Professor Dervilla M.X. DONNELLY

We were very sad to hear the news, we were sorry to miss the funeral but we were away. I was glad that I visited her a short time before she passed, we spent a happy couple of hours reminiscing. I always appreciated her kindness and interest over many years, and her wise advice. We will miss her greatly and always remember her.

Dervilla was a distinguished colleague and a kind friend in the illness that ended my career at UCD.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dervilla’s passing. She was a truly amazing person, highly committed in all her many undertakings and I consider myself honoured to have had her as my research supervisor at UCD. Her steady support and guidance were immeasurable, as was her positive influence on my career. She was also a personal friend, following my post-graduate life with genuine warmth and interest. Suzanne and I greatly appreciated her friendship and we miss her sadly. Our sincerest condolences to Dervilla’s family. May she now rest in peace.

Frances, Charles and John - Condolences to you and your families on Dervilla's passing. Dervilla was a good friend to our mother, Mary Murphy, and to our family. With sympathy, Eliz, Eleanor and all the Murphy family.

My sincere condolences to Dervilla’s family. I was very sad to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful inspiring woman and I have a lot to be thankful to her for. I was privileged to have been one of her PhD students and have great memories of my time in lab 337. May she Rest In Peace💜 🙏

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Dervilla. She was an amazing woman in all that she achieved while also a soul of great warmth and kindness and a rock of common sense. We knew her at the RHA as our esteemed Honorary Professor of Chemistry and enjoyed her company very much at openings and at our annual dinner. My brother David’s father in law Dr.Jim Gowan was Dervilla’s great friend and colleague at UCD. I had the honour of drawing a portrait of Dervilla for the RDS as their first woman president. Thank you Dervilla for your kindness and encouragement and for all that you did for people. You were so inspiring. Rest in peace

Sincerest condolences to Dervilla’s family on their loss. Dervilla was an outstanding scientist and mentor. It was a privilege to have been a student in her research group.

Belated condolences to Professor Donnelly’s family. I was away and sorry to miss the funeral. I knew Professor Donnelly through her work and commitment to women in science. I first met her when she spoke at a Girls and Science careers event in Sancta Maria College, Rathfarnham in the 1980s.

Professor Donnelly was a great supporter of Women in Technology and Science (WITS) first as a member and then as an honorary member. She was awarded the WITS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and gave the WITS Mary Mulvihill lecture in November 2017, ‘The Hidden Reality’.

I last met Dervilla in April, it was lovely to catch up and hear her stories. She did so much for science and women in science in Ireland, it’s the end of an era.
Marion Palmer WITS Chair 2013-2017, WITS Treasurer 1990-1993

My deepest sympathy to Dervilla's family on the news of her passing. I would like to acknowledge the major part and influence Dervilla has had on my early career and to thank her for all her support and guidance. It goes without saying "once a Dervillite, always a Dervillite". May she rest in peace.

I send my deepest sympathy to all Dervilla's family on her death. I first knew Dervilla as Professor Donnelly in College of Science 1962/65 and more recently I enjoyed social time in the IWF with Dervilla going over past memories! May she rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to all who loved her. I was an admirer of her career and grateful for all she did for women in science and for her extraordinary contributions to academic knowledge. An extraordinary person.

On behalf of the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts, I wish extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dervilla Donnelly HRHA, an esteemed Honorary Member of our Academy

Deepest condolences to all of Dervilla’s family - of which she always spoke so proudly & lovingly.
So sorry I could not attend her funeral service.
She was a wonderful lady with a wicked sense of humour - a truly all round remarkable lady.
May she Rest in Eternal Peace.
Gerardine O’Driscoll

My sincere sympathies to Dervilla’s family. She was a great friend to my parents Tom and Nuala O’Toole and a classmate of my late Father in UCD. She also inspired and encouraged me as I pursued my career in science. May she rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Dervilla’s family on their loss. As another former Chemistry student and Lab 337 occupant I have such lovely memories of Dervilla, her good humour and patience and encouragement, and gratitude to her – it really was a privilege to have been her student.

I was really saddened to hear about Dervilla. As a PhD student in Lab 337 I remember my time fondly and also her leadership, guidance and inspiration. Her activities in later years were inspiring, contributing to Irish Educational, Scientific and Economic growth. It was a privilege to be a PhD student of hers, and she will be deeply missed.

My deepest sympathy to the Donnelly and Meenan families on Dervilla's passing. It was great to see so many of her former students and team at the funeral. She was a wonderful woman and it was privilege to be one of her 85 PhD students. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Condolences to the Donnelly families on the death of Prof Dervilla Donnelly. She was Organic Chemistry Lecturer to us Ags when we shared the lecture theatre with the Pre Vets, the Pre Meds and the Pre Dents in 1976 /77.
She was a remarkable woman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

My sympathy to Dervilla's family on her death. A great trailblazer for women in science and more widely, she made a hugely valuable contribution to education policy over the years. I always enjoyed meeting her professionally and, from time to time in more recent years, socially. Her experience, wisdom, enthusiasm, interest in everyone and sense of humour made any encounter thought -provoking and pleasurable.

