On Thursday, April 16th, 2026, leaders of the Irish nursing home sector congregated at the conveniently located Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley in Dublin for the 7th National Nursing Home Owners/Operators Conference 'Navigating What's Ahead: Strategy, Stability & Growth' hosted by PKF Brenson Lawlor and Davy.
The conference was emceed by experienced journalist and presenter Claire Brock. The day began with a keynote address from Tadhg Daly, the CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, followed by a presentation by Jason Bradshaw, Corporate Finance Partner at PKF Brenson Lawlor who shared a snapshot of the nursing home and healthcare sector as a whole, focusing on the demographic needs and demands for increased beds. He also shed light on the current valuations and M&A activity happening within the sector.
The first panel discussion of the day included Ian Lawlor, Managing Partner, and Michael O'Leary, Taxation Partner, both from at PKF Brenson Lawlor; Kevin Doherty, Head of Business Owners Division, Davy Wealth Management; and Brian Walley, Head of Business Banking, Bank of Ireland.
The expert panel shared business updates covering NTPF negotiations, commenting on the banking environment and recent changes impacting tax, as well as observations around business exit/succession and financial planning.
After a short break, MC Claire Brock invited the second panel of the day on stage.
This panel included Fergus McNulty, owner of Marymount Care Centre and founding member of Céile Care; Rioghnach Murphy, CEO of Grace Healthcare Nursing Home Group; Larry Clancy, CEO of Altere Development Managers; John Sweeney, CEO of Healthcare Informed (HCI); and Jason Bradshaw, Corporate Finance Partner at PKF Brenson Lawlor.
The panel shared insights into the topics of the current challenges & opportunities facing those operating in the sector, the increasingly popular concept of building Independent Living Units (ILU’s), the cost of building new developments and extensions. They also discussed updates and trends on HIQA standards.
The engaging morning concluded with Conall MacCoille, Bank of Ireland's Group Chief Economist, presenting a detailed look at the Irish economy along with an experts' insights on what lay ahead.
With over a hundred attendees, a plethora of experienced professionals and stalwarts of the industry sharing their thoughts, and a delightful location, the event was a success in every sense of the word.
View the highlights from the event and an image gallery below.
