27 Feb 2006

Proud Day for UCC Students and Graduates at Annual Prizegiving Ceremony

UCC's top graduate is Raphael Ó Muirthile.  The Graduate of the Year was announced at the 2005 Prizegiving Ceremony at UCC  (27 February 2006) at which 44 undergraduate and postgraduate prizes were presented to over 61 prizewinners by Professor Gerard T. Wrixon, President, UCC.

An outstanding student from Wilton Avenue, Bishopstown Cork, Raphael Ó Muirthile graduated with an Honours BSc (Applied Mathematics and Mathematics) in 2005.   He was awarded a College Scholarship for 2001/'02 and held the distinction of College Scholar for 2002/'03 and 2003/'04. Throughout his undergraduate career he played a key role in the Philosophical Society, winning the runner- up position in the national maidens debating competition, and was one of four speakers to represent the society at the annual Cambridge Union Debating intervarsity.  He went on to become Philosophical Society Development Officer during 2002/'03 in a year when the Society won 'Society of the Year'.  As a member of the Law Society, he represented the society at the World University Debating Championships in Toronto and Singapore.  Raphael was elected as Vice-President of the Societies Guild in 2003 initiating the development of the 'Societies Guide' which today plays a major part of the Guild's effort in informing students about student life.  He also participated in the activities of the Green Party and Mathematical Society representing the latter as a team member of the International Mathematical Competition in Modelling in 2003 when the team achieved a Meritorious ranking award.

The Graduate of the Year Award is given annually to the most distinguished student of the year.  In making this award, both academic distinctions and the part played in the public life of the University are taken into consideration.  In accepting the 'Graduate of the Year Award' Raphael said "I am deeply honoured to accept this award and proud to be a graduate of UCC where I formed enduring friendships and benefited so much from my participation in student societies.  I feel I have been fortunate to get the opportunities that UCC, and my family, have given me." Raphael is attached to the AIB, College Road, Cork.  He was also awarded one of the coveted Peel Memorial Prizes.

Two new prizes are being awarded for the first time this year. Shane Toomey from Glasheen, Cork City, is the recipient of The James D. Donegan Moot Court Prize. This prize is to be awarded annually to the student who in the opinion of the judges is the outstanding speaker at the Annual Gala Moot Court. The prize is generously donated by S. Donegan & Co. Solicitors, Cobh, Co. Cork. Jim Donegan was the fourth successive generation of his family to practice as a solicitor in Cork. He studied law at UCC and, after qualifying as a solicitor, he practised in Cork city and county for a period of 50 years. During that time he served with distinction as President of the Southern Law Association, as Dean of the Notaries Public in Ireland and as a Council Member of the Law Society of Ireland.

To mark the opening of the School of Pharmacy at UCC, Sam McCauley Chemists have offered an annual prize to the student with the best overall aggregate in the Foundation Sciences Modules in first and second year. The prizewinner is Katherine J. Cooke from Skibbereen, Co. Cork.

Professor Gerard T. Wrixon, President, UCC presented the awards at today's prizegiving and congratulated the prizewinners for their hard work, dedication to their studies and their excellence in academic scholarship.  He also offered his congratulations to their parents for the support they have provided and continue to provide.  In his speech Professor Wrixon referred to UCC's selection as Ireland's University of the Year by The Sunday Times for the second time in three years. "This prestigious award reflects UCC's outstanding reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and research. The award gives specific recognition to our success in research funding, which positions UCC as the leading research institution in Irish third-level education" said the President.


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