Inspirational adventurer Dr Clare O'Leary honoured for her tenacity

BANDON’S famous adventurer and mountaineer, Dr Clare O’Leary, added another achievement to her belt when she was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws at National University of Galway (NUIG).

Dr O’Leary, who works as a consultant gastroenterologist and physician at South Tipperary General Hospital – as well as being a senior lecturer in medical education at UCC – became the first Irish woman to climb Mount Everest, to reach the South Pole and to complete the Seven Summits.

In her citation at the conferring, Megan Reilly, president of the Students’ Union at NUIG – who were involved in the nomination –  said that Dr O’Leary is ‘an inspiration to women, to mountaineers, adventurers and those everywhere who are ambitious in their goals.’

‘For her ground-breaking achievement, and her incredible displays of tenacity and courage in the face of some of the world’s most unforgiving landscapes and challenges, it is my pleasure to introduce her as the recipient of a Degree of a Doctor of Laws,’ said Ms Reilly.

Ms O’Reilly added that in 2012 Dr O’Leary was named as one of Ireland’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women and was awarded the Trailblazer Award by the Women’s Executive Network.

Her home town acknowledged her achievements when they opened the ‘Dr Clare O’Leary Walk’ in 2013.