Sporting heroes feted with honorary doctorates

It isn’t very often you get to see Brian Cody sporting the Cork colours but he did so with pride yesterday when he was one of five sporting heroes honoured by University College Cork.

The Kilkenny manager — and bane of Cork hurling fans — who steered his team to eight All-Ireland titles, was first among equals to receive an honorary doctorate for his enormous contribution to the sport.

He looked remarkably at home in the “enemy” camp as he was feted, along with Denis Irwin, Ronan O’Gara, Aidan O’Brien and Mary O’Connor. The honours, presided over by UCC President, Michael Murphy, were made to mark the centenary of sport at the university.