30th October 2003

Email this Page |

Tyrone’s All-Ireland winning captain Peter Canavan and Ulster and Ireland rugby star David Humphreys are to receive honorary degrees at the University of Ulster’s Winter Graduation ceremonies.

The University has announced that the two local heroes are to be honoured for their distinguished contribution to sport. Each will add the honorary degree of DUniv (Doctor of the University) to an outstanding list of sporting achievements.

David Humphreys captained Ulster to their historic European Cup success in 1999 and has been an acclaimed performer for Ulster and Ireland since his debut in 1996. Currently on World Cup duty with Ireland in Australia, he the all-time record points scorer for Ireland in international rugby, and is also Ireland’s most capped fly-half.

Four-time All-Star Peter Canavan, long regarded as one of the greatest players never to have won an All-Ireland Senior Football medal, led Tyrone to victory over Armagh in the first ‘Ulster’ All-Ireland in September.

Both Peter Canavan and David Humphreys this week expressed their delight at being nominated for honorary degrees by the University.

Peter Canavan said: ‘It is a great honour to be the first Gaelic footballer to receive an honorary degree from the University. I am delighted to accept it on behalf of the Tyrone team - it is further recognition of our success this year.”

Professor Gerry McKenna, University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor said:

“Peter and David have each made an outstanding contribution to sport on this island and their talents are recognised by their peers and by supporters. Their achievements in two of our highest profile and most popular sports have brought pleasure to many and we are delighted to recognise their personal dedication and service, and the sports which they represent.”

Peter Canavan was educated at St Ciaran’s High School in Ballygawley and St Mary’s University College, Belfast. He is a teacher in Holy Trinity College in Cookstown and plays club football for Errigal Ciaran.

David Humphreys was educated at Ballymena Academy, Queen’s University, Belfast and Oxford University. He plays club rugby for Dungannon.

Each will receive their Honorary Doctorate at a University of Ulster Winter Graduation Ceremonies on 16 December.

For further information, please contact:

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