Queen’s graduate Emily Logan, who attended a major alumni event in Dublin, is soon to be appointed the first Police Ombudsman for the Republic of Ireland and previously served as Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, as well as being the state’s first Ombudsman for Children. 

“Much of that is based on what I learned in Queen's from people who inspired me to pick up the baton and do my best to make a contribution in public life,” she said. 

The new ombudsman's comments came as almost 200 Queen’s graduates gathered in Dublin’s historic Gate theatre for one of the largest alumni events the University has held in the city. 

Queen’s graduates, supporters and placement students were among the invited guests for a networking reception and a performance of the award-winning ‘Agreement’ produced in partnership with the Lyric theatre. 

The play recounts the negotiations that led to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement in 1998. Queen’s marked the 25th anniversary of the agreement last year with a landmark international conference.  

Emily Logan underlined the role the University plays in promoting the rights of all: “In terms of why I would have gone to Queen's, was all about social justice. [The alumni event] is a fantastic opportunity to meet people and to network, but it's also a good opportunity to keep people prodding you about what you're contributing and implementing what you learned in Queen's.” 

Dr Ryan Feeney, Vice-President (Governance and External Affairs) and Registrar at Queen’s said: “Queen’s was a stable presence during the conflict years and has always offered a safe space for debate, discussion and resolution. The University continues to be committed to contributing to our community and wider society. 

“Queen’s has a vibrant community of graduates in Dublin and this event has reaffirmed the position of the Queen’s University Association Dublin (QUAD), which will play a key role in engaging and collaborating with Queen’s alumni living and working in the city.”  

Dr Feeney joined a panel discussion following the performance featuring actor Andrea Irvine who played Mo Mowlam in Agreement, plus Bronagh Hinds, a Queen’s graduate who was part of the Women’s Coalition team in the 1998 talks. 

Joseph O’Boyle a manager in Asset Valuation at Fidelity International, was among the Queen’s graduates who joined the event in the Gate. 

“Queen’s is special for me because of the experience that I had there for the four years that I attended Queens, the friendships that I built and the networks that that I made. 

“I think it's important when you're starting your career and especially just being down the road in Dublin, I think there's a huge network of Queens students who are working and doing well in Dublin. So, it's great to make connections.” 

Media

Media enquiries to comms.office@qub.ac.uk