General Manager of Intel Ireland, Jim OHara was one of four distinguished individuals conferred with Honorary Doctorates at the annual conferring ceremony held at NUI Maynooth on Wednesday 10 May.

OHara, who is also Vice-President of the Technology Manufacturing Group at Intel Corporation, heads a workforce of over 5,000 at Intel Ireland’s Leixlip campus. He was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Science.

Commenting on this award, OHara said, “I am honoured and delighted that the National University of Ireland would choose to bestow this Honorary Doctorate of Science on me.” He added, “The occasion was particularly special as I was surrounded by my wife, daughters, grandsons and other family members.”

One of the world’s leading social scientists, Doreen Massey, Professor of Geography at the Open University, received the Degree of Doctor of Literature. She is author of 24 books and is recipient of the Victoria Medal of the Royal Geographical Society.

Also conferred was Sir David Davies, the well-known British banker and businessman, who is a member of the Foundation for the Wexford Opera Festival. He received the Degree of Doctor of Laws.

Finally, Professor Peter Townsend, Centennial Professor of International Social Policy at the London School of Economics who has written extensively on the economics of poverty, health, social policy and old age, became a Doctor of Literature.

Many guests attended the colourful occasion, including Baroness Jean Corston, wife of Professor Townsend; the Hon. Desmond Guinness; Dr Garret FitzGerald, NUI Chancellor; President Professor John Hughes, along with family and friends of the Honorary Doctorate recipients.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.