FIANNA FÁIL TD Mary O’Rourke has been named as the first member of the “Made in Maynooth” alumni hall of fame established by NUI Maynooth.
Ms O’Rourke was among the students in the first lay graduating class to attend what was then known as St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
She completed a HDip in education in 1967 in the college – which was previously only open to priests.
NUI Maynooth president Prof John Hughes said Ms O’Rourke was “one of Ireland’s great political leaders for decades” and had been a “trailblazer” for graduates of the university. “The university has, throughout its history, had a proud tradition of enabling graduates to achieve their maximum potential,” he said.
Ms O’Rourke was one of two former graduates honoured at the university’s annual Alumni Ball at the weekend.
The president’s alumni award for 2010 was presented to Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s deputy permanent representative to the EU.
“Geraldine has been a tremendous ambassador to the EU over what have been an eventful last number of years,” Prof Hughes said. “She has achieved much for Ireland’s agriculture and forestry industries, and has driven the climate change agenda forward.”
Ms Byrne Nason graduated from St Patrick’s College with a BA in English and Irish in 1980 and completed an MA in English in 1981. She has also served as director of the National Forum on Europe.
Prof Hughes said both women had excelled in their chosen careers and had represented Ireland with distinction.
