ONE OF the most passionate campaigners for hurling in south Down, Dick Looby, has become the first person to receive an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University for hurling.
Since he moved to Downpatrick to run a pub when he was 38, Dick has always been connected with hurling in clubs across South Down, as well as at Queen’s University.
Last Tuesday (December 10), the 85-year-old’s dedication to the game was recognised when he was one of five people who received honorary doctorates at a gala event at the university.
Dick learned about the doctorate three weeks ago when he was told that he should expect a call from the Vice Chancellor of Queen’s University.
The Vice Chancellor told Dick that he was to become a Doctor of the University for distinction in sport.
“I said do you mind if I sit down?”, Dick explained.
The Vice Chancellor told Dick that the doctorate was in recognition of the service given to Queen’s, which stretches back over 40 years.
“I said it was most enjoyable, it was not like it was a chore.”
In the full story Dick explains what the day was like and why he made an exception to attend the event.
