Ulster University, the Times Higher Education University of the Year, is set to honour the talents and incredible achievements of five inspirational leaders in running, golf, business, the music industry and contemporary art as it prepares to bestow a series of Honorary Doctorates this winter.
This year’s honourees include two of Ireland’s greatest athletes, runner and two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean and elite golfer Leona Maguire; music manager of acts including The Rolling Stones and Celine Dion, Joyce Smyth; contemporary art visionary Hugh Mulholland and Darragh McCarthy, Founder & CEO of Northern Irish born, global financial services firm FinTrU.
Co Down athlete and Irish middle-distance record holder Ciara Mageean accepts the Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to sport as she closes out a hugely successful year 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.
Receiving news of her Honorary Doctorate, Ciara Mageean commented:
“It is an immense honour to receive this Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University. As an athlete, I've always believed in pushing the limits of what's possible, 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, and 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.”
Also swapping her sporting gear for a gown this December will be Leona Maguire, County Cavan golfer and two-time LPGA tour winner, who has in recent years cemented her position among golf’s elite. Ranked world No. 1 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, claimed her second victory at the 2023 Meijer LPGA Classic and 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.
Ulster University will also recognise the inspirational journey of Joyce Smyth, 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 U.S. 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 this the 175th Anniversary year of the Belfast School of Art, the University will also celebrate Hugh Mulholland, acclaimed curator and Creative Director of the MAC who has become a visionary leader in contemporary art in Northern Ireland. The founding director of Context Gallery in Derry~Londonderry, Hugh has played a pivotal role in elevating Northern Ireland’s cultural profile by spearheading its first-ever presentations at the Venice Biennale in 2005 and 2007. He has curated exhibitions featuring global icons such as Yoko Ono, Andy Warhol, and Kara Walker, while also championing career-defining shows for emerging Irish and UK artists. An advocate for the visual arts, Mulholland has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Northern Ireland and beyond, and has this year supported the Belfast School of Art’s 175th Anniversary celebrations as a 175 Ambassador, supporting the recognition of the school as the oldest provider of design education on the island of Ireland.
A transformative leader in financial services, Darragh McCarthy will receive an Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University in recognition of his highly impactful leadership within the Financial Services Industry. The founder and CEO of FinTrU, a global financial services firm established in 2013, Darragh has grown the company to employ over 1,500 professionals across Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, London, New York, and Porto.
A leader focused on creating high-quality professional employment and fostering entrepreneurial spirit, Darragh’s influence extends well beyond profit. Outside FinTrU, he serves as Vice President of the Belfast Chamber Board, a member of the City of London’s Innovation and Growth Advisory Board, and Chair of the Fellowship Programme Advisory Board for the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building.
Congratulating this year’s cohort of 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 Friday 13 to Thursday 19 December across Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry.