Celebrated comedian Patrick Kielty graduated from Ulster University today with an Honorary Doctorate award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts. A familiar face to many, Patrick joined with thousands of Ulster University students as they mark their incredible academic achievements and celebrate with friends and family.
The award-winning stand-up comic accepted the honorary doctorate while at the height of his career after securing the biggest job in Irish television as host of RTÉ chat show, The Late Late Show, in 2023 and also releasing his first feature film, Ballywalter. Born in Dundrum, Co. Down, Patrick’s BAFTA nominated My Dad, The Peace Deal and Me saw him named UK Documentary Host of the Year at the 2018 Grierson Awards while his film Patrick Kielty:100 Years of the Union also earned him an RTS Award for best presenter.
Asked who he thought should be the next recipient of an Ulster University honourary doctorate, Dr Patrick Kielty said:
“Well I think Cat Deeley would be a great one to give an honorary degree to. Then she would believe Ulster University has given one to me!”
He couldn’t be joined by wife, Cat Deeley today, but said:
“Apparently when you’re hosting a live show Monday to Thursday, you don’t get time off – she couldn’t believe that Ulster had given me this honour - she still thinks I’ve come back for a wee break here and just pretended to get an honorary degree.”
Asked for some life advice for Ulster students who might want to go into arts and entertainment, he said:
“My advice for someone who wants to get into entertainment is: don’t! Clearly older comedians like me still need to work so I would say do a degree and go into something completely different...please don’t come and steal my dinner!”
Also recognised on Monday by Ulster University today was community activist Betty Carlisle MBE, who was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to promoting shared education and empowering women from disadvantaged and deprived areas of Northern Ireland. Betty spent 37 years dedicated to improving the lives of women and their families in north and west Belfast, with 23 of those served as CEO of Shankill Women’s Centre. She has fought tirelessly to achieve the vision of a purpose-built Shared Women’s Centre for the north and west of the city, which will open in June 2024.
As the Class of 2024 celebrate their hard work and dedication across seven graduation ceremonies in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry, Ulster University is honouring seven key figures in politics, journalism, the arts and community work as it bestows its Honorary Doctorates.
For more information, visit: From Former Presidents to Fashion Leaders: Ulster University set to honour cohort of inspirational and talented leaders with series of Honorary Doctorates - Ulster University