DR NIALL STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF ARTS

KILLARNEY MAN NIALL MACMONAGLE RECEIVES HONORARY UCD DOCTRATE

“I’M delighted with this honour and I think it’s terrific for someone who has spent his lifetime in a classroom to be honoured in this way,” said Niall MacMonagle in response to his Honorary Doctorate of Literature at University College Dublin in recognition of his outstanding work in the Arts.

In what was a very proud occasion for Niall and his family, the Killarney man emphasised the importance of the Arts in today’s world. “We now live in a time when sport and music dominates popular culture, but when people reflect on the Arts they realise and learn to appreciate the depth of thinking it brings,” said Niall.

Being in classroom with young people and encouraging them to discover and enjoy a life of reading and thinking has given Niall the most pleasure in his career to date.

“It’s not the suit on your back, it’s not the car that you drive, it’s what’s going on inside your head and heart that matters. Watching young people being introduced to a poet that they may not have heard of before, and seeing the influence this has on them is just something deep and interesting,” he added.

UCD President Professor Andrew Deeks said Niall enjoyed a hugely successful career as a teacher, anthologist, broadcaster and cultural commentator; adding that Niall’s dedication, generosity and his infectious enthusiasm for the Arts played an inspiring role in celebrating the power and value of education. Margaret Kelleher, Professor of Anglo Literature and Drama at UCD, Arts and Humanities said the college salutes in esteem and with gratitude the work of Niall as advocate for the arts and champion for poetry.

A retired English and drama teacher, Niall enjoyed over three decades at Wesley College in Dublin where he created ‘Poetry Aloud’, a nationwide competition and poetry speaking initiative. He was educated at Pallaskenry and received his BA and MA from University College Cork. He makes frequent appearances in the national media.

Photo Iain White / Fennell Photography UCD President Professor Andrew Deeks conferred Niall MacMonagle with an Honorary Doctorate of Literature in recognition of his outstanding work and influence in the Arts and his tireless support of Irish culture.