University College Cork is to honour some of Ireland’s greatest sportspeople, including Munster rugby international Ronan O’Gara, former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United soccer player Denis Irwin and Kilkenny hurling team manager Brian Cody. They will receive honorary doctorates at a ceremonial event on September 7th.
Horse trainer Aidan O’Brien will also receive an honorary doctorate, as will Mary O’Connor for her achievements as a camogie and Gaelic football player. She has gained seven All-Ireland camogie medals and five All-Ireland football medals.
O’Gara has captained Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.
In Irwin’s professional career, he was capped 56 times and won seven English Premier League medals, a Uefa Champions League medal and three FA Cup medals.
UCC president Michael Murphy said sporting success had been at the heart of the college since the Mardyke lands were bought more than 100 years ago.
“As part of our centenary celebrations, we wanted to pay tribute to sportspeople that have created a sporting legacy for Ireland, and whose drive and dedication reflect our commitment to sport at UCC.”