John Bruton’s Legacy Honoured with New Leadership Award at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth
Finola Bruton presenting Dermot McCarthy with the inaugural John Bruton Award for Leadership in Faith and Public Life at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
Friday, 13th March 2026: St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, together with the family of the late John Bruton, are pleased to announce the establishment of The John Bruton Award for Leadership in Faith and Public Life. The annual award recognises a person who has demonstrated moral courage, integrity, and a lived commitment to Catholic values in public or professional life.
The inaugural award was presented to Mr Dermot McCarthy on what was St Patrick’s College’s Patron’s Day on 12th March 2026. Mr McCarthy, is a former Secretary General to the Government and Secretary General to the Department of An Taoiseach. He is recognised for a lifetime of leadership marked by integrity, moral courage and a deep commitment to faith in public and professional life.
John Bruton served as Taoiseach from 1994 – 97 and was cited as a devout Catholic and statesman of moral conviction. The award affirms the role of informed Catholic voices in shaping society and reflects St Patrick’s College’s mission of forming Christian leaders for the world.
The Award has been established by the St Patrick’s College with the agreement and support of the Bruton family, to honour John Bruton’s legacy and to affirm the importance of faithful leadership in shaping society.
The Award also underpins St Patrick’s College’s role in society in providing leadership through people of faith, both lay and ordained as evidenced by the work of the College’s Centre for Mission and Ministries.
Mrs Finola Bruton, wife of the late John, presented the award to Dermot on the night.
Speaking at the presentation of the award, Fr Tomás Surlis, Rector of St Patrick’s National Seminary, said: “St Patrick’s College is delighted and honoured to inaugurate this prestigious award in memory of a man of faith-filled conviction and to recognise the importance of the contribution made by committed Catholics to the development of Irish society and culture. Dermot McCarthy is a most worthy recipient of the inaugural award given the enormously positive impact he has had on Irish society through political and civil service and on the local church through his ministry as a permanent deacon.”
Ahead of the Award presentation, Mrs Finola Bruton said: “Our family is truly touched that St Patrick’s College has chosen to honour John’s life and values through this Award. John’s faith was central to who he was, it shaped his sense of purpose, his commitment to public service, and his belief in the dignity of every person. He sought to live out Catholic social teaching in practical ways, through integrity, compassion, and a deep concern for the common good.
“To see those values carried forward in this way means more to us than we can easily express. We are especially pleased that the first recipient is Dermot McCarthy, whose integrity, generosity of spirit, and commitment to public life reflect so much of what John stood for. It feels entirely fitting. We are very grateful to the College for this thoughtful and meaningful tribute, and we warmly congratulate Dermot on this well-deserved recognition”, she added.
Dermot McCarthy with his family and Archbishops Dermot Farrell and Diarmuid Martin.
L-R: Rev Dr Michael Shortall, President St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Finola Bruton, Dermot McCarthy and Rev Dr Tomás Surlis, Rector, St Patrick’s National Seminary, Maynooth.
Vespers in the College Chapel before the presentation.