I was very saddened to hear of the death of Dervilla. My sincere condolences to all her family.
I worked as a laboratory technician for Prof. Dervilla Donnelly for 15 years in the 60-70’s. Dervilla was my mentor and she pushed open many doors that were not possible to open at the time. I will be forever grateful for everything she did for me.
She was an extraordinary and lovely person way ahead of her time.
May she rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to the Donnelly and Meenan families on the passing of Dervilla. It was wonderful to see so many of the UCD “Lab 337 tribe” at the funeral (her former students and supporting technicians). She was a remarkable woman but always had time for everyone and took an interest in the careers of all of her 85 PhD graduates. May she now enjoy the beatific vision

My sincere condolences to Dervilla's family.
She was wonderful person, an inspiring scientist and role model.
It was a privilege to be her student.

My apologies for being unable to attend the funeral. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the relatives of Dr Donnelly, an exceptionally brilliant person who combined her outstanding talents with a warm and generous personality. I met her many times especially during her frequent visits to Vienna when I was Ambassador there. I admired her greatly; she made a great contribution to Irish science and culture. Siochain siorai lena h-anam.

My sincere condolence to the family and friends of Dervilla. I had the privilege of interviewing Dervilla for the documentary I did on her remarkable work and legacy as mentor and scientist. She was a joy to talk to and an inspiration to listen to.

I was so sorry not to be able to attend Dervilla's funeral Mass today. I have known Dervilla since I was a child. She and my mother, Professor Eva Philbin, were colleagues and friends for many many years. She and my father got on famously and really enjoyed each other's company. She always brought little gifts to me whenever she visited our home. She also guided and helped me with chemistry during my pre-med year. I will miss talking to her when frequently meeting her in Morton's until very recently. We always ended up laughing when we chatted about the past. She was a life long friend of all of our family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

My sincere condolences to all her family on the sad loss of Dervilla. Unfortunately I will be unable to be there today to celebrate the impact of such an inspirational person in the lives of all she touched. I am proud to have been one of her large group of PhD students. I also benefitted greatly from her determination to 'get us all out in three years'. Dervilla was the ultimate role model in fostering my interest in teaching and was responsible for encouraging my entry into academic life. Though we met only occasionally over the intervening years, her warmth, sharp wit and undiminished enthusiasm were always a breath of fresh air.
May she rest in peace.

I am so sorry that I cannot be there today to celebrate the life of a great woman and a great leader. Dervilla was a special person to all the ‘other’ Donnelly family and great friend to John and Aoibheann- we will all miss her, may she rest in peace. JP

Sincere sympathies to Dervilla’s family. She was a generous and encouraging teacher as well as a talented researcher. Notwithstanding her many accomplishments, I always remember her being very friendly and helpful. A great role model. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis

I am very sorry to learn of the recent passing of Dervilla. She was my Post Grad Supervisor at the Chemistry Department, College of Science 1956-1958. Our paths crossed in many academic and social settings over the years and it was always a pleasure to meet her. May she rest in peace.

Sincerest condolences to Dervilla’s family at this sad time. Dervilla’s strength, intelligence and wisdom were inspirational and it was a pleasure to have known her.

Having known Dervilla for mòre tha n 80 years ìt is vèry hard to aceptt that e has died. Sh was a loyal and cheerful çĺassmateAny visit to the RDS ďiningŕoom was always another occasion to renew old memories. God bless her!

I have many great memories, going back to my time as a student of her's at the College of Science (UCD). Sincere sympathy to her family. May she rest in Peace.

Condolences to the Donnelly family on the death of Prof. Donnelly.
She was a remarkable lady. Requiescat in pace.

My sincere condolences to Dervilla's extended family on her recent passing. I was privileged to have her as research director for my Ph.D.. She was always so understanding, kind, thoughtful and wonderful to work with. My her gentle soul rest in peace.

