Mary Immaculate College (MIC) student Gearoid Mulvihill has been recognised at the 2026 Global Undergraduate Awards, receiving a Highly Commended distinction in the Literature category for his research exploring the relationship between Irish hip-hop and traditional poetry.
A graduand of MIC’s Bachelor of Arts programme, where he studied Media & Communication Studies and English, Gearoid is now undertaking the Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) at the College.
He received the recognition at the Global Undergraduate Awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday 8 October. The awards celebrate outstanding undergraduate research from universities and colleges around the world, with submissions assessed by an international panel of academics on the merit of the work.
His undergraduate dissertation examines how contemporary Irish hip-hop is contributing to a new era of Irish poetry, challenging traditional perceptions of rap music and its place in Ireland’s literary landscape.
Through an analysis of the lyrics of Irish hip-hop artists Kneecap and Kojaque, Gearoid explored how rap employs many of the literary techniques associated with poetry, including metaphor, rhythm and internal rhyme. His research also examined how these artists give voice to marginalised communities, promote the Irish language and encourage younger generations to engage with poetic expression.
Speaking about his achievement, Gearoid said:
“It is a great privilege to be recognised at such a prestigious level. I owe it all to my English teachers in secondary school, and particularly to the English faculty in Mary Immaculate College, including my supervisor, John McDonagh. The standard of lecturing they have provided throughout my four years has been pivotal in helping me to find my voice and express my ideas coherently. It is an honour to represent the college at the Global Undergraduate Awards, and I am very proud to do so."
Dr John McDonagh, Senior Lecturer in English Language & Literature and Gearoid’s undergraduate dissertation supervisor at MIC, praised the quality and originality of his research:
“Gearoid is an outstanding student. His undergraduate dissertation was a superb analysis of the lyrics of the Irish rap band Kneecap and the Dublin-based rapper Kojaque. It showed a mastery of the subject matter combined with an insightful perspective and articulate expression. Throughout his time in MIC, he showcased his skills and is a worthy recipient of this award.
Looking ahead, the aspiring primary school teacher hopes to bring his passion for English, rap and poetry into the classroom. He is also keen to continue pursuing academic writing, crediting his time studying English at MIC with giving him the confidence to develop and express his own academic ideas.
