Retired Derry priest receives honorary doctorate in recognition of achievements in Irish language
by Caoimhe Hegarty
A retired County Derry Priest has been awarded a honorary doctorate by Ulster University in recognition of his lifetime achievements in Irish language teaching and scholarship.
A very special graduation ceremony was held for Rev Fr Harry Coyle, a resident of Four Season Care Home in Moneymore, on Tuesday last.
Fr Coyle, a former Parish Priest of Moneymore and Loup, has written close to 70 books and publications over the years, the majority based on the Irish Language.
The 77 year-old was born in Derry city before moving to Dungannon. He entered the priesthood in his early 20's. Following his ordination, he took up a teaching position at St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon
The gathering, which Fr Harry had helped to organise himself, was attended by his close friends and acquaintances. Among those was Professor Paddy Nixon and Dr Malachy O'Neill from the Ulster University.
Michael Merron from Moneymore Care Home described the event as a ‘wonderful occasion’.
He said: “It was a huge day, it was absolutely brilliant. Fr. Coyle was chuffed to bits with it all. It was a wonderful occasion, not just for Fr Coyle himself, but for the care home. The place was buzzing all day.
"When the university first contacted us, Fr Harry was initially reluctant to receive the award but then the University offered to come down and meet Harry in person. After some persuasion, he agreed."
Mr Merron continued: "The vast majority of those who attended the graduation ceremony were Harry's closest friends and colleagues from down over the years. Dr Michael O'Neill, who made the main presentation, was a former pupil of St Patrick's College, Dungannon so that was very fitting. Anne Ryan also spoke on Fr Harry's behalf.
"The University left everything in control of Fr Harry. He helped to organise the guest list and that made his day," he said.
Concluding, Michael Merron added: "Fr Harry has been with us for five years and he is a wonderful person. This tribute to him shows the depth of respect and admiration there is from the University staff, his former teaching colleagues and pupils from St Patrick's Dungannon and among the wider Irish language community."
Meanwhile, Following the success of the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland teams in the 2016 UEFA European Football Championships, managers Michael O’ Neill and Martin O’Neill are to receive honorary degrees from Ulster University for their outstanding contribution to sport.