The students at University College Dublin have voted to give me the James Joyce Award, while students at Trinity College voted to honor Hunter Biden (Joe & Jill came to Dublin to celebrate; got mixed reception.) I’m unabashedly delighted. Here is University College Dublin’s award announcement:
THE COLLEGE DEBATING UNION
172nd Session, Auditor: Katie O’Sullivan
The Literary & Historical Society
University College Dublin
Dear esteemed guests of Mr. McGovern,
As Fellowships Convenor of the 172nd Session of the Literary and Historical Society at University College Dublin, I am writing to invite you to the Award Ceremony for Mr. Ray McGovern. This is the highest honour any student body in Ireland can bestow, at Ireland’s largest university, reserved for individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to a field of human endeavour.
Founded in 1855 by Cardinal John Henry Newman alongside the university itself, the Literary and Historical Society, affectionately known as the L&H, has long stood as a forum for intellectual debate, artistic exploration, and cultural engagement. Among our most notable former members is none other than James Joyce, whose legacy continues to shape both modern literature and the identity of our Society.
We want to congratulate Ray on an extraordinary career that has established him as a distinctive and influential voice in American public life. From his decades of service as a CIA intelligence analyst to his subsequent work as a political commentator, writer, and activist, he has dedicated his career to the pursuit of truth, accountability, and a more informed public discourse.
What has always distinguished Ray’s public work is his willingness to challenge conventional assumptions and to ask difficult questions, particularly when matters of war, intelligence, foreign policy, and national security are concerned.
Through Ray’s writing, lectures, interviews, and activism, he has encouraged audiences to examine evidence critically and to recognise the importance of dissent within a democratic society.
Like James Joyce, Ray has engaged deeply with questions of power, identity, institutions, and the individual’s relationship with the societies in which they live. Joyce used literature to examine the political and cultural forces surrounding Ireland and its people, while Ray’s work has sought to interrogate the institutions and decisions shaping the modern world. Both demonstrate the importance of independent voices willing to look beyond established narratives.
While you are doubtless inundated with requests such as this, I hope you can recognise the sincerity of the desire to offer a small token of our appreciation for your contribution to our time, and seize the opportunity afforded to enjoy a most memorable day at University College Dublin and in doing so, commemorate Ray’s life and achievements.
The ceremony will take place on November 18th 2026 at 18:30 in the Fitzgerald Chamber.
Should you have any questions whatsoever please do not hesitate to contact us,
Best wishes,
Katie O’Sullivan, Auditor
Liam Aubin, Fellowships Officer of the 172nd Session of the Literary and Historical Society
PRESIDENT:
Prof. Orla Feely
VICE-PRESIDENTS:
Mary Finlay Geoghegan
Patrick J. O’Flynn Desmond J.Green
Charles Lysaght
Website: UCDLNH.com
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