Department hosts memorial event in honour of Dr. Sinéad McGrath

Peace Pole in Memory of Sinead
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 - 10:15

We at the Department of International Development would like to thank all those who participated (online and in person) in the event on Friday 22nd April to remember our dear colleague, Dr. Sinéad McGrath who passed away in January 2022. We are particularly grateful to members of Sinéad's family, friends, and former students and colleagues who attended. Thanks to Dr. Alex Dukalskis and Dr. Melanie Hoewer of UCD School of Politics and International Relations, who spoke about Sinéad's contribution to research through her PhD on displacement, gender and human rights in Columbia. Thanks, too, to Patrick Marren, co-ordinator of international development at BA level for the department at Maynooth, who spoke about Sinéad's commitment and creativity in her teaching and her dedication to her students. 
 
A special thanks to Verity Swan and members of Raheny Rotary, who donated a Peace Pole to Maynooth University Department of International Development in recognition of Sinéad's concern and action for global peace and justice. The Peace Pole, a recognised global symbol of peace, has the words 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' inscribed on it in eight languages including Irish, Spanish, Swahili and Japanese.  

At Maynooth, Sinéad taught in the areas of conflict, development, migration and human rights. She was an inspirational teacher, researcher and activist who was committed to peace, justice and human rights and particularly concerned about the rights of women. Regarding them as important agents in their own lives, she questioned charity and victim representations, championing peace and solidarity with women refugee activists. 
 
The Rotary Peace Pole is a fitting tribute to Sinéad and an important and timely reminder to us all of the importance of visually showing our solidarity with those affected by conflict and our concern for peace and justice around the world. We hope to use it as a creative teaching tool with students, especially through our Masters in International Peacebuilding, Security and Development Practice and in our new Certificate in Global Citizenship Education. 
 
 
Pictured from left with the Peace Pole: 
Simon Rutledge  Member, Raheny Rotary; Monica Robertson PDG, President Dublin Central; Niamh Flynn, MA International Development Student and Honorary Member, Raheny Rotary; David Browne Rotary Club Lisburn, Honorary Member Raheny Rotary; Verity Swan PDG, President Raheny Rotary; Deirdre Boyle, President Elect, Raheny Rotary; Dr. Eilish Dillon, Head of Department at the Department of International Development