During the university's winter graduations this week, he was one of ten individuals honoured for their contributions to Irish life.


Additionally celebrated were trade unionist Owen Reidy, musician Dolores Keane, and broadcasters Keith Finnegan and Éanna Ní Lamhna. In recognition of his contributions to public debate and journalism, Mr. Connelly received a Doctor of Literature degree.


Before earning degrees from Trinity College and the London School of Journalism, he was born in Derry and went to St Columb's College.


For over two decades, he has covered EU and European affairs from RTÉ's Brussels office. He has travelled throughout the continent and beyond for his profession, covering crises in the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caucasus.


He has written a great deal about the Russian invasion of Ukraine in more recent times. Mr. Connelly covered Britain's choice to exit the EU in great detail. Prior to the ceremony, he expressed his gratitude for the recognition from the University of Galway.


According to him, it is an acknowledgement of both the work done by RTÉ and the efforts made by journalists to maintain objectivity and accuracy in a world that is changing.