Mr Tomás Heneghan

Tomás Heneghan, a graduate of UL’s BA (Joint Honours) and MA in Journalism programmes, has led landmark legal challenges that

reshaped Irish public policy. From a small family farm in Castlegar, on the outskirts of Galway city, Tomás has used the law and personal stories to force national changes. His activism has resulted in expanded voting rights for Seanad Éireann elections and the removal of discriminatory blood donation bans.

An active and passionate blood donor since the age of 18, Tomás’s venture into the Irish courts started in 2015 when he challenged Ireland’s lifetime ban on blood donation by gay and bisexual men. He went back to the High Court in 2019 to challenge the subsequent 12-month prohibition

on gay and bisexual men donating blood in Ireland. His advocacy led to the adoption of an individualised risk assessment system for all prospective blood donors in Ireland in 2022, ensuring equitable access for all donors.

In 2019, he initiated a constitutional challenge to the exclusion of non- Trinity/NUI graduates from Seanad elections. Despite the case being dismissed by three High Court judges in late 2021, Tomás persisted. In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in his favour, expanding the provision to vote to graduates of all Irish higher education institutions.

Tomás began his career and activism at UL, where he served as Editor of An Focal and developed a passion for justice and equality. He has worked in journalism, data protection, and financial services, and remains active in LGBTQ+ advocacy and community sport. He now lives in Dublin, where in his free time he plays rugby for Ireland’s oldest LGBTQ-inclusive rugby club the Emerald Warriors RFC.

Tomás’s passion for UL and Limerick remains strong, with regular trips back to UL and Thomond Park to support Munster Rugby.

Tomás Heneghan’s courage, persistence, and impact make him a deserving recipient of the Alumni Award for his contribution to society.