Posted: 05 Sep 2012
2012 Paralympic Games triple medal winner, Helen Kearney graduates in absentia from UCD
While her classmates were on campus to receive their academic parchments at the University College Dublin graduation ceremony, Helen Kearney was competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
Helen, who has a progressive degenerative disorder, gave an inspired performance in the para-equestrian individual freestyle test grade 1a aboard her horse Mister Cool on 04 September 2012. She finished with a score of 78.45% and won the Bronze Medal.
Last Sunday, Helen won the Silver Medal in the individual dressage grade 1a competition and the Bronze Medal in the team event.
"My first Games and three medals, I cannot even put into words how it feels," Helen, who hails from Dunlavin, County Wicklow, told RTE News after the event at Greenwich Park.
Helen Kearney graduated in absentia from University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) on 04 September 2012.
“Representing your country in the Paralympics has got to be one of the most remarkable reasons for graduating in absentia,” said UCD President, Dr Hugh Brady who officiates at the university’s conferring ceremonies.
“UCD is proud of Helen’s sporting and academic achievements, and we are delighted to welcome her among our newest alumni.”(Produced by UCD University Relations)
