Atlantic Technical University recognises two outstanding Mayo alumni

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has recognised two outstanding Mayo alumni, Sara McFadden and Georgia MacMillan, whose careers reflect leadership, social impact and innovation across sport, sustainability and community development.

Sara McFadden, from Castlebar, a graduate of the Bachelor of Business in Sport with Business at ATU Sligo (2022), has received the President’s Alumni Award.

Now partnerships and operations coordinator with Vision Sports Ireland, Sara leads programmes and initiatives that expand access to sport and physical activity for people who are blind or vision impaired. A standout achievement includes her role in partnering with the IRFU to establish Vision Impaired Rugby nationwide. Sara is also the first person with a vision impairment to compete in Irish motorsport and a recipient of the J.C. Millard Irish Clubman of the Year Award. In 2025, she was named on the Sport for Business PwC 30 Under 30 list.

Receiving her award, Sara said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award from ATU. Graduating in 2022 with a BBS in Sport with Business from ATU Sligo was a proud milestone for me, and my time at ATU played a hugely important role in shaping my confidence to pursue a career within the sports sector.

“My 12-week placement with Vision Sports Ireland proved to be the defining experience, and I’ve been fortunate to continue my journey there through to my current role as partnerships and operations coordinator. I have the privilege of working with a fantastic team to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired through creating sport and physical activity opportunities throughout the country.

“I would encourage current students to grab every opportunity that comes your way with both hands no matter how big or small, as often the most unexpected doors that open can lead to the most amazing places that help you form your own path.”

Georgia MacMillan, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education at ATU Mayo (2015), has received the Alumni Award in Design, Education and Social Science. Georgia is internationally recognised for her work in dark sky conservation and was instrumental in securing Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park status for Mayo Dark Sky Park at Wild Nephin National Park.

Her work has supported the development of dark sky tourism, education initiatives and regenerative tourism policy. She is a co‑founder of Terra Firma Ireland and is currently completing a PhD scholarship from Research Ireland focused on dark skies and regenerative tourism.

Reacting to her award, Georgia said: “Completing my undergrad in Outdoor Education at ATU Mayo was the best thing that I ever did, and receiving the Alumni Award is an honour that has not yet sunk in. The quality of lecturers and support for students at the Mayo campus punches well above its weight.

“To me, this award shows how small ideas can be powerful – we don't always need to be chasing industry or business to make an impact. Social innovation needs fostering and ATU Mayo does that really well with concepts like Meitheal and the Mayo Rising network, supporting rural Ireland to lead on grassroot initiatives that have a ripple effect elsewhere.”

The ATU Alumni Awards, now in their second year, celebrate graduates of ATU and its predecessor institutions whose achievements demonstrate leadership, service, creativity and a strong commitment to community and public life.

This year’s recipients include an author, entrepreneur, journalist, technologist, environmental advocate, business and hospitality leader, healthcare governance expert and sport inclusion champion, whose work spans local, national and international arenas.

The 2026 ATU Alumni Award recipients are: Caragh Maxwell, Sligo-based writer and author – Emerging Alumnus Award; Fergus Grimes from Meath, entrepreneur and founder of the popular Score Beo app – Emerging Alumnus Award; Caroline Faulkner from Donegal town, leadership and performance coach and former Fortune 50 executive – Alumni Award in Business; Michael Vaughan, Lahinch hotelier and former President of the Irish Hotels Federation – Alumni Award in Business; Joe Dunleavy, European CTO and global AI leader at Endava – Alumni Award in Engineering and Computing (Sligo graduate, now based in Letterkenny); Georgia MacMillan, environmental advocate and dark sky conservation specialist based in Mayo – Alumni Award in Design, Education and Social Science; Michael Lally, Galway broadcaster and journalist – Alumni Award in Design, Education and Social Science; Patrick Keady, former NHS director and healthcare governance leader – Alumni Award in Science and Health (from Caherlistrane, Galway); Sara McFadden, sport inclusion leader and partnerships coordinator at Vision Sports Ireland – President’s Alumni Award (Sligo graduate).

All recipients are graduates of ATU and its predecessor institutions.

Announcing the recipients, ATU president Dr. Orla Flynn said: “ATU’s Alumni Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduates and the many ways they contribute to society, both locally and globally. These awards recognise not only professional success, but leadership, creativity, service and a strong connection to place and community.

“The alumni acknowledged embody the values of Atlantic Technological University – ambition, innovation, resilience and social responsibility. We are proud to recognise them and to share their stories with our students and wider communities across the region.”

The Alumni Awards were presented to the recipients during ATU’s Spring Conferring Ceremonies, held across the university’s campuses this past week. Over 500 people were conferred over the three days, including 13 PhDs.