2022
Dr Tom Cavanagh RIP
Professor John O'Halloran, President of University College Cork, has paid the following tribute to the philantropist, businessman, and dear friend of UCC Dr Tom Cavanagh following his passing yesterday.
"Today we pay respect to one of UCC’s dearest friends and supporters, the late Dr Tom Cavanagh who parted this world on 8th September, 2022.
"A UCC student (BComm, 1951), a UCC alumnus, a remarkable UCC national and international athlete, who was named the best sports all-rounder in university on three occasions, a member of the UCC Governing Body, Director of Cork University Foundation, 1996–2007, UCC committee(s) member, supporter, advisor and mentor, a committed philanthropist and friend. Deeply proud of his time at UCC, Tom talked fondly of his time here and worked tirelessly for the University for decades.
"He was deeply motivated by a belief in, and a commitment to empowerment through education. The legacy of this commitment can be seen in many of the buildings in UCC but most importantly to him, in the lives of the students he has enabled through the education which he and his wife Marie have supported for decades.
"Tom steadfastly believed that together we can create a better world and he put the building blocks in place to help achieve it. He founded the Irish Business Against Litter organisation and the Tomar Trust, to work towards respecting our environment and to help create a fairer society. Tom will be deeply missed by many and I wish to extend my sympathy to his family and friends.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis."