Women now on the walls of Aula Maxima

A historic new series of contemporary portraits was launched recently at UCC celebrating the artists and changemakers whose vision and contributions have profoundly shaped and enriched society.

Accenture’s Women on Walls Take Centre Stage at UCC ‘In Conversation’ Event featured artist Julianne Guinee, who painted the group portrait in conversation with Dr Avril Hutch, Director of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Unit (EDI) and some of the Accenture’s Women on Walls subjects Evelyn Grant, Joanne O’Riordan and Dola Twomey.

Speaking at the event Dr Avril Hutch, Director of EDI said: “Until now, women have not been represented on the walls of the Aula Maxima.

“With the unveiling of Accenture’s Women on Walls portraits, we are not only celebrating extraordinary women – we are rewriting history. This moment reminds us that representation matters.”

She continued: “While there is still work to do, today brings us closer to ensuring that every future generation who walks into this room sees a story that is fuller, richer, and truer to the community UCC serves.

“We are sincerely grateful to our Women on Walls partners, subjects and artists and UCC colleagues for making this vision a reality,” she concluded.

The evening also featured a special musical performance by Evelyn Grant and Gerry Kelly, who marked their 50th wedding anniversary performing together.

They presented a unique O’Carolan arrangement composed by Evelyn’s stepfather, adding a personal and evocative dimension to the event.

Evelyn’s recent inclusion in Accenture’s Women on Walls will be further celebrated later this week in Cork, with a dedicated tribute by the Cork Pops Orchestra.

The event was organised by the EDI Unit and the Advancement Office.

Kerry Bryson, Director of Business Development and Advancement said: “The partnership between the Advancement Office and the EDI Unit plays a vital role in strengthening the university’s relationship with its alumni, donors, and broader stakeholder community.

“By working together, both units ensure that engagement activities not only celebrate the achievements of UCC graduates and supporters but also reflect the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable environment,” she concluded.

The commissioned portraits were created by Irish-based artists Gerry Davis, Vanessa Jones, Vera Klute, and Julianne Guinee, selected following a competitive open call for artists led by Business to Arts.

The group portrait by Julianne Guinee includes:

· Brigid Carmody, Coordinator of Cork Traveller Women’s Network

· Mary Crilly, feminist activist and founding member and CEO of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork

· Dr Myra Cullinane, medical doctor, barrister and Senior Dublin District coroner who held the Stardust inquests

· Dr Evelyn Grant, musician, broadcaster, educator, arts advocate, social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Cork Pops Orchestra.

· Dr Naomi Masheti, psychologist, three-time UCC graduate and Programme Director of the Cork Migrant Centre

· Dr Patricia Sheahan, consultant palliative care physician and head of palliative care at University Hospital Kerry

· Caitríona Twomey, volunteer co-ordinator of Cork Penny Dinners

· Dola Twomey, therapist/activist at the Sexual Violence Centre Cork.

Gerry Davis painted an individual portrait of Edna O’Brien (1930–2024), novelist, memoirist, playwright and poet.

Vanessa Jones painted an individual portrait of Honora ‘Nano’ Nagle (1718–1784), pioneering educator and founder of the Presentation Sisters while Vera Klute painted an individual portrait of Joanne O’Riordan, who is a sports journalist, disability activist and motivational speaker.