Cork Life Centre boss accepts UCC award — young people are 'my greatest teachers'

Honorary doctorate is in recognition of his work, and the work of volunteers and staff, in offering learning opportunities to young people who have been let down by the mainstream education system

Cork Life Centre director Don O’Leary, with his grandsons James, Daniel, Cian and Eoin, after he received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts at at University College Cork on Saturday, in recognition of his impact, the work of the Cork Life Centre and the commitment and dedication of the staff and volunteers who support it. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

“I am passionate about education, and it is the young people I have met in the Cork Life Centre who have been my greatest teachers in life."

Those were the words of Don O’Leary, director of the centre, when speaking at the ceremony which conferred on him an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts by University College Cork.