NUI Galway awards Geoghegan-Quinn honorary degree

European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, will be conferred with an honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway.

Geoghegan-Quinn is a former member of parliament for Galway West and was the first woman cabinet minister since the foundation of the state. Geoghegan-Quinn is also a former non-executive director of both Aer Lingus and Ryan Hotels and a former member of the EU Court of Auditors and the Governing Authority of NUI Galway.

NUI Galway President, Dr Jim Browne, speaking in advance of the conferring ceremony, said:  “NUI Galway is fortunate to be associated with many outstanding honorary graduates throughout its history and those being honoured this year form a particularly distinguished group. Each one has made an outstanding and distinctive contribution to the diverse fields of political life, public policy and the international oil industry. NUI Galway is very pleased to be in a position to recognise these exceptional individuals.”

Also being awarded honorary degrees are Lt Gen Seán McCann, who will be conferred with a Degree of Doctor of Laws, and Finian O’Sullivan, who will receive a Degree of Doctor of Science.