Celebrating Alumni Achievement

Each year UCC honours alumni who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen fields. UCC’s Alumni Achievement Awards programme recognises UCC alumni who have excelled in their life’s work, who have demonstrated leadership in their field and who have been a source of inspiration to students and of pride to the University. An Alumni Achievement Award is one of the highest honours the University can bestow upon a graduate.

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 and Peel Memorial Award

Congratulations to Ella Barrett, our University College Cork Graduate of the Year, recognised for outstanding academic achievement and exceptional involvement in student life. Kindly sponsored by Deloitte.

Well done to Ava O'Donnell and Cian O’Reilly, recipients of the historic Peel Memorial Award, established in the mid‑19th century by Sir Robert Peel to honour top graduates who excel academically and enrich university life.

Nominations

The call for nominations is currently open. UCC alumni, staff and students are invited to nominate. Please read the nomination criteria before submitting.

Nominees are considered by the awards committee. View our previous winners list. Nominations must remain confidential and not be discussed with the nominee at any time.

Previous Awardees

Since 1998, a total of 125 outstanding alumni have been honoured by UCC with an Alumni Achievement Award. View the Roll of Honour. 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Celebrate the success of UCC’s outstanding alumni at the Alumni Achievement Awards. Sponsorship packages to suit every budget are available as well as bespoke offerings. Contact Alan Deasy at foundation@ucc.ie to discuss your options further.