Write a comment
Cuan Mhuire founder Sister Consilio has been conferred with an honorary doctorate by Munster Technological University (MTU) in recognition of her contribution to Irish society, community development and public service. Cuan Mhuire Newry, founded in 1984, is now based at a purpose built centre on the Old Dublin Road with a 92 bed capacity treatment centre. The award was presented at MTU’s autumn conferring ceremonies at the MTU Kerry North campus in Tralee.
Sr Consilio was honoured for her lifelong dedication to helping others and her pioneering work in establishing Cuan Mhuire in Athy in 1966. As she was unable to attend the ceremony, the honorary doctorate was accepted on her behalf by her sister, Sr Agnes Fitzgerald.
Professor Maggie Cusack, President of Munster Technological University, said: “For 60 years, Dr Sister Consilio’s pioneering work through Cuan Mhuire has offered support and hope to people facing addiction.”
honorary doctorate from Munster Technological University at its Kerry
Campus conferring ceremony in Tralee on Friday, 23 October 2026.
Photograph: Cuan Mhuire
Cuan Mhuire Newry replaced its original premises with the purpose built centre on the Old Dublin Road in 2012. To mark its 40th anniversary in 2024, the facility opened its Newry Long Term Supportive Accommodation Apartments on the site.
Over six decades, the organisation has expanded to provide services throughout Ireland, supporting people affected by addiction and their families.
Sr Consilio said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition from Munster Technological University. When I founded Cuan Mhuire 60 years ago, my hope was to create a place where people struggling with addiction could find compassion, understanding and the opportunity for a new beginning. What has been achieved since then has only been possible through the dedication of so many people who have worked alongside me, and the courage of those who have come to us for help. I accept this honour with great gratitude on behalf of everyone who has been part of that journey.”
Sr Consilio was raised in the parish of Brosna, County Kerry, where she was known as Eileen Fitzgerald. She trained as a nurse in Cork before joining the Sisters of Mercy in Athy. Her work has been recognised through numerous honours, including Kerry Person of the Year and the Oireachtas Human Dignity Award.
