Honorary degrees have been conferred on the British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and the international rugby player Mr Mick Galwey by the University of Dublin (Trinity College).
Mr Moore has been hosting the BBC television programme The Sky at Night for the last 45 years and is responsible for greatly raising the profile of astronomy in Britain. He became a national figure there after commentating on the first moon landing in 1969. He received a doctorate in science.
Mr Galwey is one of Ireland's most celebrated rugby players. Capped for his country more than 40 times, his original passion was for Gaelic football in his native Kerry. A biography of the player, written by journalist Charlie Mulqueen, has recently been published.
Also receiving an honorary degree yesterday was Ms Imogen Stuart, a sculptor who has lived for many years in Dublin. Her career stretches over 50 years, and many of her sculptures are heavily influenced by early Christian art.
The scientist Prof John Goodby was awarded a doctorate in science. He is a scientist of world renown in the area of advanced materials. He is professor of organic chemistry at the University of Hull and a Fellow of the Royal Chemical Society. Also honoured was Dr Onora O'Neill, a distinguished philosopher who is widely recognised for her work on the nature of justice.