Dublin City University has named one of its main lecture theatres after journalist Veronica Guerin.

The theatre, on the university’s Glasnevin campus, was formally named at a ceremony this evening.

DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith said the move was a fitting memorial to Ms Guerin’s life and work.

“Veronica was not only one of Ireland’s most fearless and dedicated journalists, she was also a trailblazer for equality who became the country’s leading crime correspondent, in a male-dominated field,” he said.

Jimmy Guerin with his two sisters Marie Therese Brannigan and Claire O’Brien at the unveiling of the Veronica Guerin lecture hall in DCU, 14-05-2019. Image: Julien Behal

The university named the theatre as part of its Women in Leadership initiative, Project 50:50.

The initiative includes a commitment to name half of its major buildings after inspiring women.

By naming our buildings and lecture theatres after pioneering women like Veronica, we believe that we can inspire future generations of students, particularly young women, to excel and break down barriers to equality,” said Professor MacCraith.

Ms Guerin was the Sunday Independent’s crime correspondent when she was murdered on her way back to Dublin from Naas District Court.

The 37-year-old mother-of-one had been working to expose gangland crime in Dublin.

Jimmy Guerin with his two sisters Marie Therese Brannigan and Claire O’Brien at the unveiling of the Veronica Guerin lecture hall in DCU, 14-05-2019. Image: Julien Behal

Speaking on behalf of the Guerin family this evening, her brother Jimmy Guerin said the Women in Leadership initiative reflects the kind of person she was – talented, ambitious, hard-working and brave.

“We are very proud of her and very grateful to DCU for their efforts in ensuring young people today still have role models, like Veronica, to inspire courage and dedication," he said.