Liam Griffin, entrepreneur and prominent Irish sporting figure, was awarded an honorary doctorate by SETU at a ceremony at the University’s Kilkenny Road Campus in Carlow on Friday, 1 November.
I am delighted to receive an award from the region’s first technological university. It is an achievement that I’m sure my late parents would have enjoyed also.
Liam Griffin
Liam celebrated this achievement with family and friends, including his sons and grandchildren who attended the ceremony.
On receiving the award he remarked, “I am thrilled to accept an honorary doctorate from SETU. This is a very proud moment for me and to share it with my family makes it even better.”
Liam continued; “I am delighted to receive an award from the region’s first technological university. It is an achievement that I’m sure my late parents would have enjoyed also. I would like to thank SETU, and Prof. Veronica Campbell and team, on what is a very special occasion for me and my family.”
Liam’s exceptional achievement in developing and growing a business to the level and scale of the Griffin Hotel Group demonstrates his innate entrepreneurial sensibilities. The company is based in the southeast and contributes significantly to regional employment. Committed to sustainability and community development, it supports and partners with local services and suppliers, strengthening the economy of the wider region.
Liam’s career in the hotel industry began at an early age. His parents, Michael and Jenny Griffin, owned The Pier Hotel in Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford. As a young man, Liam studied hotel management and worked for over a decade in hotels across Europe, the UK, and in Ireland. This experience eventually led him home, where in 1976, he purchased his parents’ hotel and expanded the business into the now Griffin Hotel Group. Today, the company operates three flagship hotels in the southeast of Ireland – Monart, Ferrycarrig Hotel, and Hotel Kilkenny.
Speaking at today’s ceremony, Prof. Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said, “SETU’s honorary doctorate awards recognise the exceptional contribution of individuals to shaping our society and positively impacting on people’s lives both regionally and nationally. I am delighted to award this honorary doctorate to Liam Griffin, who has exemplified these ideals throughout his career, both in business and in sport.
Prof. Campbell continued, “Liam’s contribution to the economic strength of the south east region, coupled with his strong sense of community spirit and support, particularly during his outstanding GAA managerial career, aligns hugely with SETU’s own goals of regional growth and community development. Congratulations to you, Liam, on your achievements.”
Liam’s contribution to the economic strength of the south east region, coupled with his strong sense of community spirit and support, particularly during his outstanding GAA managerial career, aligns hugely with SETU’s own goals of regional growth and community development.
Prof. Veronica Campbell President, SETU
Perhaps better known publicly for his remarkable success as a GAA manager, Liam led Wexford’s senior hurling team to All-Ireland success in 1996, with an historic win after a gap of 28 years. In this role, he fostered a culture of teamwork, determination, and resilience, inspiring players to reach new heights of success. His contribution to GAA has made a lasting impact on Wexford hurling and on the wider game at regional and national level.
After his managerial career, Liam continued his involvement with GAA development and appeared regularly as a pundit on radio and television, including on RTÉ’s The Sunday Game, and The Right Hook on Newstalk.
In 2009, Liam was included in the Sunday Tribune’s list of the 125 Most Influential People in GAA History, as testimony to his contribution to the sport. Later, in 2019, Liam was inducted into the Hurling Hall of Fame by the Gaelic Writers Association, solidifying his contribution to the game.
Additionally, since 2010, Liam has been an alumnus of the prestigious EY (Ernst and Young) Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland.
Liam was also awarded a Wexford GAA Seana Ghael Award in 2021, in acknowledgement of his achievements in hurling.
Photo Credit: Brownes Photography.