The 6^th annual Irish Accountancy Awards took place this week, with Chartered Accountants Ireland,a professional partner to the awards, which recognise excellence in the accountancy profession in Ireland. Institute President Paul Henry had the pleasure of awarding Dr Margaret Downes with the “Outstanding contribution to accountancy” award for 2020. Introducing the award, Mr Henry noted its recipient demonstrates a sustained commitment to the advancement of our profession over many years. The award acknowledges the outstanding abilities of the individual in their own right, but also the devotion that they have shown to their peers and their industry.

Mr Henry described Dr Downes as a woman of firsts. She was among the first ten women to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in Ireland in 1956 and the first woman President of the Institute among many other achievements. The Institute congratulates Dr Downes on this significant honour.