Making Everyday Moments Matter

For Saoirse Coffey BSc 2026, graduating from UCC was a milestone in itself. Being recognised with not one, but two donor-supported awards made the occasion even more meaningful, celebrating her academic achievements and her commitment to clinical practice, innovation, and supporting others.

Saoirse was recognised through two awards presented by UCC’s Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science: the Mary Coveney Award, for the highest overall performance in practice education and clinical placement, and the Professor Susan Ryan Award for Excellence and Innovation, voted on by her classmates.

A Happy Accident

Originally from Killarney, County Kerry, Saoirse is now working as an Occupational Therapist at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, but her journey into occupational therapy was, as she describes it, “somewhat of a happy accident.”

Always interested in health and wellbeing, she was drawn to the discipline’s combination of science and creativity. She came to appreciate how occupational therapists help people participate in the everyday activities that give their lives meaning, from caring for themselves to returning to work or enjoying their hobbies.

As the first person in her family to attend university, Saoirse describes receiving the awards as a particularly significant moment. They represented recognition of the hard work, perseverance, and support that had brought her to graduation, while giving her the confidence to set ambitious goals for the future.

“For me, graduation is the beginning of a lifelong learning journey, rather than the end, Saoirse says. “So I have been able to put this support towards continued professional development.”

Celebrating Student Excellence

The Mary Coveney Award was established by Mary’s daughter Sarah to honour her mother, the former Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Cork University Hospital.

The Professor Susan Ryan Award was established by UCC lecturer Janice Crausaz to honour the inaugural Professor of Occupational Therapy at UCC. As head of department, Susan inspired Janice to guide students by “always questioning why they were using a particular approach and how they might do even better."

Professor Ryan herself emphasises the importance of the awardee being chosen by their fellow students. “It makes the others realise how being innovative is so essential.”

For Saoirse, the awards honour the legacy of the two women, whose contributions helped shape occupational therapy practice and education in Ireland.

“I am incredibly grateful to the donors whose generosity allows that legacy to continue,” she says. “Their support made me feel that the work students put into becoming compassionate, thoughtful and innovative healthcare professionals is valued, and it has encouraged me to carry those same values forward in my own career.”

Looking ahead, Saoirse is keeping one thing top of mind: stay curious.

“I hope to carry that mindset throughout my career, whether through clinical practice, research, advocacy or, hopefully one day, contributing to the education of future Occupational Therapists!

If you are interested in setting up a student scholarship, prize, or award, please contact foundation@ucc.ie.