SNOW Patrol band member Johnny McDaid has been made an Honorary Fellow at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Irish Studies.
Mr McDaid, who was born in Dublin and raised in Derry, will visit the university to give a talk to students, write blogs for the Institute website and help support students through generating sponsorship opportunities for scholarships.
He said: "I look forward to working with the Institute and the university in finding opportunities to bring something of Irish culture to the world.”
In his first piece for the Institute, Mr McDaid considers the notion of “Irelandness”.
"Echoes of Ireland's voice are found on nearly every corner of the earth and, should you hear it and find harmony, curiosity, or wonder as you walk towards it, she will welcome you in," he said.
"For culture, unlike people, is not afraid. It exists only as a collective as it lives in hearts, minds and in art. Culture knows that she is in flux and not in ignorant stasis, claimed as a “stuck thing”, felt or known only by those who deem themselves worthy."
Director of the Institute of Irish Studies, Professor Pete Shirlow said: "Johnny has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Institute. He is the epitome of modern Irish culture and will help develop the institute’s vision of inclusion and the recognition that, on the island of Ireland, identity is hybrid and shifting."
