An outstanding student from Dunmore East, Waterford, Diarmuid Early graduated with a first First-class honours BSc Joint Honours in Mathematics and Physics in 2007.  He was awarded an Entrance Scholarship in 2003 and held the title of College Scholar in 2004/5, 2005/6 and 2006/7.  As well as being the recipient of numerous awards, Diarmuid made substantial contributions to student life through his activities in the Philosophical Society, the Mathematical Society and the Societies Guild.  He served as Auditor of the Philosophical Society in final year and represented the society in debating competitions nationally and internationally (Quarter-Finalist of the World Championships in 2004, Semi-Finalist of the European Championships in 2007, and winner of the Irish Times, the Irish national debating championships in 2004).  As a member of the Mathematical Society, he won first prize at the International Mathematics Competition for University Students in 2005 and was twice individual winner.  He also served as Finance Officer of the Societies' Guild gaining the Student Leadership Award for outstanding service and represented the Law Society, the International Relations Society and Physics Society at national and international events.

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', Diarmuid said, "UCC has given me a rich, varied and consistently enjoyable experience of student life - I feel privileged to have had these opportunities, and greatly honoured to accept this award."  Diarmuid is currently pursuing an MSc by research in Theoretical Computer Science with the Centre for Efficiency-Oriented Languages, under Professor Michel Schellekens.  He was also awarded one of the coveted Peel Memorial Prizes and is the recipient of The Science Graduate of the Year Gold Medal.

The Edward P. Cahill Prize is being awarded for the first time this year.  The prize was established by the Cahill family, together with the Department of Accounting, Finance & Information Systems to acknowledge the contribution made by Professor Edward Cahill, the first Professor of Accounting at UCC, a position he held from 1988 until his death in 2005.  The recipient is Kathryn McCrohan from Caherciveen, Co. Kerry.

Dr Michael Murphy, President, University College Cork presented the awards 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, he referred to the education experience at UCC and said "Life as a student in UCC is an enriching experience on many levels. It is the wealth of extra-curricular activities; music, arts, sporting clubs or membership of societies, which enhance the cosmopolitan and diverse community of UCC, and make the 'all-round education' on offer at UCC so distinctive and unique."
 
Picture: Dr Michael Murphy, President presenting Graduate of the Year, Diarmuid Early with his award.

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