NIALL TOÍBÍN showed he has lost none of his mordant wit when asked how did he feel at being awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the National University of Ireland (NUI).
“If you had asked me at any time in the last 70 or 80 years or whatever I am, who would be the least likely candidate for a doctorate in UCC, I would have said me. Of course, if I had gone to college, I would have said I,” quipped the Cork-born actor, comedian and mimic. “But I am very chuffed.”
Toíbín (80) was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for a lifetime of acting marked by performances on stage, film and TV.
Also honoured by the NUI yesterday was Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice Francis Murphy, who chaired the Ferns inquiry into clerical sexual abuse in Wexford and who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.
Cork-born trombonist Bobby Lamb (79) who worked with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music.