Alumni Awards Recipients

Below are the past recipients of the ATU Alumni Awards whose outstanding achievements and contributions exemplify the values and excellence of our alumni community. Their remarkable journeys reflect the impact and influence of ATU alumni across diverse fields and sectors.

Breege Conroy Walsh

Founder & Managing Director, BWC MedTech Consulting

Alumni Award in Science and Health

Breege is the founder and managing director of BWC MedTech Consulting, specialising in transforming quality management systems and operational processes for medical device and technology companies. She advises Life Sciences organisations and contributes to ATU’s Strategic Development subcommittee.

With over 30 years’ experience globally, Breege’s expertise spans product transfers, M&A integrations, supplier optimisation, and implementing digitalisation and Industry 4.0 programmes. Previously, she was VP of Global Quality Engineering and Services at Medtronic Inc., leading teams across Europe, the US, and Asia. Breege is passionate about organisational transformation, leveraging strategy, vision, and people engagement to drive results. She is active in MDIC, AdvaMed, and the FDA’s CfQ.

Dr Shane Loughlin

Founder and President, ESE Academy

Alumni Award in Engineering & Computing

Shane is a pioneering engineer and mentor driving Industry 5.0 in the life sciences sector. Founder of the ESE Academy, he helps engineers develop AI-ready, modular, and scalable equipment solutions for next-generation therapies, including personalised oncology, cardiac care, and biofabricated organs.

With over three decades of experience in automation and systems integration, Shane collaborates globally with corporations, startups, and academia. He developed the Industry 4.0 Equipment Procurement Process (I4.0-EPP) and DiVOM/OSE models, now part of CPD and postgraduate programmes in Ireland.

As an adjunct university Professor, Shane empowers engineers through mentorship, Creative Commons licensing, and digital credentials, promoting safer, smarter, and sustainable systems.

Enda Mc Guane

Head of Asset Management, Land Development Agency

Alumni Award in Business

Enda leads the Cost Rental portfolio and strategic management of LDA’s expanding land, sites, and estates portfolio. A former army officer, he has vast experience across public and private sectors as a senior manager and Chartered Surveyor.

Enda is a dual-status Chartered Surveyor, a RICS Red Book valuer, and the immediate Past President of SCSI. He serves on the SCSI Board, ULI Ireland Council, and the Housing Investment Advisory Hub in the Czech Republic.

Enda has contributed to multiple industry and community boards, including COPE Homeless Services and Co-Operative Housing Ireland. A native of Clare and former inter-county footballer, he is also an active underage GAA coach with Kilmacud Crokes.

Lauren Cadden

Record-Breaking Irish Sprinter and Irish Olympian 2024

President’s Alumni Award

Lauren earned a sports scholarship at ATU, studying Health Science and Physical Activity while excelling in athletics. She broke the Irish Juvenile 200m record in 2018, won her first senior 200m title in 2022, and in 2024 broke the 400m record at the Irish Universities Championships.

She debuted internationally at the World Athletics Relays, helping Ireland’s 4x400m relay team qualify for Paris 2024, and won silver at the 2024 European Athletics Championships.

Lauren made her individual senior debut at the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships. A dedicated member of Sligo Athletics Club, she continues to inspire the next generation of Irish athletes with her drive and achievements.

Lisa Lynch

Senior Manager R&D, Boston Scientific

Alumni Award in Science & Health

Lisa leads a 20-person R&D team at Boston Scientific, collaborating with global cardiologists on 3D printing, heart valve case support, and physician education.

Committed to DE&I, she co-founded the award-winning Migrant Collective Galway and has moderated International Women’s Day events while contributing to industry discussions on women in STEM.

Lisa serves on the ATU chemistry interview board and advises on course development. Her accolades include the Boston Scientific Global Excellence Award and the Galway Mayor Awards for Community Services and Social Inclusion.

Through her professional work and volunteer initiatives, Lisa drives innovation, patient care, and positive social impact.

Pat McArt

Journalist, Author, Former Editor Derry Journal

Alumni Award in Design, Education & Social Sciences

Pat McArt significantly shaped Northern Irish media as editor of the Derry Journal for over two decades, navigating the newspaper through the Troubles while maintaining journalistic integrity.

He advised leaders including Martin McGuinness and John Hume, doubled the Journal’s circulation, and helped acquire the Donegal Democrat and Donegal People’s Press.

Since retiring in 2006, Pat continues contributing through columns, podcasts, and his 2023 memoir, War, Peace, and the Derry Journal.

His career is celebrated for dedication to free press, integrity, and impactful storytelling, earning him a civic reception at the Guildhall in Derry in 2023.