The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) has expressed condolences to the spouse and many friends of Dr Ann Louise Gilligan.

IFUT General Secretary, Mike Jennings, said that Ann Louise had been a staunch supporter of equality issues.

“She was involved in a variety of different roles over many years. She will be remembered for her contribution to many initiatives, including the Centre for Educational Disadvantage in St Patrick’s Drumcondra, as a co-founder and director of An Cosán, a centre of learning and enterprise;  in the 'Shanty' in Tallaght and as chairperson of the first Education Welfare Board.

“She had strongly advocated for a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum. Ahead of the vote, she released a video with her partner, Katherine Zappone, about going to Canada in 2003 to get married and how they wished to marry in Ireland.

“She combined insight, courage, respect and good humour in her professional environment at all times and a strong solidarity with those experiencing injustice of any kind. 

“She will be sadly missed by all in IFUT and especially so by all those involved in our Equality Committee. I extend condolences on behalf of IFUT in particular to her spouse, Minister Katherine Zappone,” Mike Jennings said.

ENDS

For further information on this media release, please contact:

John Gallagher, John Gallagher Consulting. Tel. 087 9369888

Mike Jennings, General Secretary, IFUT. Tel. 087 6776747.