NUI Galway honours former chairperson of National Breast Cancer Research Institute

NUIG marks legacy of Dr Anna O’Coinne with dedication of facility in Lambe Institute

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. has unveiled a commemorative plaque at NUI Galway in honour of Dr Anna O’Coinne, former chairperson and honorary president of National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI).

Dr O’Coinne passed away on October 6th, 2020 after a lifetime of outstanding contribution to supporting breast cancer research through the NBCRI and its commitment and financial support for the Lambe Institute for Translational Research at NUI Galway.

The plaque marks the dedication of a special seminar and meeting room in the Lambe Institute in honour of Dr O’Coinne’s legacy and memory.

Among those who attended the event were Dr O’Coinne’s daughters Gillian and Susan, President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Caroline Loughnane, Secretary for Governance & Academic Affairs at NUI Galway and Chairperson of the NBCRI, Miriam Hand, Director National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Professor Michael Kerin, Research Director of NBCRI and Director of the Saolta University Healthcare Group, Cancer Managed Cancer Academic Network, Professor Pat Nash, Chief Clinical Director of the Saolta University Healthcare Group and Tony Canavan, Chief Executive of Saolta University Healthcare Group.

The plaque commemorates Dr Anna O’Coinne for her leadership and contribution to breast cancer research through the NBCRI and the outstanding legacy of support for breast cancer research at the Lambe Institute, NUI Galway, where it hangs.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “It is a privilege to be in NUI Galway to commemorate Dr Anna O’Coinne and her life’s work and efforts that she made in the arena of breast cancer awareness, treatment and research for the benefit of women and their families across the west of Ireland.”

President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Dr Anna O’Coinne’s endeavours and legacy epitomises the values of respect and excellence that we hold so dearly in NUI Galway. The impact of her stewardship of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and its commitment to research at the Lambe Institute is immeasurable and as a research-led University we are indebted.”

Caroline Loughnane, Chairperson of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, said: “Anna was the heart of the NBCRI and her great kindness, energy and commitment inspired so many; today we celebrate her tremendous legacy of support for breast cancer research at the Lambe Institute. Dr O’Coinne’s dedication and leadership over many years is a symbol of what can achieved in the field of cancer research but also acts as an inspiration to those who follow as we strive to secure better outcomes for patients and their families today.”

Professor Michael Kerin said: “The ambition, energy and enthusiasm that Anna dedicated to the vision for cancer research is embodied in the Lambe Institute. Her success in advancing the National Breast Cancer Research Institute continues to underpin our cancer programme which recently achieved membership to the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes.”