UCC’s First 1845 Medalist is Supporting Hurling’s Next Generation

The journey of Michael J Dowling BA 1970, HDE 1971, from rural County Limerick to the leadership of one of America’s largest healthcare organisations to supporting UCC students through his MJ Dowling Hurling Scholarship, is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and service. This month, that journey came full circle when he became the first recipient of UCC’s 1845 Medal.

Created to mark UCC’s 180th anniversary, the 1845 Medal is the University’s highest individual honour, recognising individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field and whose achievements reflect the spirit of UCC.

This is truly the case for Michael.

“To be the first recipient of the 1845 Medal is a tremendous honour,” says Michael. “One that I accept with a great deal of pride and gratitude.”

From Sportsman to CEO

Before all the accolades and professional accomplishments, Michael was a talented hurler at UCC and a Fitzgibbon Cup winner. His experience of combining academic study with elite university sport has remained an important part of his connection with his alma mater. Today, his generosity is helping ensure that talented young hurlers can fulfil their own potential.

“Winning the Fitzgibbon Cup was one of the great experiences of my student days,” Michael shares. “There is something special about the tradition of GAA at UCC and the way it brings students and the community together, and I know first-hand the lessons and values that sport instils in young people.”

The MJ Dowling Hurling Scholarship is a key component of UCC’s robust Sports Scholarship Programme, which is designed around the idea of the “dual career” athlete, providing scholars with financial support alongside coaching, training, strength and conditioning, sports medical and physiological support, and academic and life-skills assistance.

For UCC’s GAA community, the impact of Michael’s support is therefore much more than a scholarship. It is an investment in students, in hurling, and in the opportunities that university sport can create.

Michael knows those opportunities first-hand. Beyond UCC’s gates, he went on to build a distinguished career, eventually becoming President and CEO of Northwell Health, one of the largest healthcare providers in the United States. During more than two decades of leadership, he oversaw Northwell’s transformation and expansion, developing a reputation as one of American healthcare’s most influential leaders.

A Responsibility to Give Back

The scale of his achievements has been recognised internationally. Among numerous honours, he received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad in 2020, was named Modern Healthcare’s most influential person in healthcare in 2022, and received Research Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day Medal in 2025.

Outside of his extraordinary professional achievements, Michael’s impact can be felt much closer to home—on the pitch and in the lives of countless UCC student-athletes.

“I have been fortunate in my life and career, and I have always believed that success brings with it a responsibility to give something back. The Scholarship allows me to do that in a place that means a great deal to me.”

The MJ Dowling Hurling Scholarship connects the experience of one Fitzgibbon Cup-winning UCC student with the ambitions of those following in his footsteps. It is a fitting legacy for a UCC alumnus whose own journey began between on the pitch and the classroom, and whose success has given him the opportunity to open doors for the next generation.

“My hope is that, in years to come, they will look back on their university experience with the same pride and affection that I do.”

Learn more Michael and the 1845 Medal here.

If you are interested in learning more about supporting sport at UCC, please contact foundation@ucc.ie.