UCD awards honorary degrees to Ombudsman for Children, influential economist and top business leaders
8 December 2025
Dr Niall Muldoon Credit: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
Ireland’s Ombudsman for Children (OCO) Dr Niall Muldoon has been awarded an honorary doctorate from University College Dublin in recognition of a lengthy career spent championing children’s rights.
A clinical psychologist from Donegal with nearly 20 years’ experience in child protection, Dr Muldoon holds a PhD from the UCD School of Psychology, where his research focused on psychotherapy for sexual offenders.
Throughout his tenure as OCO, he has championed the rights and needs of children, focusing on issues including access to health services, family justice reform and school places for children with special needs.
His office is calling for the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Irish law, with Dr Muldoon describing this as “the most important thing we can do to protect and safeguard the rights of all children in Ireland”.
“[Dr Muldoon] has collaborated with and learned from colleagues across the discipline and has long valued the work of professional bodies and continuing education that keep practice rigorous and current,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Louise McHugh from the UCD School of Psychology, reading his official citation at the ceremony.
“His career offers our graduating students a powerful example. You do not need to map every step in advance. If you commit to integrity, service, and the person in front of you, you can shape systems as well as lives.”
Three other honorary degrees were conferred during a week of graduation ceremonies at UCD.
Siobhán Talbot – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science
Siobhán Talbot Credit: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
Influential business executive Siobhán Talbot also received an honorary doctorate for her significant contributions to the Irish and global business landscapes.
Talbot served as CEO of Irish multinational nutrition company Glanbia from 2013 until 2022. She was the first woman appointed to the role, and the second woman ever to lead an Irish listed company.
Under Talbot, Glanbia evolved from a local dairy producer to a global leader in sports nutrition and performance, with revenues now exceeding €4 billion across 32 markets. The group employs over 6,000 staff globally.
An alumna of the UCD College of Business, Talbot graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Diploma in Professional Accounting. She is celebrated for her pragmatic and collaborative leadership style, deep market expertise, and focus on innovation and sustainability.
Talbot’s career achievements were recognised with the Distinguished Leader in Business award at the 2024 Irish Times Business Awards.
“Despite her busy schedule, Siobhán has given generously of her time over the years to speak at UCD events and to meet with students and alumni,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Anthony Brabazon from the UCD College of Business, delivering her citation.
“Siobhán is known for her enduring advocacy concerning the importance of diversity in leadership and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of business leaders.”
Paul Sweeney – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Economic Science
Paul Sweeney Credit: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
Paul Sweeney, one of Ireland’s most influential economists, received a UCD honorary doctorate for his unique contributions to the country’s economic development.
Sweeney is the former Chief Economist of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and was at the heart of the economic bargaining and social partnership that helped transform Ireland into a prosperous, modern, high-tech economy.
He has written five books and dozens of articles on the Irish economy and public enterprise, including the influential book The Celtic Tiger: Ireland’s Economic Miracle Explained.
Sweeney studied both first year medicine and first year dentistry at UCD before pursuing economics at Trinity College Dublin as a mature student.
“Whenever you meet Paul, one of the first things he will often say is ‘Did you read this or that?’ Or he’d start with, “Do you know, I read this paper the other day…’” said (opens in a new window)Dr Nat O’Connor from the UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, reading Sweeney’s citation.
“That is what it means to be a scholar – to love knowledge and to spend your life pursuing it. Not because Paul had to, but because he wants to use that knowledge to better understand our economy, so that we can improve it for everyone who lives here.”
Mark Dobbin – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts
Mark Dobbin Credit: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
Prominent business leader and philanthropist Mark Dobbin was also awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work to support academic and cultural relations between Canada and Ireland.
As the current Co-Chair of the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF), he has been pivotal in advancing scholarly exchange, supporting hundreds of Canadian and Irish researchers and students through grants and scholarships.
His connection with UCD was established in 1991 by his father Craig Dobbin, who made a significant donation that established the Craig Dobbin Visiting Chair in Canadian Studies. Dobbin continues his family’s enduring legacy by championing the Craig Dobbin Legacy Programme at UCD, which supports Canadian scholars pursuing research at UCD and vice versa.
The programme ensures a robust future for Canada-Ireland collaboration and upholds a tradition of excellence in research and innovation.
“Community-minded and forward-thinking, Mark has dedicated himself to supporting the infrastructure that enables others to pursue research, creativity, innovation and excellence,” said (opens in a new window)Dr Paul Halferty from the UCD School of English, Drama and Film, who read Dobbin's official citation at the ceremony.
“Deeply invested in Ireland-Canada connections, he and his family have made significant contributions to fostering creative exchange between our countries, and to UCD in particular.”
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
