Renowned music composer, producer and arranger Bill Whelan has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of RCSI for his outstanding contributions to music and promotion of Irish music, dance and culture on the international stage.

The Fellowship was conferred at a ceremony which took place at the College on St Stephen's Green last night.

The Honorary Fellowship of RCSI is the highest distinction the College bestows – recognising outstanding achievement in surgery and other areas. Bill Whelan joins the ranks of other non-surgeon RCSI Honorary Fellows, a list which includes Roddy Doyle, Joe Schmidt, Padraig Harrington, the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the late Nelson Mandela.

The Honorary Fellowship citation was delivered at the ceremony by Professor Thomas Lynch, RCSI Council Member, who recounted the highlights of Bill’s illustrious career.

Bill has composed music for theatre, film and orchestra. His 1997 Grammy Award winning music Riverdance continues to be performed around the world and the show is about to embark on a 25th anniversary tour of the United States, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

As a producer in the studio he has worked with U2, Van Morrison, Kate Bush, Richard Harris, The Dubliners, Planxty, Andy Irvine, Davy Spillane and Bulgarian/Irish band, East Wind. His music for film includes scores for Dancing At Lughansa starring Meryl Streep, Some Mother’s Son featuring Helen Mirren and Lamb with Liam Neeson.