Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC honoured with Law Alumni Award 2017

Professor Imelda Maher, Dean of Law, speaks about Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC,  UCD Law Alumni Award for 2017.

At a ceremony in UCD’s O’Reilly Hall, Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, was honoured for her outstanding work in human rights law and presented with the Law Alumni Award 2017 by Professor Andrew Deeks and Professor Maher.

London-based human rights lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher was made Queen’s Counsel in 2017 in recognition of her exceptional international work, acting for journalists and peaceful protestors who have been arbitrarily detained all over the world. She led the legal team who worked tirelessly for the recent release of Ibrahim Halawa, the Irish national who, at 17, had been detained in Egypt since 2013. Gallagher combines legal skills with humanity, exemplified by her sensitive handling of inquests for victims of bombings in London and Hillsborough, and challenging the benefits cap for the severely disabled, securing protection for victims of domestic violence and safeguarding vulnerable young people in custody. She is a most generous mentor and an inspirational social justice advocate.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC joins our previously honoured alumni who include Oscar-winner Ben Cleary, presenter Miriam O’Callaghan and Human Rights barrister, Maeve O’Rourke.

Pictured are all UCD Alumni Award Winners 2017 (L to R) Michael McGlynn, Dr Sheila Willis, Paul O’Donovan, Eamonn Sinnott, Mary Sutton, Dr Garrett FitzGerald, Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Dr Des Rice, Prof Edmond Harty with President of UCD, Prof Andrew Deeks. Read more at (opens in a new window)http://alumni.ucd.ie/awards/awardees/2017-awardees/