Community leaders from Dublin's inner city were given honorary fellowships of the National College of Ireland today in recognition of their vital work.
The eleven men and women were conferred with the fellowships for their part in promoting access to education, employment, social inclusion, childcare, drug rehabilitation and youth projects.
Professor Joyce O'Connor, President of the National College Ireland, said: "Each of the individuals we are honouring with Fellowships of National College of Ireland have contributed to the rich tapestry of the modern Irish community selflessly and with distinction and when we celebrate these individuals, we also celebrate that spirit of community which has defined them and made them special.
"At its heart, the mission of the National College of Ireland is to create an environment for people to succeed and to enable them to develop their potential. Our new Fellows have all worked tirelessly to develop an environment within their local communities where potential can be realised and celebrated."
The NCI, which is based in the IFSC in Dublin city centre, said it was awarding the fellowships in recognition of the individual's contribution to improving access to education.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern attended the conferring ceremony in recognition of the efforts of Betty Ashe and Dolores Wilson from St Andrews Resource Centre; Seanie Lambe of the Inner City Organisations Network; Geraldine O'Driscoll, North Wall Women's Centre and Gerry Fay of the North Wall Community Association. Others whose efforts were celebrated included Frances Corr, Bath Avenue & District Residents Association; Willie Dwyer, East Wall Community Council; Mairead Ni Chiosoig, East Wall Community Council; Paul Dolan, East Wall Community Council; Anne Carroll, Ringsend and Irishtown Community and Charlie Murphy of Rinn Development Initiative.