
Catherine McLoughlin (FISCP)
As outgoing President (2022–2024), Catherine was instrumental in leading the implementation of the Society’s new strategic plan, overseeing the recruitment of a new CEO, and progressing the development of a national career framework. Her leadership has left a lasting legacy, including helping to secure the long-advocated appointment of a Chief Health and Social Care Professionals Officer.
President’s Prize : Fiona McGrath
The President’s Prize was awarded to Fiona McGrath in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the profession. Fiona has consistently demonstrated excellence in practice, and a clear commitment to the values of the ISCP. Her dedication to advancing physiotherapy made her a most deserving recipient of this year’s honour.
The evening closed with warm remarks from CEO Marie Ó Mír, who thanked the many people involved in making the event such a success. Particular thanks were given to the Professional Development Unit, led by Rachel Maguire, and to Máirín Carroll, whose exceptional planning ensured a memorable night. The annual Awards Night continues to be a proud celebration of the achievements, leadership, and innovation that drive the physiotherapy profession forward.
You can see photos from the event over on our flickr
