This year, as the Council of Europe commemorates its 75th anniversary, Maynooth University is proud to celebrate Ireland’s longstanding role as a founding member. As part of the anniversary observance, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs invited educational institutions to host an internal essay competition, with winners earning a unique learning experience: a three-day trip exploring the work of the Council of Europe in both Dublin and Strasbourg.
The School of Law and Criminology is thrilled to announce that MU students Sophie Fitzpatrick and Rhys Reynolds were among the winners of this prestigious opportunity. The students travelled to Dublin and Strasbourg in November 2024 for a fully funded, immersive program designed to provide hands-on insights into the Council’s work in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The program began with a pre-departure briefing at the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Dublin. Here, students engaged with high-level officials, including Maeve Von Heynitz, Director General of the EU Division; Barra Lysaght, Assistant Legal Advisor on the European Convention on Human Rights; Breifne O’Reilly, former Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Council of Europe; and Jackie O’Halloran, Director of the Human Rights Unit. Discussions covered the Council’s significant initiatives and the challenges it addresses within Europe and globally.
Following their day in Dublin, the students journeyed to the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, where they experienced the Council’s operations firsthand. Over three days, they met leading officials such as Nicolaos Sitaropoulos, Head of Division of the Venice Commission; Matjaž Gruden, Director of Democratic Participation; and Caitríona Doyle, Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. Highlights of the program included attending the WFD Plenary Session on “From Populism to Authoritarianism” and a tour and talk at the European Court of Human Rights.
The opportunity offered unparalleled insights into the significant role of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. By engaging directly with professionals and other students from across Ireland, Sophie and Rhys gained invaluable experience and developed connections that will benefit their academic and professional futures. As Sophie reflected, "Everyone we met was willing to answer our questions, making the experience even more impactful."
The School of Law and Criminology extends its gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs for organizing this exceptional educational experience, underscoring Ireland's and the University’s shared commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of European values among the next generation.