Former SKAL world president Mary Bennett has been given an honorary doctorate at NUI Galway.
Mary Bennett established The Treasure Chest in 1966, a landmark shop in Galway city center until 2023. She has held various leadership roles, including Chair of Ireland West Tourism, director of Galway Corrib Airport, director of Aer Lingus, and the first female World President of SKAL International.
Mary has also served as President of Galway Chamber, National President of Chambers Ireland, Director of the Irish Goods Council, and founding member of the Galway City Business Association and BPW – the Galway Business and Professional Women’s Network.
John Davoren, a farmer and businessman from Caherconnell, County Clare, developed the site as a tourism and educational hub in the mid-90s. Caherconnell Fort Visitors Center opened in 2003, and he worked with the University of Galway to excavate the site.
The excavations led to the opening of an International Archaeological Field School at Caherconnell, accredited by the University of Galway, attracting participants globally.
