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FORMER POLITICIAN MARY Harney has been named as the new chancellor at the University of Limerick (UL).
Harney, a former Tánaiste under Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, has been retired from politics since 2011.
Since then, she has operated as director of a number of private companies.
During her 30 years in Dáil Éireann as a TD for Dublin Mid West and Dublin South West, Harney became the first woman to lead an Irish political party (the Progressive Democrats, which she co-founded). She served as Tánaiste for nine years between 1997 and 2006.
Her appointment as chancellor, an honorary title which was voted on unanimously by the university’s governing authority, is effective immediately.
In welcoming Harney to the university, UL president Dr Des Fitzgerald said the appointment will “allow us to draw on her extensive experience as a leader and as an eminent public figure”.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the decision of the governing authority,” he said.
Mary has always been a pioneer in her field and a mould breaker in her political and public life. I look forward to her bringing that same pioneering spirit to UL’s new governing authority at a time of change and renewed ambition for this great institution.
Harney herself said she is “deeply honoured” by the appointment, which will see her tenure extend until 2022.
“UL is a nimble, responsive university at the forefront of innovation in pedagogy, delivering research with significant real world impact and yet has huge potential to grow and mature,” she said. “I look forward to working with the President and the governing authority to develop further and enhance the education and research potential of this great university,” she added.
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Spoken from the heart. Condolences to you and your family Christy. Rip
The line “How can I protect you in this crazy world” comes to mind. God be with you and your family Christy. RIP.
I can’t imagine how difficult it is for anyone losing a loved one at this time especially from Covid 19 and not being able to see them. My Dad is in a nursing home thank God is virus free but it terrifies me the thought of it getting in there.
@Brianán McBride: Fingers crossed for you all Brianán. I can only imagine how difficult these times are for you.
@Logan Shepherd: thank you, my poor Dad has advanced dementia, I get to speak to him twice a week on What’sApp video which is very reassuring.
@Brianán McBride: Having some form of contact is great. Stay strong, and here’s hoping you soon have your arms wrapped around your dad.
RIP -safe journey
You could see in many a program I’ve watched about Christy when his dad was a live he was not just his father but a best mate. R.i.p.
@Nigel O’Connor: You’re actually having a moan about a guy who’s just lost his dad in this way? He’s relaying what it’s like for everyone who has gone through this, not just himself or his own family. Give your head a wobble. RIP Mr Dignam and condolences to the Dignam family and to all who have lost a relative to Covid 19 and have not been able to give their loved one a proper goodbye.
God bless you and your family xxx
RIP
A gentleman x
We lost my father in law late April from cancer, not covid..he was in a nursing home…great care..but at the end of the day after 83 years only 8 of us at the funeral was awful…not normal but we realize it could have been worse and I think for years to come it will haunt many many people..bless them.
Sincere condolences Christy. So so sad.
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