Cork's Mary Crilly awarded with honorary degree to acknowledge her trailblazing work
On the 9 November 2023, at the Royal College of Physicians, the National University of Ireland awarded honorary doctorates to Orla Tinsley, Conor Brady, Mary Crilly, and Claire McGettrick, born Lorraine Hughes. Image: Harrison Media
THE founder of one of Cork’s best-known charities has been awarded with an honorary degree to acknowledge her trailblazing work supporting sexual abuse survivors.
Activist and founder of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, Mary Crilly, was awarded with a Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland on Kildare Street in Dublin.
She was joined by former editor of the Irish Times and the Sunday Tribune, Conor Brady who received a Degree of Doctor of Literature (DLitt).
Journalist Orla Tinsley, who received a Degree of Doctor of Literature (DLitt) was also honoured.
Activist and co-founder of the Justice for Magdalenes Research (JFMR) organisation, Claire McGettrick was presented with a Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD).
Mary Crilly said it was an honour to have been considered for the award.
“This is such an important day, not just for me personally, but for the survivors of sexual violence,” she told The Echo.
“On a day like today I think about all the victims I have met and those who I haven’t. I feel so honoured.”
Chancellor Dr Maurice Manning, who presented the honorary degrees, spoke about the importance of the ceremony.
“Honorary Degrees hold a unique standing in Irish society and are bestowed upon remarkable individuals with exceptional achievements and a far-reaching impact and legacy,” he said.
“These four individuals have, through their respective fields, made a positive and far-reaching impact on Irish society. What unites them is their drive and determination to make a better, more just world for all.”
Mary Crilly has been a founding member and CEO of Sexual Violence Centre Cork since 1983.
A feminist activist, she has been party to much of the change in Irish society and institutional responses to sexual violence.
She is most noted for her campaigning for policy and legislative change in the fields of sexual violence, sex trafficking, domestic violence female genital mutilation and human rights.
The National University of Ireland has bestowed more than 1,250 honorary degrees since 1909 to recipients that have included Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy, Seamus Heaney and Hillary Clinton.
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