Meet the Team

Neal McGroarty

Chief Executive Officer

Neal joined emeis Ireland in June 2021, as Chief Executive Officer for Ireland. He brings significant level of experience from his time as Chief Financial Officer of Brindley Healthcare, Corporate Partner PKF and holding a number of international positions across advisory roles since 2008. Over this period Neal has advised on numerous investments within the healthcare sector across Europe.

After completing a B.Sc. at NUI Maynooth, Professional Diploma Accountancy at DCU, Neal qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011 and completed various post graduate qualifications in Corporate Finance, Tax and Leadership & Communication Management.

Neal is passionate about delivering emeis‘ vision for Ireland, creating a sustainable elderly healthcare model and being the provider of choice nationally. Fundamental to achieving this is implementing the highest possible quality of care in an environment where our residents & families feel safe and cared for.

Elaine Keane

Chief Operations Officer

Elaine Keane has over 30 years of experience in nursing and has been a nurse leader in various specialities since 1999. As well as her nursing qualifications, she holds a Diploma in First Line Management (NCI), a BA in Public Management (Healthcare) (IPA) and a MSc. Leadership from RCSI.

Elaine has worked in older persons services for the last 18 years across the voluntary and private residential care settings and is a passionate advocate for person centred care.

Her contribution has involved supporting the establishment of an older person rehabilitation in-patient service linked to Tallaght University Hospital, the movement from congregated settings to individualised community-based accommodation for adults with an intellectual disability, and supporting the design and commissioning of purpose built residential homes for older people.

Having worked as Director of Nursing in Peamount Healthcare for 11 years, in 2015, Elaine joined TLC Nursing Home Group as Director of Clinical Services. In June 2021 she was appointed as Chief Quality Officer for emeis Ireland, her role was to lead the Quality Department to drive excellence in care delivery, compliance with regulatory requirements and to lead innovation and service design to ultimately enhance resident and family experiences of residential and homecare services.

In April 2024, Elaine was appointed as Chief Operations Officer, in this role, she will leverage her extensive experience and leadership skills to drive operational excellence at emeis Ireland and continue her advocacy for person-centered care.

Cathy Jones

Chief Human Resources Officer

Cathy is an experienced Chief Human Resources Officer with over 25 years Human Resources experience. She has a demonstrated history of working as Human Resources Director for the healthcare, hospitality and services industry. Skilled in Employee Relations, Recruitment , Industrial Relations, Training , Team Building, and Strategic Management. Cathy is a strong human resources professional with a passion for people development.

Cathy is a qualified Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). Cathy has strong belief in the whole concept of coaching and what it can contribute to Talent succession planning and to ensure ongoing Business Agility and innovation. Cathy is also a qualified Executive & Life Coach and accredited Practitioner by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council and (EMCC) and a member of the International Coaching Federation.

Lara Bannerton

Chief Financial Officer

Lara joined emeis Ireland in June 2025 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive commercial leadership experience across finance, operations and large-scale transformation within highly regulated, multi-site service organisations.  Lara is an FCMA-qualified Management Accountant with over 30 years’ experience spanning healthcare, disability services, telecommunications and financial services.

With a proven track record of driving transformation and operational excellence, Lara is guided by a strong personal purpose grounded in transparency and integrity.  She is deeply committed to fostering a supportive, people-centred culture and aligning financial stewardship with emeis’ mission-driven purpose and values in Ireland.