Brosnan and Jordan honoured by DIT

THE worlds of 007 and chequered flags were put aside yesterday as two of Ireland’s best known personalities were conferred with honorary degrees by the Dublin Institute of Technology.

Pierce Brosnan and Eddie Jordan abandoned their usual respective attire of tuxedos and canary-yellow shirts to don cap and gown at a ceremony at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

The James Bond star and the Grand Prix team boss were among a number of distinguished figures including the president of the National College, Prof Joyce O'Connor, and the educationalist Noel Lindsay to have their achievements recognised by DIT.

Presenting the awards, president Dr Brendan Goldsmith said the institute was honouring Brosnan for his outstanding contributions to the arts.

Dr Goldsmith said the Meath-born star had enjoyed great distinction as an Irishman with world renown as an actor, businessman and humanitarian.

Addressing the founder of the Jordan Grand Prix team, Dr Goldsmith described Jordan as one of the most successful Irish entrepreneurs today.

"The doctorate acknowledges Eddie's uniquely innovative personality, business acumen and unflinching self-belief that has seen him propel his team to considerable success within the cut-throat world of Formula One," said Dr Goldsmith.

He also presented awards to Prof Joyce and Mr Lindsay, a former secretary general of the Department of Education and the Higher Education Authority.

Previous recipients of honorary degrees from DIT include the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern; soccer star Niall Quinn; broadcaster Marian Finucane; athlete Sonia O'Sullivan; and former president and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.