UCC names honorary degree recipients

An accessibility activist, city-centre brothers feted for writing and broadcasting, and a renowned singer known affectionately as An Pocar, are among those to receive honorary UCC doctorates.

With more than 5,000 people due to graduate from UCC this autumn, the university will also confer honorary doctorates on eight people who have made significant contributions to Irish and global society. 

The honorary degrees, among the highest honours bestowed by the university, will recognise their work across the fields of public service, culture, education, music, literature, and science.

The first of this year’s recipients of an honorary degree at UCC was former tánaiste Simon Coveney, who was conferred a doctorate of law on Thursday.

The other recipients

The remaining seven recipients of honorary degrees at UCC this year include:

Sinéad Burke, educator, activist, and founder of Tilting the Lens, who will be honoured for her global advocacy on accessibility, design, and inclusion.

Broadcaster, writer, and Devonshire St native John Creedon will be celebrated for his contribution to Irish culture, heritage, and storytelling.

His playwright brother Cónal Creedon will be recognised for his acclaimed and award-winning literary works exploring Cork life and identity.

Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, poet, scholar, editor, Saoi of Aosdána and former Ireland Professor of Poetry, is to be honoured for her outstanding contribution to Irish letters.

Ballylickey native Seán Ó Sé, traditional singer and cultural ambassador, will be recognised for his lifelong contribution to Irish music and heritage.

Internationally renowned neuroscientist professor Carmen Sandi will be acknowledged for her pioneering research into the biological foundations of behaviour and stress.

Also honoured by the university with an honorary degree will be Paul Kelleher, adjunct professor within the college of science, engineering and food science at UCC and a leading figure who has helped shaped Ireland’s electronic industry.