Ornithologist Seán Ronayne among University College Cork alumni honorees

Cork ornithologist and wildlife sound-recordist Seán Ronayne was among those honoured at the University College Cork (UCC) Alumni Achievement Awards.

Mr Ronayne, best known for recording the vocalisations of all of Ireland’s approximately 200 bird species, graduated from UCC in 2009 with a bachelor in zoology and later returned to complete master’s degrees in marine biology and ecological assessment.

This work informed the multi-award-winning documentary Birdsong, and his debut book, Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging, won the Dubray Biography of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.

Mr Ronayne said: “Immersing myself in the sounds of nature is the most beautiful thing I could ever do. To be recognised with an Alumni Achievement Award for turning my passion in to my life’s work makes it even more special. I’m grateful for the role my time at UCC played in that journey.”

Seven other alumni were also honoured with an Alumni Achievement Award, including Dr Saranna Fanning, assistant professor in neurology at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital; renowned Irish rally driver Billy Coleman; and Ruth Cotter, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc’s senior vice-president and chief administrative officer.

Others include organist and carillonneur Chevalier Adrian Gebruers; Sharon Cunningham, CEO and co-founder of Shorla Oncology; consultant in geriatric and stroke medicine Professor Rónán Collins; and Sarah O’Keeffe, group vice-president and senior vice-president of product research and development at Eli Lilly and Company.

President of UCC John O’Halloran said: “I am delighted to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our awardees. Each awardee brings immense pride to the university, embodying our values and demonstrating our global impact.”

Since 1998, the university has honoured 133 graduates at the annual Alumni Achievement Awards.