Undertone Shares Degree Of Success

The former Undertone singer Feargal Sharkey is to become a man of letters.

The Derry punk band frontman (pictured) who is now boss of UK Music, an umbrella organisation which represents the collective interests of the UK's commercial music industry, will receive the degree of Doctor of Letters from the Univerisity of Ulster.

Sir Hugh Orde and Professor Sir Desmond Rea are also on the list of distinguished figures from the worlds of culture, science, business and public life who will receive honours from the University of Ulster at its two graduation ceremonies this summer.

Sir Hugh, who led the transition from the RUC to the PSNI will share the Waterfront stage with the former University of Ulster academic who chaired the NI Policing Board from its inception until spring 2009. Both will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD).

Fergal Sharkey's award, which will be made at the Magee campus in Londonderry will also see honours conferred on community leader Paddy Doherty (familiarly known as 'Paddy Bogside') and Pat Hume, wife of Nobel Laureate Professor John Hume, in recognition of her service to the community.

Mr Doherty and Mrs Hume will receive the degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) .

Writer Colin Bateman, will receive the degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) as well after he published many comic novels over his career, most recently 'Day of the Jack Russell'.

Former Northern Ireland Office Minister Sir Richard Needham,will receive the degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD), as will legal expert Denis Moloney .

From the worlds of business and science come John Crosslé, founder of the Crosslé Car Company in Holywood, Co Down; Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, and David Kirk, Belfast-born Silicon Valley IT entrepreneur. All three will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (DSc).

Professor Richard Barnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster,

said: "The University is delighted to be able to honour the achievements of these distinguished individuals, who have all made an outstanding contribution to society through their commitment to excellence in their chosen fields of endeavour.

"We look forward to welcoming them - and their fellow graduands - to our

graduation ceremonies this summer."

(BMcC/GK)