Conservationist and natural historian Mr Patrick J. Smiddy has received an honorary degree from University College Cork for an "outstanding contribution to Irish society".
Mr Smiddy, a former cabinet maker, was awarded a Masters of Science degree for his range of publications on plants, whales, bats, voles and badgers. UCC also awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree to accountant Mr Harold Johnson, a former chairman of Cork Opera House and long-standing supporter of the arts.