Every year, our alumni reception is held to showcase our Alumni UK network, which supports UK educated alumni in Ireland to engage with networks, professional opportunities and internal collaborations.
This year, British Council Ireland, in partnership with the British Embassy in Dublin, were delighted to welcome guests to University College Cork (UCC) for the annual UK-Ireland Alumni Networking Reception on 5 February 2026. The evening brought together UK alumni in Ireland alongside senior figures from academia, the arts and diplomacy at UCC’s historic Aula Maxima.
The President of UCC, Professor John O’Halloran, welcomed guests and reinforced the enduring value of alumni networks and cross-border co-operation in higher education.
The evening was expertly guided by broadcaster and UCC’s Head of the Study of Religions, Dr Amanullah De Sondy, who shared his first-hand experience of the value of living, studying and working between the UK and Ireland.
The programme also featured contributions from leaders in education, diplomacy and international engagement including the British Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Patrick Reilly, British Council Global Head Student Mobility and Internationalisation of UK Education Catriona McCarthy, and Government of Ireland Consul General to Scotland Jerry O’Donovan, who each shared perspectives on collaboration, mobility and the evolving global role of universities.
It was a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements of UK-educated alumni and highlighting how the links between the UK and Ireland continue to influence careers, communities and international partnerships. Now a firmly established annual event, the reception continues to play a meaningful role in strengthening dialogue and connection between the UK and Ireland.