Honourary doctorate for ‘remarkable’ Mary Crilly
Cillian Ferry
One of Cork’s most beloved figures was honoured last Thursday with an honorary doctorate in recognition of her exceptional commitment to supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence and her advocacy for social and legislative change.
Munster Technological University (MTU) honoured Mary Crilly along with the former chief executive of Special Olympics International Mary Davis.
The awards were presented as part of MTU’s 2026 conferring ceremonies, which are taking place across its Cork and Kerry campuses.
Mary Crilly, founding member of Sexual Violence Centre Cork, was recognised for more than four decades of campaigning and support for victims and survivors of sexual violence, while Mary Davis was honoured for her work in promoting inclusion and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Mary Crilly established the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, originally known as Cork Rape Crisis Centre, in 1983. Over the following four decades, she became one of Ireland’s most prominent advocates for survivors of sexual violence, leading the organisation as CEO and campaigning for significant social and legislative change.
Her work has helped bring greater public awareness to issues including sexual and domestic violence, human trafficking and women's rights. Through her advocacy, she has consistently challenged victim-blaming and campaigned for greater support, recognition and justice for survivors.
Mary Crilly said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition from Munster Technological University. When we established the Sexual Violence Centre Cork in 1983, there was so much silence surrounding sexual violence and so many barriers facing those seeking support. We have come a long way, but there is still important work to be done.
“This honour is also a recognition of the many courageous survivors who have shared their experiences and the dedicated people who have worked alongside me over the years. I hope it encourages a new generation to continue challenging injustice and standing up for the rights of others.”
Retirement
Ms Crilly’s recent retirement from the position of CEO marks the end of more than 40 years leading the organisation.
Sinéad Heffernan was recently appointed as her successor. An experienced mental health nurse and trauma-informed practitioner, Ms Heffernan brings more than 25 years of experience across acute mental health, child and adolescent mental health, crisis services and the domestic and sexual violence sector. She has identified strengthening the centre's therapeutic services and ensuring survivor-centred care as key priorities for her leadership.
Meanwhile, Mary Davis is being honoured 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.
President of Munster Technological University, Professor Maggie Cusack said: “Dr Mary Crilly and Dr Mary Davis are remarkable examples of what can be achieved through determination and a willingness to challenge the status quo. They have devoted their lives to breaking down barriers, championing inclusion and ensuring that people who have been overlooked are heard, respected and valued.
“Their careers are an inspiration to our graduates and a powerful reminder that individuals can make an extraordinary difference to society,” she added.