Olympian athletes and a trailblazing music manager are among those to be celebrated at Ulster University with honorary doctorates during its winter graduation programme.
This year’s honours include two of Ireland’s greatest athletes: elite golfer Leona Maguire and middle-distance runner and two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean, who said it’s an “immense honour” to have been named among the recipients.
“As an athlete, I’ve always believed in pushing the limits of what’s possible,” said the Portaferry sportswoman, “but this recognition is a reminder that success is not only about personal achievement — it’s also about the support of those who help you along the way.
“I am proud to represent my country each time I compete on the track.
“I thank all of those who have supported me this year and right throughout my career. Thank you also to Ulster University and congratulations to the upcoming graduates who will no doubt become the next generation of athletes and leaders to emerge from Ireland.”
Ciara ends 2024 as the reigning European 1500m champion, adding the 2024 gold medal to her silver from 2022 and bronze from 2016 at the European Athletics Championships.
A two-time Olympian, she has set all Irish middle-distance records, including the 800m, 1000m, 1500m, and the mile.
Also swapping her sports gear for formal garms this December will be Co Cavan golfer and two-time LPGA Tour winner Leona Maguire, who has in recent years cemented her position among golf’s elite.
Leona Maguire
Ranked world number one for a record 135 weeks, Leona was crowned Ladies British Open Amateur Champion in 2017 and has competed in three Olympic Games.
She became the first Irish golfer to win an LPGA event in 2022 and claimed her second victory at the 2023 Meijer LPGA Classic, breaking into the world’s top 10 rankings.
A key figure in multiple Solheim Cup victories for Team Europe, Leona has built a global reputation and prominence as one of golf’s brightest talents.
The two athletes will be joined as the university recognises the inspirational journey of Joyce Smyth, a trailblazing music manager who has become a powerhouse in the industry, managing The Rolling Stones since 2010 and also co-managing Celine Dion. A Cambridge-educated lawyer, Joyce was recognised as Music Week’s Businesswoman of the Year in 2018 and Billboard USA’s Top Manager in 2019 for her work in shaping the music industry.
Through her company Glastry, Joyce has spent 14 years managing The Rolling Stones, overseeing live performances, recording and publishing arrangements. Under her leadership the band released Hackney Diamonds in 2023, their first studio album in two decades, which topped charts in 19 countries and was supported by a record-breaking 2024 US stadium tour. Joyce also manages emerging artists and, since 2023, has co-managed Celine Dion, whose stunning performance at the Paris Olympics marked her live comeback.
In the 175th anniversary year of the Belfast School of Art, UU will also celebrate Hugh Mulholland, acclaimed curator and creative director of the MAC, while there will also be an honorary doctorate for Darragh McCarthy, founder and CEO of FinTrU, a global financial services firm established in 2013.
Congratulating this year’s honorary graduates, Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said: “Graduation is a special time of year when we celebrate our outstanding graduates as they come together with friends and family to mark their academic achievements.
“This winter, we are looking forward to also honouring five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields. These individuals demonstrate great talent, creativity and integrity, and we hope they will be an inspiration to the whole Ulster University community.”
The honorary doctorates will be conferred during winter graduations which take place from December 13-19 across Belfast, Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry.