13th May 1998

Email this Page |

An Australian High Court judge whose grandfather left Cullybackey at the turn of the century, is to be honoured by the University of Ulster for his work in protecting human rights.

The Honourable Justice Michael Kirby is a Justice in Australia's federal supreme court - the youngest person ever to have been appointed to the post.

Justice Kirby, who was recently described by an international magazine as one of the most creative minds in Australia, has been involved in human rights issues in areas such as Cambodia and South Africa.

On hearing of the University of Ulster honour, Justice Kirby reflected on bygone days in County Antrim:

"I have told my mother, who is 82, about the honour and we are both delighted. Her father, William Knowles, left Cullybackey at the turn of the century. She said he will probably be watching the ceremony in Belfast with a proud smile."

Justice Kirby, who is in the province this week for an international conference of Human Rights, will receive an honorary Doctorate.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk