At a ceremony in the RDS yesterday honorary life membership of the Royal Dublin Society was conferred on three men who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields. They are Mr Ronnie Delany, Dr Donal Nevin and William Brendan, 7th Earl of Rosse.
The president of the RDS, Col Bill Ringrose, making the presentations, said the RDS acknowledged the great personal dedication which the three had brought to their areas of experience and their contribution to Irish life in general.
Mr Delany, according to his citation, received the award for his achievements in athletics with the resultant morale boost to the State, and his subsequent contribution to travel and tourism.
Dr Nevin, governor of The Irish Times Trust and former general secretary of the ICTU, was, according to his citation, chosen for his significant part in the development of the Irish trade union movement and his commitment to equity in employment in Ireland.
William Brendan, 7th Earl of Rosse, according to his citation, was awarded his honorary life membership for his contribution to science and heritage in Ireland.
After 20 years of foreign service with the UN, he set about restoring the Birr Castle estate and its amenities.