Pat Kavanagh receives an honorary doctorate from DCU

He joins celebrities from politics, sport, literature and industry who have received this award from DCU, including President Mary McAleese, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Paula Meehan, Senator George Mitchell, Roddy Doyle, Seamus Heaney, Moya Brennan and most recently: John Saunders.

About Pat Kavanagh

Born in 1953 in Cabra, Pat attended St. Patrick’s Primary School. Catherine in Cabra until the age of 11.

Mother of six children. At the age of 38, she returned to formal education – taking part in a personal development course, which ended with preparation for the high school leaving examination.

She started working in social organizations, first in Finglas as a CE employee, and then found full-time employment in the company Ballymun job center in 1999. She returned to education at Maynooth University, gaining a Certificate in Adult Counseling.

During her time in Ballymun, Pat played a key role in many innovative projects and initiatives that made a positive impact on Ballymun’s young people and the community. It is worth noting that this one turned out to be the most successful Ballyrunners. The program provides participants with the skills (confidence, motivation, self-esteem and future prospects) to successfully apply for education, training and/or employment.

Pat participates in many interagency initiatives: Equal Youth, Strive, and the Treatment and Rehabilitation subcommittee. It works closely with the Ballymun community, Gardaí and the Probation Service, developing positive relationships, providing young people with entertainment opportunities and building trust between young people and the criminal justice service.

Although retired since 2019, Pat continues to be a member of the Ballymun Employment Service team and works with the young people who sign up to Ballyrunners, providing them with support and guidance.