Most recent speeches
12 Nov 2025
Honorary Citation by Professor Sarah Culloty for Paul Kelleher
President, members of the university community, distinguished guests, and graduates, It is my great privilege to present to you today, a leader whose vision, innovation, and commitment have not only transformed a global technology company’s presence in Ireland, but has also helped shape the future of engineering talent and research in this country—Mr. Paul Kelleher, Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Ireland.
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11 Nov 2025
Honorary Citation by Professor John Cryan for Professor Carmen Sandi
A Uachtarán na hOllscoile, a dhaoine uaisle agus a chairde go léir, President of UCC, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen and Graduate of the Class of 2025
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07 Nov 2025
Honorary Citation by Dr Ailbhe Ni Ghearbhuigh and Dr Georgina Nugent for an tOllamh Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin
A Uachtaráin agus a chairde gaoil, Is mise Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh agus is mór agam bheith anseo inniu chun an tOllamh Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, file, a chur in bhur láthair. Cúis bróid dúinn gur alumna de chuid Choláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh í. Is féidir a ceangal leis an Ollscoil seo a rianadh siar go dtína hóige, nuair a bhí cónaí uirthi lena muintir i mBrú Uí Eoghanáin, an Honan Hostel. Ollamh le Gaeilge anseo ab ea a hathair, Cormac Ó Cuilleanáin, agus scríbhneoir ab ea a máthair, Eilís Dillon. Go deimhin, bhonn an Ollscoil céim dochtúireacht oinigh ar a máthair sa bhliain 1992.
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05 Nov 2025
Honorary Citation by Dr Ciara Chambers for Cónal Creedon
A Leas-Sheánsailéar agus Uachtarán, mhuintir na hOllscoile agus a dhaoine uaisle, It is an honour to be invited to introduce today’s honorary graduand, the novelist, playwright, short story writer, performer and collaborator, Cónal Creedon.
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Honorary Conferrings at University College Cork
The conferment of an honorary degree is one of the highest honours bestowed on and received by a person in Ireland.
Honorary graduates are selected carefully to recognise outstanding distinction in their chosen field including the arts, business, science, technology, sport and service to society.
At UCC, the day of the Honorary Conferrings’ ceremony is one of celebration and acknowledgement of extraordinary achievement - a day of great importance within the university’s calendar.
View our archive of honorary conferring speeches below.