Golfers Paul McGinley and Pádraig Harrington have been conferred with honorary degrees from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
About 300 friends, family and fans attended the ceremony yesterday, presided over by the NUI Registar Dr Attracta Halpin.
Both had a Doctorate of Arts conferred upon them in recognition of "their outstanding contribution to the sport of golf and for the distinction they have brought Ireland by their achievements".
RTÉ golf commentator and Sports Presenter, Greg Allen, commended Mr Harrington and Mr McGinley on their success as "individuals, friends and team-mates".
"In a predominantly individual sport," he said "it is rare that two names roll off the tongue together so easily".
Mr Harrington turned professional in 1995, winning the Spanish Open less than a year later. In 1997 he teamed up with McGinley to claim the World Cup of Golf for Ireland. Since 1997, he has won a further eight European tour titles and enjoyed great success in the United States.
Mr McGinley, originally from Donegal, began his professional career four years earlier in 1991. He has won a number of tournaments on the PGA circuit, including the Wales Open, the Hohe Brucke Open and the Royal Trophy on the PGA circuit. He was also part of the victorious European Ryder Cup teams in 2002 and 2004.
Speaking after the ceremony, Dublin-born Mr Harrington expressed his joy at being conferred with Mr McGinley, who he has known since his schooldays.