When Clíona Murphy and her husband Eoin returned to Ireland after years working across Asia, they came home with more than experience, they came back with perspective. At Trinity’s 10-year celebration of the Centre for Asian Studies, ambassadors chatted with students and faculty, tangible proof of the connections their support helped make possible. That perspective would soon translate into a decade-long commitment to philanthropic giving that’s shaping global understanding and opportunity. 

In this conversation with Philanthropy Ireland, Clíona shares how their journey led to a committed giving journey with Trinity College Dublin, specifically the Trinity Centre for Asian Studies (TCAS), their strategic approach to giving, and how values are at the heart of making real impact. For Clíona, the test of any gift was simple: could it build something meaningful that she might witness and help shape in her lifetime?

What sparked your philanthropic journey with Eion? 

We’d been living abroad for years; our last seven years abroad were in in China and Thailand. When we returned to Ireland, we really understood just how important it is for Ireland to look East, not just West. Asia is vast, complex, and full of opportunity, culturally, diplomatically, and economically and we really wanted to see Ireland engage more meaningfully with the region. We wanted to turn that conviction into something practical we could see grow in our lifetime.

That led us to conversations with Trinity College Dublin about the idea of an independent centre for Asian studies. We were passionate about seeing something truly autonomous, a centre that could support independent academic work on Asia. 

When we saw there was a path, with other donors also enabling things like a professorship, we said yes, we’re in. We committed to sponsoring a couple of students from the first cohort. It really came together at the right time, but also because we were ready to give back. We didn’t want to wait 30 years and leave a legacy gift, we had the means to give meaningfully now, and that was important to us. 

How important was it to have a voice in shaping the initiative? 

It mattered, but not in a hands-on way. We weren’t concerned about selecting students or choosing programs, it was more about making sure the overall philosophy aligned with our values. We wanted to support something with the potential for real impact, something meaningful.  

We’ve never been prescriptive; we’ve always focused on whether the institution or program reflects a vision we believe in. That’s the level of engagement we’re most interested in. 

What kind of impact have you seen? 

I think the 10-year anniversary of TCAS was a real moment for us. Sitting in a room filled with ambassadors, students, and staff, it was incredible to reflect on how far the centre had come. There was such energy. We could look around and say: we helped make this happen. 

You don’t necessarily think about impact year to year, but that kind of long-term view gives you perspective, sustained commitment pays off in ways that one-off giving just can’t. It’s the difference between charity and strategic philanthropy. 

We’ve also met students along the way, and each time we do, we come away with a sense of hope. These are passionate, talented people doing meaningful work and you really feel you’re enabling something positive. 

And beyond TCAS? You’ve also supported TAP and the Trinity Annual Fund? 

Yes, particularly TAP, the Trinity Access Programme, because we believe deeply in making education accessible and we know from our professional lives that diversity in universities drives innovation, so that was important to us. What stood out to us about TAP in particular was their holistic approach, especially the way they invest in teachers, helping them understand the pathways to university so they can better support their students. 

For myself and Eoin, it wasn’t just about scholarships, it was about that long term systemic impact. Again, that idea of meaningful change aligned with our values. 

Looking back, what would you say to someone just starting out in philanthropy? 

Three things. First, ask yourself: what are you passionate about? It’s hard to give well if you’re not engaged emotionally. Second, do you want to make a difference? And third, why wait? 

You can make a difference now. You don’t have to wait until the end of your life to see the impact. Legacy giving is wonderful, but you’re not around to experience the results. Strategic philanthropy lets you witness change and help shape it. 

Practically, we build our giving into our annual budget. We have a set amount for charitable giving, for things that might come up throughout the year that we want to contribute to and a set amount for strategic philanthropy, and each year we ask ourselves in regard to our  philanthropic giving commitments: does this still align with our values? Is it still meaningful? And do we want to stick with this? 

Also be patient. Don’t expect instant results. You may not see impact in year one but give it time. Donate, and review after a few years. Let things take root before you evaluate them. 

You’ve also joined the board of the Irish Red Cross. What inspired that step? 

Yes, that’s a newer chapter for me. It’s an extraordinary organisation doing both domestic and international work and I was delighted to join the board. That’s another part of philanthropy people don’t always consider. Some people have time, some have funds, some have both. You can tailor your giving to your life stage. When we were younger, we didn’t have as much time. Now we do, and it’s rewarding to give that as well. So, if people are younger with busy lives but have the means to give, they can give funds without having to be so hands on and then later in life, perhaps when they have more time, they can become involved in other ways too if they wish.  

How do you think philanthropy complements the roles of government and business? 

Thats a good question. Philanthropy fills a different space. Businesses often look for ROI and brand visibility and Governments are shaped by voter sentiment. Philanthropy can act from a place of passion and vision, without those constraints. 

At its best, philanthropy creates the freedom to build things that don’t fit neatly into government or commercial boxes. For example, the independence of TCAS — that’s been its strength, and it’s made possible by philanthropic support. 

And what’s next for TCAS? 

Our hope is that it grows into a world-class centre, on par with SOAS in London or other global institutions. It’s already a strong centre. With time, continued support, and the right vision, I think it could be in the top five globally. 

And I’d love to one day see one of its graduates become Ireland’s ambassador to Japan or South Korea. That would be full circle. 

5 key takeaways for readers from the interview with Clíona Murphy: 

1. Give While You Can. Not Just When You’re Gone 

Clíona and Eion chose to give during their lifetime rather than waiting to leave a legacy gift. Their approach shows the unique power of living philanthropy: the ability to see the direct impact of your giving and stay involved in shaping it. 

2. Align Giving with Passion, Not Just Obligation 

Successful strategic philanthropy starts with personal alignment. Clíona emphasised that passion and values, not just wealth, should drive where and how you give. That’s what sustains long-term impact. 

3. Strategic Giving Builds Long-Term Change 

Unlike one-off donations, sustained philanthropy like Clíona’s involvement in TCAS can shape institutions, influence national dialogue, and build knowledge ecosystems that endure. 

4. Philanthropy Complements and Challenges Government and Business 

Philanthropy fills a unique space. It isn’t shaped by election cycles or profit margins. It offers freedom to take risks, invest in vision, and support independent institutions like TCAS that government or business might overlook. 

5. Impact Can Be Measured in More Than Money 

Clíona’s story also reflects the power of giving time, expertise, and voice. Whether it’s serving on the Irish Red Cross board or mentoring initiatives, philanthropy can and should evolve with your capacity at each stage of life. 

— Kate Bond, Chief Advancement Officer, Trinity Development & Alumni