On Friday next, 2nd December 2022, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Rev. Dr Paul Colton is to be presented with the Hall of Fame Award by his former secondary school, Ashton School in Cork.

The Ashton School Hall of Fame Award is awarded to past pupils of the School in recognition of outstanding achievement. Each year the Board of Management invites nominations for the award from members of the school community. Where the Board judges the achievement of one or more nominees to be outstanding, the Board makes the award.

The Ashton School Hall of Fame Award was awarded for the first time in November 2010 to five past pupils who had played Hockey for Ireland and represented their country more than 100 times (Dave Hobbs, Mark Black, Jason Black, Karl Burns and John Jermyn). On that first occasion it was awarded in the area of Sport. Over the last number of years it has been awarded for outstanding achievement in the areas of plasma physics (Brian Appelbe), maths/physics (Hugh McNamara), orthopaedic surgery (Ruth Delaney), stem cell research (Stephen Sullivan), corporate finance (Mark Hutchinson), film-making (Peter Foott), artistic performance (Camille O’Sullivan), humanitarian aid work (Mary Elmes) and percussion music (Alex Petcu).

Bishop Paul is to receive the award for several achievements in various areas, mentioned by those in the school community who proposed his name, including:

• many academic achievements and outstanding example as a scholar
• work in the Church of Ireland Ministry
• service to Ashton School as Chairperson of the Board during which he secured the patronage of the school for the future
• service to the Diocese as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross since 1999
• care and support for people of Cork and service to the community
• his community involvement with particular mention of COVID and Ukrainian crisis
• and other awards he has received