Statement from Social Justice Ireland on the passing of Sr Brigid Reynolds

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Sr Brigid Reynolds, co-founder and former joint CEO of Social Justice Ireland.

Sr Brigid’s life and work serve as an example of dedicated commitment to human dignity, social justice and the common good. Brigid’s steadfast advocacy combined academic expertise and moral conviction. 

Together with Dr Seán Healy SMA, Brigid co-founded Social Justice Ireland in 2009, which they led until their retirement in 2023. Brigid continued to give generously of her time as a member of Social Justice Ireland’s Board of Trustees, contributing her enormous experience and expertise.

John McGeady, CEO of Social Justice Ireland, paid tribute saying, “Brigid made an indelible mark on social justice advocacy in Ireland. Guided by a vision of society in which each person’s dignity is honoured, Brigid was dedicated to addressing inequality, poverty, and social exclusion. As co-founder, joint CEO and Board member, she greatly contributed to the work of Social Justice Ireland for many years, guiding the organisation with her long experience, insightful judgement and commitment to the values of social justice and human rights. It is a sad day for Social Justice Ireland and those of us who were privileged to work with Brigid. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Brigid’s sister, brothers, nieces and nephews, and to the Marist Sisters.” 

Professor Tony Fahey, Chairperson of the Board of Social Justice Ireland, acknowledged Sr Brigid’s contribution, saying, “Brigid Reynolds was a leading member of that generation of men and women in the religious life in Ireland who, in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council, brought a new energy, vision and range to the traditional Christian commitment to service of the poor and afflicted. She combined the spirituality of a religious vocation with the warmth of a deep human sympathy and the energy, skill and practicality of a tireless social campaigner. The goal of her advocacy was to bend the arc of history towards justice, especially in social policy and social services in Ireland. The traces of her impact in those fields are many and lasting. Ireland in her time was a better place because of her presence in it.”

Sr Brigid’s funeral will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Details will be available in due course on RIP.ie.

Born and raised on a farm near Mohill, Co. Leitrim, Brigid was educated with the Marist Sisters in Carrick-on-Shannon and graduated with a science degree from University College Dublin. Brigid entered the Marist Sisters Religious Order and was assigned to Kaduna in the north of Nigeria. She spent two years lecturing in a Teacher Training College. It was there she began her lifework of social justice advocacy, serving as secretary to an Episcopal Commission to tackle poverty and promote social inclusion, and as spiritual director for women’s organisations in the north of Nigeria.

On her return to Ireland in 1980, Brigid spent one year teaching science in a secondary school in Dublin, before being recruited by The Conference of Major Religious Superiors, subsequently renamed the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI). In 1983, she was joined in CORI by Seán Healy, and for the next 25 years they spearheaded CORI’s Justice Commission which advocated for social justice through education, policy analysis and development, engaging with government and civil society, and promoting, advocating and commenting on social justice issues.

In 2009, together with Seán Healy, she co-founded Social Justice Ireland, a secular organisation with an independent Board, that focuses on promoting social justice, sustainable development, and equitable economic policies. Brigid’s vision, commitment and dedication were central to the success of Social Justice Ireland as an independent advocacy organisation. As joint CEO and Company Secretary of Social Justice Ireland, she developed its staff resources and the range and depth of the organisation’s output. 

In association with Seán Healy, Brigid engaged with Government and civil society, prepared an annual critique of the national Budget, hosted an annual Social Policy Conference and edited the conference papers for 35 years, and published an annual Socioeconomic Review (delivering 37 annual editions). Brigid was closely involved in devising and implementing an MA degree programme in Social Justice and Public Policy, which is now delivered in conjunction with South east Technological University, and over many years she conducted a large number of seminars and workshops on matters related to social justice. Brigid’s contribution to the literature on public policy in Ireland was substantial, having co-authored or co-edited over forty books on public policy or on spirituality for social engagement. 

In 2023, Brigid retired as joint CEO and Company Secretary of Social Justice Ireland.

Brigid was honoured by then President Michael D Higgins, who delivered the keynote address at a policy conference organised by Social Justice Ireland to mark Brigid and Seán's retirement.

Brigid was awarded an honorary doctorate from South East Technological University (SETU) in 2024. Brigid was chosen as a recipient in recognition of her lifelong dedication to social justice and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

The Board and staff of Social Justice Ireland extend our heartfelt sympathies to Brigid’s brothers, sister, nieces and nephews, and to all the Marist Sisters, particularly the Marist community in Dublin where Brigid lived.