Tributes have been paid to the policing expert and DCU Professor Vicky Conway whose death was announced today.
The Garda Commissioner, Justice Minister and Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission all expressed condolences to Dr Conway’s family after her unexpected death.
Dr Conway was a two-term member of the Policing Authority and lecturer at DCU.
DCU President Professor Daire Keogh said he was a “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news.
“She was one of our most talented and respected academics, who epitomised the DCU mission ‘to transform lives and societies’,” he said.
“Vicky was an exceptional teacher and a wonderful colleague, whose contribution to the field of criminal law research represents an important legacy.
“On behalf of the university, I wish to express my deepest condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.”
We are terribly sad to have to share the passing of our colleague Vicky Conway. She was a wonderful person, wise and kind, and we will miss her. pic.twitter.com/bnxczPcJ5C
— Law and Gov DCU (@LawGovDCU) July 20, 2022
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said Dr Conway made a significant contribution to policing both in Ireland and the UK.
“Vicky’s passion for human rights-focused policing was evident in all her engagements with myself and my Garda colleagues,” he said.
“She was a strong and dedicated advocate for vulnerable members of society and minority communities.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dr Vicky Conway.
Vicky made an important contribution to Irish society through her work with the Commission on the Future of Policing, the Policing Authority and DCU.
Her voice was always one of conviction and challenge. RIP.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 20, 2022
The Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of Dr Conway’s death.
“Vicky made an important contribution to Irish society through her work with the Commission on the Future of Policing, the Policing Authority and DCU,” she said.
“Her voice was always one of conviction and challenge.”
On behalf of our Commission and our Chief Commissioner, our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Vicky Conway. pic.twitter.com/qHXYbCoQK8
— Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission (@_IHREC) July 20, 2022
The Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Sinead Gibney said Ms Conway was “hgelu loved, hugely respected and deeply committed to pursuing some of the most challenging issues facing our society.”
She said her work helped to ensure “people’s dignity and people’s access to justice.”
Dr Conway joined DCU in 2015, having previously held positions at the University of Kent, Queen's University Belfast, the University of Limerick and the University of Leeds.
She was made Associate Professor of Law in 2017 and is the School of Law and Government’s first Convenor of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
She served two terms as a member of the Policing Authority, as well as being a member of the Commission on the Future of Policing.
