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Laurence Crowley awarded Honorary CBE

Date: 10 Jul 2009

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is pleased to announce that Laurence Crowley (Founding Executive Chairman of UCD Smurfit School) has been awarded an Honorary CBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to UK-Irish relations.

Laurence Crowley was educated at Belvedere College and University College Dublin.  He qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became a partner in what is now known as KPMG.  He is the founding Executive Chairman of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, co-founder of the North South Round Table Group and former Governor of the Bank of Ireland.   Currently he is Chairman of Gaisce – The President’s Award, Ecocem Ltd., The Middletown Centre for Autism, the Gate Theatre, and Realex Payments.

Pictured above: Laurence Crowley

British Ambassador David Reddaway said: "Laurence Crowley has a been a tireless bridge-builder between communities North and South over many years. By bringing together business people and politicians from both sides of the border through the North South Round Table Group, which he co-founded, he has helped transform the relationship between Ireland and Northern Ireland.  His commitment to community development projects in some of Northern Ireland's most disadvantaged  areas has played an important role in reducing tensions and promoting peace and reconciliation. Laurence's contribution to  developing links between Gaisce - The President's Award and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme has also enriched the UK-Ireland relationship.   I am therefore delighted that his contribution has been recognised in this way." 

In response to the honorary award, Laurence Crowley said: "I am honoured to have been given this award by Her Majesty the Queen.  I strongly believe in the importance of real co-operation between this country and our nearest neighbours, and in mutual respect between the communities on this island.  It has been a great privilege for me in these endeavours to work under the inspiring leadership of President McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese."