RIP: Tributes paid to Leitrim nun who co-founded Social Justice Ireland

Tributes are being paid to Leitrim native Sister Brigid Reynolds, the co-founder and former co-chief executive of Social Justice Ireland, who has died aged 82.

A statement from Social Justice Ireland said: “Sr Brigid’s life and work serve as an example of dedicated commitment to human dignity, social justice and the common good.

“Brigid’s steadfast advocacy combined academic expertise and moral conviction.”

John McGeady, CEO of Social Justice Ireland, paid tribute saying: “Brigid made an indelible mark on social justice advocacy in Ireland. Guided by a vision of society in which each person’s dignity is honoured, Brigid was dedicated to addressing inequality, poverty, and social exclusion.

“As co-founder, joint CEO and Board member, she greatly contributed to the work of Social Justice Ireland for many years, guiding the organisation with her long experience, insightful judgement and commitment to the values of social justice and human rights. It is a sad day for Social Justice Ireland and those of us who were privileged to work with Brigid. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Brigid’s sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, and to the Marist Sisters.”

Professor Tony Fahey, Chairperson of the Board of Social Justice Ireland, acknowledged Sr Brigid’s contribution, saying, “Brigid Reynolds was a leading member of that generation of men and women in the religious life in Ireland who, in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council, brought a new energy, vision and range to the traditional Christian commitment to service of the poor and afflicted.

“She combined the spirituality of a religious vocation with the warmth of a deep human sympathy and the energy, skill and practicality of a tireless social campaigner. The goal of her advocacy was to bend the arc of history towards justice, especially in social policy and social services in Ireland. The traces of her impact in those fields are many and lasting. Ireland in her time was a better place because of her presence in it.”

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Sr Brigid’s funeral will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Details will be available in due course on RIP.ie.

South East Technological University (SETU) conferred an honorary doctorate in 2024 on Sr Reynolds in recognition of her lifelong dedication to social justice and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

As an educator and humanitarian, Sr Reynolds’s life and work serves as a shining example of the transformative power of compassion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good.

Reflecting on the honorary doctorate, Sr Reynolds said she felt “honoured, humbled, and surprised” by the recognition.

Originally from Mohill, Co Leitrim, Sr Reynolds completed a science degree at University College Dublin before joining the Marist Sisters Religious Order. Her first assignment took her to Kaduna, North Nigeria, where she lectured at a Teacher Training College.

There, she also served as secretary to an Episcopal Commission focused on combating poverty and promoting social inclusion, while acting as spiritual director for women's organisations across the region.

South East Technological University (SETU) bestowed honorary doctorates upon Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian and Éamonn McEneaney, scholar, author, and cultural advocate. Sr Reynolds and Mr McEneaney were pictured with Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, Professor Patrick Prendergast, Chairperson of the SETU Governing Body and Chancellor of the University, and Dr Derek O'Byrne, Vice President Academic Affairs, Teaching & Learning at SETU

Returning to Ireland in 1980, Sr Reynolds taught science at post-primary level in Dublin for two years before being recruited by the Conference of Major Religious Superiors, later known as the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI). In 1983, she joined forces with Fr Seán Healy, with whom she co-led CORI’s Justice Commission. Together, they advocated for social justice through policy development, engagement with government, and public advocacy. In 2009, the pair co-founded Social Justice Ireland, which they led until their retirement in 2023.

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Social Justice Ireland advocates for social justice and improves the lives of communities through independent social analysis and effective policy development with the aim of creating “a sustainable future for every member of society and for societies as a whole”. SETU and Social Justice Ireland collaborate on the delivery of an MA in Social Justice and Public Policy to which Sr Brigid has contributed her expertise.

“I’ve had a long association with the Waterford and Wexford and Carlow colleges, going back more than 40 years. Over those years I enjoyed many discussions on social policy, development strategy and related issues that were always both challenging and energising,” she said.