RTÉ Investigates’ ‘Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes’ wins 2025 Mary Raftery Prize
The prize is awarded annually by the School of Communications at Dublin City University to a journalist or team for social affairs journalism produced on the island of Ireland. This award recognizes work that combines the rigorous analysis and commitment to social justice that characterised the journalism of the late Mary Raftery, resulting in a significant impact on society.
About the Mary Raftery Prize
The award is named in memory of the groundbreaking journalist whose work led to the establishment of several government commissions of inquiry. Throughout her career, Raftery tackled critical issues including institutional abuse, the drugs trade, and environmental pollution.
This year’s winners were selected for their work on Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes. The undercover documentary examined standards of care in several residential facilities owned by Ireland's leading provider of private nursing homes.
A Commitment to Social Justice
Congratulating the RTÉ Investigates team, Dr Declan Fahy, Head of the School of Communications, DCU, said:
"This outstanding undercover documentary, which provides an unflinching examination of standards of care in private residential facilities, exhibits the essential elements of Mary Raftery’s social affairs journalism: Rigorous reporting, social impact, and commitment to justice and fairness. The documentary, alongside the other shortlisted nominees, demonstrates the continued importance of deeply-researched investigative journalism for revealing the hidden aspects of Irish society."
Shortlisted Nominees
The University also wishes to recognise the other finalists for their impactful work:
- Patricia Devlin (The Journal) – Female Genital Mutilation: Over 330% Increase in Demand for Female Genital Mutilation Treatment in Ireland
- Luke Butterly (The Detail) – HMRC Crackdown Wrongly Targets Northern Irish Families Using Dublin Airport
