Legendary Wexford manager Liam Griffin receives SETU honorary doctorate – ‘It’s a very proud moment for me’

It was a combination of his sporting and business successes that saw him awarded an honorary doctorate by the South East Technological University (SETU) at a special ceremony at their Carlow campus.

Liam celebrated the achievement with family and friends, including his sons and grandchildren who were in attendance at the special ceremony. On receiving the award he remarked, "I am thrilled to accept an honorary doctorate from SETU. This is a very proud moment for me and to share it with my family makes it even better.

"I am delighted to receive an award from the region's first technological university," Liam continued. "It is an achievement that I'm sure my late parents would have enjoyed also. I would like to thank SETU, and Prof. Veronica Campbell and team, on what is a very special occasion for me and my family."

Liam's exceptional achievement in developing and growing a business to the level and scale of the Griffin Hotel Group demonstrates his innate entrepreneurial sensibilities. The multi-million euro company with three flagship hotels – Monart Destination Spa, Ferrycarrig Hotel and Hotel Kilkenny – is a major contributor of employment in the southeast region.

Liam's career in the hotel industry began at an early age, his parents Michael and Jenny owning and running The Pier Hotel in Rosslare Harbour. As a young man, Liam studied hotel management and worked for over a decade in hotels across Europe, the UK and Ireland.

The experience eventually led him home, where in 1976 he eventually purchased his parents' hotel and expanded the business into what is now the Griffin Hotel Group.

Speaking at the conferring, SETU President Prof Veronica Campbell said: "SETU's honorary doctorate awards recognise the exceptional contribution of individuals to shaping our society and positively impacting on people's lives both regionally and nationally. I am delighted to award this honorary doctorate to Liam Griffin, who has exemplified these ideals throughout his career, both in business and in sport.

Prof. Campbell continued, "Liam's contribution to the economic strength of the south east region, coupled with his strong sense of community spirit and support, particularly during his outstanding GAA managerial career, aligns hugely with SETU's own goals of regional growth and community development. Congratulations to you, Liam, on your achievements."

In 2009, Liam was included in a list of the 125 most influential people in GAA history – perhaps an indication of his impact on the sport. Ten years later, in 2019, he was inducted into the Hurling Hall of Fame by the Gaelic Writers Association, as well as receiving a Seana Ghael award in 2021.

In Wexford, where the feats of '96 are still spoken of on a daily basis and his businesses continue to play a big part in daily life, Liam's legacy is certainly secure and few would argue that it was anything but a fitting tribute to see him conferred with his honorary doctorate at SETU.