Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien Awards

In August 2024, Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien passed away unexpectedly at the age of 38. A much-loved Research and Innovation Coordinator in the College of Medicine and Health, Ashleigh touched the lives of everyone around her and her memory will be cherished by her numerous friends and colleagues.

Ashleigh was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to supporting students and research. In her memory, her husband, family, and friends established a fund to support student research and academic development in areas Ashleigh cared deeply about. University College Cork is honoured to recognise her lasting impact through these annual awards.

We are delighted that Ashleigh's awards are now live on UCC's Prizes and Scholarships website: 

1. Dr Ashleigh Byrne O’Brien SURE Award
2. Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien Doctoral Bursary
3. Dr Ashleigh Byrne O’Brien Medal
4. Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien Poster Prize

The Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien Memorial Fund

Ashleigh and her husband Richard O’Brien shared a passion for athleticism and adventure, including their planned participation in the Haría Titán in Northern Lanzarote on November 16, 2024.

The Haría Titán is a challenging endurance race that allows participants to explore various routes and ultra trails. Always up for a challenge, Ashleigh had opted for a 22km uphill run on the ‘Island of Volcanoes’.

Ashleigh’s husband, Richard, and their close friend, Niall Burke, completed this challenging trail while fundraising in memory of Ashleigh - a fitting tribute to her spirit of adventure, athleticism, and endurance. 

In 2024, UCC set up a fund in memory of Ashleigh with all funds directed to support student research and academic development in areas Ashleigh cared deeply about.

If you would like make a donation directly to the Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien Memorial Fund at https://alumni.ucc.ie/abyrnefund.