The "200 Years of Caesarean Section – Dr James Barry’s Legacy and A Tale of Three Cities" conference brought together an international group of distinguished speakers, clinicians, researchers, historians and healthcare professionals from Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and beyond.

Through keynote lectures, presentations and discussions, our speakers shared their expertise and perspectives on the history, evolution and future of Caesarean section, while exploring the remarkable life and legacy of Dr James Barry.

This page celebrates the contributions of all speakers who helped make this unique three-city conference a success and provided valuable insights across medicine, history, research and patient care.

Relive the presentations and discussions from the 200 Years of Caesarean Section – Dr James Barry’s Legacy and A Tale of Three Cities conference:

Pre-conference event |  24 June 2026 
Glucksman Art Gallery, University College Cork

• Opening Ceremony - Dr Cathy Burke and Prof Noirin Russell
• "It is well-known that Cork is no school of painting." James Barry - Irish artist - Claire O Nuallain
• "The Other James Barry: an uncle's unlikely gift" -  Dr Michael Waldron

Day 1 - Cork  |  25 June 2026 
Brookfield Health Sciences Complex- University College Cork

• Opening Address - Prof Noirin Russell and Dr Cathy Burke
• The Story of Dr James Barry - Ms Harriet Wheelock, Prof Noirin Russell, Dr Sue Ward & Dr Pauli Van Heerden 
• History of Caesarean Section: from the first CS to the 10 group classification - Dr Michael Robson
• History of Antenatal Care: Screening for risk of maternal and perinatal mortality - Prof Richard Greene
• Impact of C-Sections on Neonates: Clear Benefits and a Few Risks - Prof Brian Walsh
• James Barry- Reclaiming An Irish Trans History - Dr Mary McAuliffe
• Ms Orla Mongan, Ms Gillian Walsh & Ms Alex Campbell
• Caesarean Section Trends - Dr Paul Corcoran

The recorded talks are available to watch online on NPEC's YouTube channel. 

Conference Debate: "We are performing too many caesarean sections."

Chair: Prof Richard Greene

Proposition team: Dr Karn Cliffe & Prof Rhona Mahony

Opposition team: Ms Fiona Hanrahan & Prof John Higgins

Watch full debate