The Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science celebrate student excellence
Mary Coveney Award 2026 - Winner Ms Saoirse Coffee (in the photo being presented by Ms Olivia Wall)
The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at University College Cork is proud to recognise excellence in professional practice through the annual Mary Coveney Award. Presented to the student who achieves the highest overall performance in practice education and clinical placement, the award celebrates exceptional commitment to patient-centred care, professional standards, and the application of occupational therapy skills in real-world settings.
Established in memory of Mary Coveney, former Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Cork University Hospital, the award honours her lasting contribution to the advancement of occupational therapy services and education in Ireland. Her leadership and dedication to clinical excellence continue to inspire future generations of occupational therapists.
Presented as part of the department’s annual student celebrations and academic showcase, the Mary Coveney Award reflects the department’s strong emphasis on practice education and the integration of academic learning with hands-on clinical experience. Recipients of the award are recognised not only for academic achievement, but also for demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and excellence in supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across diverse healthcare settings.
The Professor Susan Ryan Award for Excellence and Innovation: Winner Ms Saoirse Coffey (in the photo with Susan Ryan)
The Professor Susan Ryan award is an annual award presented to a member of the BSc in Occupational Therapy class each year as they are completing their studies. The award is voted for by class peers and recognises excellent in learning, scholarship and leadership throughout a student's four-year programme of study. The award celebrates outstanding achievement in advancing evidence-based practice and contributing to the growing body of knowledge within occupational therapy.
Established in honour of Professor Susan Ryan, a respected educator and influential figure in occupational therapy education who served as the inaugural Professor of Occupational Therapy at UCC, overseeing the establishment of the BSc OT programme in 2003. The award acknowledges her significant contribution to the development of teaching, learning, and research within the profession in Ireland and internationally. Her commitment to academic excellence and student development continues to inspire occupational therapy students and educators alike.
Awarded during the department’s annual student celebrations and academic showcase, the Susan Ryan Award reflects the department’s dedication to fostering critical inquiry, research capability, and leadership in occupational therapy.
Finally, the Department recognises research excellence for undergraduate students through the annual Poster Award held during the final year poster presentations which usually marks the completion of the undergraduate students' learning journey. This year's award was presented to Ms Saoirse Maloney and Ms Niamh Power for their work on the Everyday Matters programme with their supervisor Dr. Eithne Hunt. The photo shows both students accepting their prize from Dr. John Hastings.