AIT Distinguished Fellow Nicky McFadden with Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and AIT president, Prof Ciarán Ó Catháin, in February 2012 at the opening of the institute's Engineering and Informatics Building.

Nicky McFadden honoured by Athlone Institute of Technology

Published: Mon 27 Jan 2014, 10:58 AM

Last updated: Mon 27 Jan 2014, 11:00 AM

Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) has conferred its highest honour on Nicky McFadden TD.

AIT president, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, presented the institute’s Distinguished Fellowship to the popular Athlone politician in a ceremony at her home.

AIT’s Distinguished Fellowship recognises individuals who have made continuing significant contributions to society, Ireland, the midlands or to the development and advancement of AIT.

Professor Ó Catháin said: “Nicky McFadden has been a wonderful ambassador and advocate for Athlone Institute of Technology. She has championed the cause of the institute at the highest political level, as well as being a valuable supporter of our mission in Athlone. Nicky served on our governing body and brought her valuable experience to bear in furthering the development of the institute. In short, Nicky is a wonderful friend.”

The president said that he was “honoured and delighted” to confer AIT’s 11th Distinguished Fellowship. “This is an elite grouping whose membership today has been greatly enriched by the addition of Nicky McFadden.”

Previous recipients of the Distinguished Fellowship include former President Mary McAleese, Mary O’Rourke, Paddy Cooney, Dr Don Panoz, Stephen Grant, Eamonn Coghlan, Barry McGuigan, Sonia O’Sullivan, Mark Rohan and Professor Dato’ Kamarudin Hussin.

Nicky McFadden was appointed to the governing body of AIT in April 2005 and served until 2007, when she was elected to Seanad Éireann (administrative panel). She was appointed Fine Gael Seanad spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs. In February 2011, she won a seat in the general election to Dáil Éireann and is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection, and the Oireachtas Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

A former member of Athlone Town Council, Westmeath County Council and Westmeath VEC, she also served as chairman of Athlone Community College board of management, as a director of Athlone eCom, Athlone Regional Sports Centre, the Dean Crowe Theatre and Arts Centre, and as president of Athlone Guide Dog Association.

Educated at St Joseph’s College, Summerhill, Athlone, Nicky holds a diploma in legal studies from AIT. A mother of two children, Caren and Eoin, she is also grandmother to Matilda.

The McFadden family has a long association with AIT. Brendan McFadden, Nicky’s father, served on the board of the college for many years, while her sister Gabrielle, is a current member of the governing body.