Miriam Hederman O'Brien
The former Chancellor of the University of Limerick Miriam Hederman O'Brien pictured the unveiling of a memorial bust in her likeness in the Millstream Courtyard on the UL campus in 2008 Picture: Press 22
Wednesday, 16 March 2022

All at University of Limerick are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our esteemed former Chancellor Dr Miriam Hederman O’Brien.

Dr Hederman O’Brien served as Chancellor at UL from 1998 to 2002 and was the first woman chancellor of any university in Ireland.

UL Chancellor Mary Harney said: “Dr Hederman O’Brien was an inspirational role model who I was privileged to know and learn so much from. Irish society was enriched by her leadership and scholarship. I express my sympathies to her family at this sad time.”

UL President Professor Kerstin Mey said: “UL benefited hugely from her leadership, her enthusiastic engagement, her vast experience and wise counsel over the term of her time in office. Throughout her life she contributed in great measure to Irish and European society through her participation and leadership of a diverse range of councils, commissions and research bodies in Ireland and abroad.”

Miriam Hederman O'Brien, Malahide Co. Dublin and formerly of Naas, Co. Kildare, passed away peacefully in the care of AnovoCare Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family on March 14. 

Beloved wife of the late Bill. Very sadly missed by her loving children Donat, Aoife, Eilis, Dervilla and Murrough and their partners Ann, Neil, Brian, Shay and Caroline, her adored grandchildren Rory, Conor, Maeve, Morgan, Louise, Joe, James, Cormac, Billy and Fay, extended family and friends.

Reposing in Staffords Funeral Home, Golf Links Road, Portmarnock on Friday, March 18, from 4pm to 6pm. Removal to St. Sylvester's Church, Malahide on Saturday morning for 10am Funeral Mass followed by burial in Fingal cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Irish Red Cross.