RENOWNED Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte has been honoured by The Open University with the award of Doctor of the Universiy at a ceremony in Croke Park.
The Tyrone GAA manager received his award alongside 135 graduating students – from all walks of life, of all ages and backgrounds and from a spectrum of careers.
The 64-year-old was recognised for his “exceptional contribution to education and culture” during his 15-season stint in charge of the Red Hands.
A former teacher at St Ciaran's College, Ballygawley, Mr Harte is best known for leading Tyrone GAA to three All-Ireland titles between 2003 and 2017.
In recent years, the Ballygawley native founded the Michaela Foundation in memory of his late daughter, who was murdered in 2011.
The foundation aims to provide opportunities for young girls of all backgrounds to share their experiences of the Irish language and culture, as well as their faith, well-being and creativity.
“I am delighted to have been nominated for this prestigious award of an honorary doctorate from The Open University. The OU provides a wonderful platform for those who never had the chance to study higher education to fulfil that ambition,” said Mr Harte.
“The fact that the graduation ceremony is being held in Croke Park, the scene of many memorable days for me, only adds to my sense of gratitude in being nominated to receive this wonderful award.”
John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said: “Honouring Mickey Harte today alongside our graduates makes this ceremony an extra special occasion.
"Mickey is an inspirational example of all these qualities, through his devotion to Gaelic football, his charitable work through the Michaela Foundation and his personal dedication to helping others succeed. It is a pleasure to welcome him to The Open University family.”
