Dr Susan McKay, a writer and commentator from Drumahoe, has received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Queen’s University Belfast.

The award was conferred during a summer graduation ceremony at Whitla Hall on Tuesday, recognising her distinction in arts and journalism.

McKay, who was appointed the Republic of Ireland’s first female Press Ombudsperson in 2022, co-founded the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre in the 1980s.

In a statement, she reflected on how she had started a doctorate in literature in 1981 but did not complete it, choosing instead to focus on setting up the crisis centre during Belfast’s turbulent political climate.

She noted that her daughter later completed a Master’s degree at Queen’s, and she expressed pride in joining the university community.

The university named 11 honorary graduates this summer for contributions across community, business, public service, science, innovation, and engineering.