Celebrating Outstanding Alumni Achievement

The UCC Alumni Achievement Awards celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of graduates who have made exceptional contributions to their professions, communities, and society. As one of the university's highest honours, these awards recognise alumni who demonstrate leadership, innovation, excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact. 

Each year, UCC honours distinguished graduates whose achievements inspire current students, strengthen the university's global reputation, and showcase the far-reaching influence of the UCC alumni community.

Birdsong star Seán Ronayne among those honoured at UCC Alumni Achievement Awards

•    Wildlife sound-recordist Seán Ronayne is among those being honoured by Alma mater.
•    Other recipients of UCC alumni awards include Irish rally driver Billy Coleman

Ornithologist and wildlife sound-recordist Seán Ronayne was among those honoured at the University College Cork (UCC) Alumni Achievement Awards last night. Seán graduated from UCC in 2009 with a Bachelor in Zoology and later returned to complete master’s degrees in Marine Biology and Ecological Assessment.

Seán is best known for his project to record the vocalisations of all of Ireland’s approximately 200 bird species, resulting in an extensive archive of wildlife soundscapes. This work informed the multi-award-winning documentary Birdsong. His debut book, Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging, won Dubray Biography of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and was long listed for the 2025 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing.

“Immersing myself in the sounds of nature is the most beautiful thing I could ever do. To be recognised with an Alumni Achievement Award for turning my passion into my life's work makes it even more special. I'm grateful for the role my time at UCC played in that journey” said Seán.

Alongside Seán, seven other inspirational alumni will also be honoured at Thursday evening’s ceremony with an Alumni Achievement Award - one of the highest accolades given by UCC.

The other awardees include:

• Dr Saranna Fanning, Assistant Professor in Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital;
• Renowned Irish rally driver Billy Coleman;
• Ruth Cotter, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc’s Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer;
• Organist and Carillonneur Chevalier Adrian Gebruers;
• Sharon Cunningham, CEO and co-founder of Shorla Oncology;
• Consultant in geriatric and stroke medicine Professor Rónán Collins;
• Sarah O’Keeffe, Group Vice President and Senior Vice President of Product Research and Development at Eli Lilly and Company.

President of UCC, Professor John O’Halloran commended those receiving awards this evening; “I am delighted to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our awardees. Each awardee brings immense pride to the university, embodying our values and demonstrating our global impact.”

The Alumni Achievement Awards are an annual celebration of UCC’s alumni. Since 1998, the university has honoured a total of 133 graduates. Notable past winners include Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney, Olympic gold medallist rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, author Doireann Ní Ghríofa, RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey, psychologist Maureen Gaffney, and Michelin-starred chef Ross Lewis.

Graduate of the Year

Congratulations to Ella Barrett, recipient of the University College Cork Graduate of the Year Award, recognising outstanding academic achievement and exceptional involvement in the student community. 

Kindly sponsored by Deloitte. 

Peel Memorial Award

Congratulations to Ava O'Donnell and Cian O'Reilly, recipients of the prestigious Peel Memorial Award. 

Established in the mid-19th century by Sir Robert Peel, this historic award recognises graduates who combine academic distinction with meaningful contributions to university life and the wider community.

Nominate an Outstanding UCC Graduate

Nominations for the UCC Alumni Achievement Awards are currently open. 

UCC alumni, staff, and students are invited to nominate graduates who have demonstrated exceptional success, leadership, innovation, or service in their chosen field. 

Before submitting a nomination, please review the nomination guidelines and eligibility requirements: 

Nomination Criteria

All nominations are reviewed by the Alumni Achievement Awards Committee and must remain strictly confidential. Nominees should not be informed at any stage of the nomination process.

Previous Award Winners

Since 1998, more than 125 exceptional alumni have been recognised through the Alumni Achievement Awards programme. 

Explore the full list of award recipients who have excelled across business, science, medicine, education, sport, culture, public service, and entrepreneurship.

View the Roll of Honour.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support one of University College Cork's flagship alumni events and help celebrate the achievements of outstanding graduates. Sponsorship packages to suit every budget are available as well as bespoke partnership opportunities. 

To discuss sponsorship options, please contact: 
Alan Deasy
foundation@ucc.ie