Fermanagh man, the Very Rev. David Monteith, Dean of Leicester, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Leicester on July 14, 2016. 

In a year that has seen the city make headlines for its unprecedented sporting achievements, the University of Leicester is celebrating the achievements of others linked with the city and the surrounding area who have excelled in their own fields.

The distinguished figures honoured at the University’s graduation ceremonies have all reached the top tiers of their fields and are respected at a local, national or international level and were receiving their honorary degrees at the ceremonies at De Montfort Hall before an audience of graduating students and their families.

“I feel very humbled to receive this honour on behalf of the entire Cathedral team and look forward to many more opportunities to serve this great city and county,” said David Monteith, who is originally from Irvinestown.

Other recipients included an actor and broadcaster with a long-running career in television and radio; a world bowls champion; a record-breaking rower; a former Government minister; the former Chief Executive of the Nationwide Building Society; a cartoonist for national newspapers; an antiques expert and broadcaster; and highly respected scientists in the fields of engineering, ophthalmology and brewing.

“We are delighted that the University will be awarding honorary degrees to candidates who have made impacts in a wide range of unique ways,” said the President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle.

“It has been an amazing year for the city of Leicester, culminating in Leicester City’s victory as Premier League champions. Leicester is finally putting itself firmly on the map, in the UK and abroad. So it is fitting that as we celebrate the achievements of our own graduates, we also celebrate those linked to the region whose own achievements should inspire them to even greater success.”