Mickey Whelan, who played a central role in the management team behind Dublin’s All-Ireland win last September, was yesterday awarded a PhD from Dublin City University and received the first Darren Sutherland memorial award.
Dr Whelan studied for his doctorate at the college’s school of health and human performance. He was a “true inspiration” to students and had helped establish a degree in physical education, head of school Dr Catherine Woods said.
In a separate ceremony he received an award in memory of the late Darren Sutherland who studied in the university’s sports science and health degree programme. The Olympic medal-winning boxer died in 2009 aged 27.
“Darren was an unforgettable student. His desire to understand, his curiosity, attention to detail and determination to make a success of his time in DCU were inspirational both to staff and fellow students,” head of the school of health and human performance, Dr Giles Warrington said.