Fact File

Education:

1953-9 Convent of Mercy, Ballymahon, Co Longford. 1966: graduated UCD (night degree). 1969: TCD (HDip). 1975: Master's in Education (TCD). 1979: PhD (TCD).

Family:

married Bill, who died in 1996. Three daughters - a geneticist, a barrister and a diplomat. One grandson.

Passion:

music

Holidays:

walking in Europe. Weekends in San Francisco visiting grandchild.