Éamonn McEneaney, scholar, author, and cultural advocate, and Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian, both graciously accepted honorary doctorates from South East Technological University (SETU) this afternoon.
For the second consecutive year, five distinguished individuals have been chosen to receive honorary doctorates from SETU. This year’s recipients are Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA), Willie Mullins, leading horse trainer, Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian, Éamonn McEneaney, former Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures, and Liam Griffin, Director, Griffin Hotel Group.
In the presence of family, friends and fellow graduates, Sr Reynolds and Mr McEneaney were bestowed with honorary doctorate awards at SETU’s conferring ceremonies held at SETU Arena in Waterford.
Sr Reynolds was chosen as a recipient in recognition of her lifelong dedication to social justice and the empowerment of marginalised communities. Sr Reynolds felt “honoured, humbled, and surprised” by the recognition.
Educator and humanitarian
As an educator and humanitarian, Sr Reynolds’s life and work serves as a shining example of the transformative power of compassion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good.
Originally from Mohill, Co Leitrim, Sr Reynolds completed a science degree at University College Dublin before joining the Marist Sisters Religious Order. While in Kaduna, North Nigeria she lectured at a Teacher Training College, served as secretary to an Episcopal Commission focused on combating poverty and promoting social inclusion, and acted as a spiritual director for women's organisations across the region.
On her return to Ireland, she was recruited by the Conference of Major Religious Superiors, later known as the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI). In 1983, she joined forces with Fr Seán Healy, with whom she co-led CORI’s Justice Commission. In 2009, the pair co-founded Social Justice Ireland, which they led until their retirement in 2023.
SETU and Social Justice Ireland collaborate on the delivery of an MA in Social Justice and Public Policy to which Sr Brigid has contributed her expertise.
“I’ve had a long association with the Waterford and Wexford and Carlow colleges, going back more than 40 years. Over those years I enjoyed many discussions on social policy, development strategy and related issues that were always both challenging and energising,” she said.
Sr Reynolds praised SETU’s openness and willingness to explore complex challenges and questions, adding, “Equally impressive was its dedication to reaching effective solutions. I am honoured and proud to be associated with such an open and forward-looking educational institution and I have relished the opportunities it has provided to ensure that the academy can engage positively and progressively with its own local context.”
Remarkable contribution
Meanwhile, Mr McEneaney has been awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his remarkable contributions to preserving and promoting Waterford’s rich heritage.
Éamonn has had a distinguished career in museum management, including 25 years as Director of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, during which time he made an outstanding and enduring contribution to Waterford city.
Reflecting on the award, Éamonn said, “I am humbled by the decision of the Governing Body of SETU to award an honorary doctorate in recognition of what has been achieved by my colleagues and I in Waterford Treasures, Waterford Council and the museum’s generous supporters.
“It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to lead this hardworking, imaginative and enthusiastic group of people who collectively put a new heart into Ireland’s oldest city.”
Éamonn joined Waterford Corporation, as it was then known, in 1992 to spearhead the establishment of a museum in the city. Under his leadership, the city completed the Viking Triangle Project—home to Ireland’s only Museum Quarter, now boasting six museums. His visionary use of modern technology to engage visitors with Waterford’s history helped establish the city as a key destination for cultural tourism.
Éamonn has published widely on Waterford’s social and civic history from the Viking era to the present day. He has lectured widely in Europe and the United States and served as a member of the Heritage Council of Ireland, chairing its Museums and Archives Committee.
Order of Merit
In 2019, Éamonn was awarded The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for his impressive work in raising awareness of Viking history in Ireland and fostering stronger connections between Norway and Ireland.
Éamonn’s love of, and pride in, Waterford city, and his drive to protect its Viking heritage is unquestionable. “The honour conferred by the Governing Body of SETU makes it all the more special. As a proud Waterfordian, a former member of the group advocating for a university of the south east and former member of the board, I am delighted to see that the dream of a university serving the people of the south east has finally come to fruition. I would like to record my thanks to Professor Campbell, the Governing Board and all at SETU for the great honour they have afforded me,” Éamonn said.
Last year SETU became the first TU to bestow honorary doctorate awards. By conferring an honorary doctorate, the university acknowledges an individual’s exceptional contribution to society, and that the individual’s endeavours exemplify the values SETU wishes to promote.
It recognises the person’s exceptional achievements that have shaped society through the arts and sciences, culture, advocacy, social activity, sport, business, or other contributions.
Image shows: South East Technological University (SETU) has bestowed honorary doctorates upon Éamonn McEneaney, scholar, author, and cultural advocate, and Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian. Mr McEneaney and Sr Reynolds were pictured with Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, Professor Patrick Prendergast, Chairperson of the SETU Governing Body and Chancellor of the University, and Dr Derek O'Byrne, Vice President Academic Affairs, Teaching & Learning at SETU. Picture by Patrick Browne, Brownes Photography.