Feminist and civil rights campaigner Nell McCafferty honoured for outstanding contribution to national life

UCC said it was bestowing the honour in recognition of her outstanding contribution in her field.

“At UCC we are enormously proud of our long tradition of independent thinking. Today is a special day for two reasons; firstly we are acknowledging the talent and drive of four extraordinary honorary graduands, and secondly we are awarding them on the birthday of George Boole, the ultimate independent thinker.

“On behalf of the University, we are delighted to honour our graduands and to publicly acknowledge and laud their achievements,” said UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy.

Over the course of her career McCafferty has written for The Irish Press, The Irish Times, Sunday Tribune, Hot Press and The Village Voice.

She has also published an autobiography, Nell, which recounts her upbringing in Derry, her relationship with her parents, her life as campaigner for women’s rights, her part in the civil rights movement and her fears about being gay.

UCC recognised her ‘unparalleled contribution’ to Irish public life over many decades and her powerful voice in movements that have had a transformative impact in Irish society, including the feminist movement, campaigns for civil rights and for the marginalised and victims of injustice.