London based financier and philanthropist honoured in Northern Ireland for peace work.

The University of Ulster has announced that Co-operation Ireland Chairman Christopher Moran is one of 13 inspirational personalities to be honoured for their achievements at its summer graduations this year.

Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett said the award of Doctor of Laws (LLD) to Mr. Moran was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to civic leadership.

He added: “The honorary degree recipients this year embody the very qualities that I know will inspire Ulster’s students to aim high and realise the power they have to make a positive difference in their future lives and careers.”

In response to the news, Mr. Moran said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been awarded a Doctorate in Law from the University Of Ulster. Knowing the talent its schools produce as well as the bright future this educational hub has in front of it, it is a privilege to receive such an accolade. I’d like to thank the University of Ulster for this distinction which encapsulates the hard work completed by all those in Co-operation Ireland and recognises our efforts in building peace here in Northern Ireland.”

Mr. Moran is only one of 13 people from the worlds of sport, the arts, public life, business and education being honoured for their inspirational achievements, by the University of Ulster other include Lord Chief Justice Brian Kerr, Tommy Bowe, AP McCoy and Nicky Kinnaird founder of Space-NK. Mr Moran is a well-known UK philanthropist and owner of Crosby Hall.