We were saddened to learn of Dervilla’s death. Our deepest sympathies to her family.
She had a remarkably successful career as a university teacher and researcher. Her achievements are widely recognised in Ireland and internationally.
She was a trailblazer for women in several respects , beginning with her Ph.D and followed by postdoctoral studies in the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in the early 1950s – an unusual path for an Irish woman at that time. She was the first woman President of the Royal Dublin Society
Her experience, her high level international contacts and her advice were invaluable to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in developing the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI).
Her influence and work extended beyond the world of scientific research . She chaired the Custom House Docks Development Authority, the mould -breaking National Education Convention, the Forum on Early Childhood Education and the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction. Her other memberships included the Irish Times Trust and Board of Directors , and the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board.
Those of us who were fortunate to know and work with Dervilla were privileged to benefit from her kindness, wisdom and generous friendship. She will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to John and the rest of the family on the passing of your aunt. She was an incredible lady and I only have the happiest memories of my time in 337, privileged as I was to have been one of her students
Thank you for the many kindnesses and patience you showed me during my stay Prof.

peter

Sincere condolences to the extended family of Professor Donnelly. We have lost a great Lady, Academic and a friend to many. Rest in peace Dervilla

Sincere condolences to the family of Dervilla. She was a very highly-regarded friend of my late parents, Liam and Marie. My brothers and I enjoy Dervilla's gift of bluebells every May in the garden of our family home. May she rest in peace after a life so well lived.

My deepest sympathy to Dervilla’s family at this sad time. I was honoured to be one of her PhD students. I will be always grateful for her help and guidance throughout my career.She will be greatly missed. May her generous soul rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to the extended Donnelly family on the death of Dervilla.
A scholar ,respected academic leader and a caring ,kind person.
Suaimhneas síoraí ar a hanam dílis .

I have so many happy memories of working with Dervilla at the RDS. She was a wonderful strategic thinker and always generous with her time and wisdom. She will be missed by all who knew her. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies to the family of Professor Donnelly. She was simply remarkable and her legacy and goodness to the staff of the Royal Dublin Society will remain long in our memories

As old friends of The Donnellly’s going back well many years The O’Rourke’s send on there sadness and love for the Passing of Dervilla May she rest in Peace love Neil and all The St Kevin’s O’Rourke’s.

Deepest sympathy to Dervilla’s family and friends. She was an excellent teacher in UCD Chemistry, a stimulating and innovative research supervisor, and a friendly and approachable presence. May she rest in peace. Peter Gunning

She was a lovely lady and greatly appreciated by those who had the luck to be students during her professorial years

Condolences to the extended Donnelly family on the death of Dervilla. Attending her lectures in UCD in the 1970’s it was clear she was a remarkable teacher, inspiring a love of chemistry and beyond. A wonderful lady. Ar Dheis De go raibh a hAnam Dilis

Sad to read of Dervilla's death. Such an able and helpful person. Deepest sympathy to all those around her. RIP.

Deepest sympathy to the family of Professor Donnelly as Chair of the Education Form in preparation for the 1998 Education Act she set the pace of reform for the good of the students in primary post primary and third level institutes May she rest in the peace of Christ the Teacher Condolences Fr Dan OConnor Declan Lawlor and staff Dublin Diocesan Education Secretariat

My Condolences to The Donnelly Family on their Sad Bereavement…..on the Death of Dervilla Donnelly…..A Most Gracious Lady…..who will be Fondly Remembered by all who knew her…..Ar Dheis De go raibh a hAnam Dilis.

My deepest sympathies to Dervilla's family. As one of her many Ph.D. students, I am forever indebted to her for generously sharing her scientific knowledge, for facilitating my lab work and for encouraging me to finish my thesis. We have lost a renowned scientist and a wonderful human being, but all who knew Dervilla are the richer for having had that privilege. May she rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to the family and extended family of Dervilla on her passing.
Dervilla had a most distinguished career as a scientist and as leader of many organisations who were fortunate enough to benefit from her many talents. She was a wonderful mentor and will be remembered for her many kindnesses and the affirmation she provided to many.
May Dervilla’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Dervilla was very close to my Dad John Donnelly. Our family have fond memories of her gregarious personality and great wit and of course high intelligence. A life well lived may she rest in peace.

Saddened to learn of the passing of Dervilla, RIP. Sincere condolences to
the extended Donnelly Family and to her wide circle of friends. She was a
A most constructive business colleague, an inspiring scientist and a lovely
person to meet over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
at this most difficult time

Condolences to family and friends. Dervilla will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Sincere Condolences

my sympathy to Dervillas family. she will be skrely missed in the world of science. She was a singularly great scientis and a greater human, alwys generous and jovial. A born leader and teacher. areal pioneer.

We would like to extend our condolences to Dervilla’s family on her death.She was a pioneering scientist who inspired so many. It was always a pleasure to meet Dervilla and enjoy her company . May she rest in peace.

We send our condolences to Dervilla’s family, friends and colleagues. She was a wonderful trailblazer for women in science and simply a wonderful human being. Ar dheis De go raibh si

Dervilla you were an amazing person always up for the chat and the cup of tea
May you rest in peace

Sincere condolences to Dervilla’s family and friends on this sad loss. Dervilla was a remarkable person, chemist and colleague, and has impacted positively on so many people and careers. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.