Honorary doctorate for Mayo native
Mary Davis (centre) received an honorary doctorate at MTU Cork Campus, on Friday last. She is pictured with Professor Maggie Cusack, President of MTU; Michael Barry and Fionnuala Clarke, Special Olympics athletes from Cork; and Karen Coventry, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland. Picture: Joleen Cronin
Kiltimagh native Mary Davis has been honoured by Munster Technological University (MTU) for her exceptional contribution to the Special Olympics movement and her commitment to advancing inclusion and opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities.
Having begun her involvement as a volunteer and coach, Ms Davis went to hold leadership roles both nationally and internationally, including CEO of Special Olympics Ireland and Global CEO of Special Olympics International. She played a central role in expanding the organisation’s reach to more than 195 countries, including leading the organisation of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland, the first held outside the United States.
Ms Davis said she was delighted to receive an honorary doctorate from MTU.
"My journey with Special Olympics began as a volunteer, and I could never have imagined where it would take me. Throughout that journey, I have been inspired by the determination, courage and achievements of our athletes, who continue to show us what is possible when people are given the opportunity to reach their potential. I hope today’s graduates will carry that spirit of inclusion and opportunity into whatever they choose to do and recognise the difference they can make in the lives of others.”
Mary Crilly, founding member of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, also received an honorary doctorate.
