'I have come all this way': Woman, 77, born in Bessborough mother and baby home conferred with PhD

'All I have ever wanted in my life is education. To me it’s the most important thing in the world,' says Dr Mary Harney after graduating

Dr Mary Harney, a 77-year-old human rights defender and campaigner who was born in Bessboro Mother and Baby Home in Cork, has graduated with a PhD from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway. Picture: Aengus McMahon

A 77-year-old woman born in Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork was conferred with a PhD on Thursday and called on people to do more than protesting to support disenfranchised people.

University of Galway celebrated the success of Dr Mary Harney, saying she is one of its oldest graduates and is “an inspiration” to other students.