Proud Laois woman Anna May presented with honorary doctorate by SETU

LEGENDARY Laois woman Anna May McHugh received the most prestigious accolade a university can bestow, when she was awarded an honorary doctorate by SETU Carlow on Friday 1 November.

The long-serving managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and trailblazing advocate for the Irish agricultural industry was presented with the award at a joyful ceremony in the college, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the agricultural community and her leadership in promoting the industry.

The 90-year-old has dedicated her long career to enhancing the visibility and viability of agriculture in Ireland. Under her stewardship, the NPA has expanded its reach and influence, transforming the National Ploughing Championships into one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. This event not only showcases Ireland’s rich agricultural heritage but serves as a vital platform for education, innovation and networking within the industry.

Paying tribute to Anna May’s extraordinary career and achievements, SETU president Professor Veronica Campbell said: “The National Ploughing Championships is one of the few events in Ireland that brings together business, technology and culture, connecting people, companies and organisations from vastly different sectors. Anna May’s ability to recognise the power of connection and building strength in collaboration is outstanding.” Professor Campbell added: “The theme of SETU’s conferring period this year is connection and the strength of interdependency. We at SETU can learn so much from Anna May’s story and life’s work in this regard. I’m delighted to award her with this well-deserved honorary doctorate.” The Ballylinan woman’s success in a male-dominated industry and her advocacy for women in agriculture has been central to increasing gender equality in the sector. Having begun her agri-business career in a male-dominated 1950s Ireland, Anna May’s achievement is all the greater. In the years since, her pioneering career has inspired and empowered women to forge successful independent livelihoods in agriculture in the years since.

Looking resplendent in her doctoral robes, Anna May said: “I am delighted to be recognised by SETU with this honorary doctorate and to receive the recognition, both on my own behalf and on behalf of the National Ploughing Association. To be recognised by our local university is a particular privilege and made the occasion even more memorable.” In addition to her tireless work with the NPA, she has been actively involved in various organisations and committees focused on rural development, education and the promotion of Irish agriculture on a global scale. Her influence extends beyond borders, as she has represented Ireland at numerous international agricultural forums.