RTÉ broadcaster Derek Mooney has received an honorary degree from University College Cork for his contribution to natural history broadcasting.
UCC praised Mooney for leading the development of natural history broadcasting in Ireland, working with his team to "shine a light on crucial environmental topics, such as climate change, plastic pollution, and habitat destruction".
In a career spanning five decades, Mooney's work in the natural history field includes a series of RTÉ shows such as Habitats, The Nature Line, Nature Trails and Mooney Goes Wild, BioBlitz Live, Wildtrack and Nestwatch 2006 as well as Nature Detectives for BBC television and Nature's Great Invaders for BBC Radio 4.
In his role as RTÉ’s Executive Producer for Nature Programming, he has produced and presented the ever-popular Mooney Goes Wild, the landmark annual broadcast event that is now the International Dawn Chorus, and a myriad of wildlife documentaries.
In delivering the citation, Prof. Emer Rogan of UCC’s School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences highlighted the numerous international awards won by Derek and his team:
"Derek’s work and life’s mission chime with our sustainability efforts at UCC, as we strive to find innovative and holistic solutions to the challenge of climate change while protecting the biodiversity of our precious natural environment."
"Against this background, it is my honour to present Derek Mooney for an honorary doctoral degree in Science as a fitting recognition of his immense contribution in the field of natural history broadcasting," she said.
Derek Mooney said he was delighted to accept the honour "both personally and on behalf of the Mooney Goes Wild team of Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan and Niall Hatch, along with the contributors, listeners and viewers, without whom there would be no need for nature programmes."
Derek said: "I also want to acknowledge all of the scientists who have contributed their knowledge so willingly and who have helped us better understand the natural world. Their generosity in sharing their time, their expertise and their passion is remarkable.
"The research work of Prof. John O'Halloran and his colleagues at University College Cork has featured heavily in our output through the years, encompassing everything from DNA sampling of Dipper feathers to the winter migration of Whooper Swans from Iceland to Ireland. John may be best known today as the President of the University, but we should never forget that he is also one of our nation's most eminent ornithologists and a brilliant advocate for learning, conservation and the wonders of nature.
"I would also wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues in RTÉ for their continued support and commitment to nature programming across all platforms.
"Cork has a special place in my heart. It’s here that I saw my first Little Egret, where I first learned about the importance of ringing Black-tailed Godwits and where we first broadcast the live dawn chorus from Ireland to the world.
"Receiving this honour in Cork means the world to me and my family," he said.
