UCD honorary degrees for leading figures in law, music, engineering, agriculture and global diplomacy

5 September 2025

^{Professor Orla Feely, President of UCD, and Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography}

• University recognises Irish Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, former IFA chief Michael Berkery, composer Michael McGlynn, EPA Director General Laura Burke and former US Ambassador Kevin O’Malley

Ireland’s most senior judge, Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell has been awarded an honorary degree by University College Dublin in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Irish law and legal scholarship.

Mr Justice O’Donnell was appointed President of the Supreme Court of Ireland in 2021. He chairs and sits on many committees nationally and internationally, and is recognised by academics and practising lawyers as a leading jurist of his generation.

He studied Law at UCD before completing a Master’s degree at the University of Virginia. On his return, Mr Justice O’Donnell commenced practice at the Bar of Ireland, and became a Senior Counsel after the unusually short time of 12 years in practice.

“Donal has been a strong supporter of student endeavours in the School,” said (opens in a new window)Dr Niamh Howlin from the UCD Sutherland School of Law, who read the official citation at the award ceremony.

^{Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography}

“Over the years, he has supported the UCD Student Law Review, the Student Legal Service and the student Law Society, always willing to share his expertise, his time and his memories of being a UCD student. He even tutored in the Law Faculty during his early years at the bar. Successive groups of students have appreciated and benefited from having access to one of Ireland’s leading legal thinkers.”

During a week-long graduation celebrations for its newest degree holders, UCD also presented honorary degrees to a number of other prominent individuals in recognition of their extraordinary contributions in their respective fields.

^{UCD President Professor Orla Feely, Ambassador Kevin O'Malley, his wife Dena O'Malley and Professor Anthony Brabazon Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography}

• Kevin O'Malley - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws

Former US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley was awarded a UCD honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to US-Ireland relations.

Ambassador O’Malley was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2014, and held the post until 2017. Over his tenure, he visited every county in Ireland and engaged with Northern Ireland’s peace process.

In 2015, he launched the Creative Minds Series, a cross-cultural program inviting prominent American creatives to share their experiences with young Irish students and audiences.

Prior to his ambassadorial appointment, Ambassador O’Malley built a stellar legal career in the US. His landmark treatise, Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, is widely used in federal jury trials throughout the country.

“In honouring Kevin O’Malley today, we recognise a career of service and achievement at the very highest level of diplomacy, law and education,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Anthony Brabazon from the UCD School of Business.

“We recognise the impact of someone who has built bridges not just between governments, but between communities, cultures, and generations. His leadership has inspired young people to think globally and act with purpose.”

^{UCD President Professor Orla Feely, Laura Burke and Professor Aoife Ahern Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography}

• Laura Burke - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering

Laura Burke, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was awarded an honorary doctorate in Engineering for her contributions to the profession.

A graduate of Chemical Engineering at UCD, Burke has made a significant and positive impact on public life and public service. As Director General of the EPA, she oversees Ireland’s commitments to sustainability, water quality and environmental regulation.

Burke represents Ireland on the Board of the European Environment Agency, and was chair of this board from 2017-2023. Most recently, she has completed her term as President of Engineers Ireland.

“[Burke] is a proud alumna of the University and her values and her work reflect UCD’s values, and those of the College of Engineering and Architecture,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Aoife Ahern, delivering her citation.

“Her career and her contributions to the profession ably demonstrate the important role graduates of this College can have in creating a sustainable future.”

^{Michael McGlynn Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography}

• Michael McGlynn - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music

Renowned Irish composer Michael McGlynn received an honorary UCD degree for his significant contributions to Irish choral music.

Ireland has no indigenous history of choral music, and McGlynn founded vocal ensemble Anúna with the intent of developing a uniquely Irish form of ensemble singing that wove convincing connections between the ancient singing traditions of this country and the literature of his homeland.

McGlynn’s music has been recorded and performed by internationally recognised performers and ensembles including Chanticleer, Rajaton, Dawn Upshaw, the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the BBC Singers. 

“The sound-world that Michael McGlynn has created through this ensemble has produced a body of compositions which not only imagine Ireland, but which represent this country with such conviction and authenticity to the world at large,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Harry White from the UCD School of Music, reading his citation.

“In Finland, Norway, Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden and France – to name just a few instances – his music, as one French singer put it, ‘explains Ireland to us’. That is indeed a singular and utterly remarkable achievement in today’s musical environment.”

^{Michael Berkery Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography}

• Michael Berkery - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science

Agricultural leader and business executive Michael Berkery was honoured for a lengthy career representing the interests of Irish farmers.

Berkery began his career with the Irish Farmers’ Association. At the age of 35, he was appointed General Secretary of the Association and held the position until 2008.

He was the Association’s leading strategist and negotiator for over 25 years, and is still regarded as one of the most influential figures in Irish farming.

Berkery now serves as Chairman of the FBD Trust, a charitable organisation supporting Irish farmers, farm families, and the agricultural sector.

“Today we honour Michael Berkery for his outstanding leadership, his vision and for his significant contribution to the agrifood sector, to UCD and indeed to Irish society more broadly,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Karina Pierce from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, who read Berkery’s official citation at the ceremony.

“He was uncompromising in his pursuit of farming interests and is renowned for his political judgement and negotiating skills that greatly improved the prospects of Irish farmers.”

By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie