Qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Management 2000
- M.A., Trinity College Dublin 1986
- B.A.Mod.in Mus. (Hons, Subsidiary: Psychology) Trinity College Dublin 1980
Academic:
- Irish Research Council Scholar 2022-25
- Visiting Professorship (Music), Ulster University 2016-20
- D.Litt (Honorary Doctor of Letters), University of Ulster 1999
- Junior Research Fellowship, Institute of Irish Studies, Queen’s University, Belfast 1986-88
Other:
- ‘Reverence for Difference Award 1995’ made by the Ireland Fund and the Flax Trust for work with the Belfast Harp Orchestra (Cultural) education toward peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland
- ‘Grammy Award’ with The Chieftains with the Belfast Harp Orchestra 1993 for “best folk music album” released in the US; BHO on 5 tracks
- ‘Enterprising Young Woman of the Year 1993’ (Business & Professional Women’s Organisation) for work in establishing a business in the arts and providing opportunities for the training and employment of women
- ‘Prix Joel Garnier 1992’ a harp designed for and with JH which is now in production by the CAMAC harp company entitled ‘The Janet’. Awarded for role played in establishing the Celtic Harp in France (Brittany in particular)
Special Accolades
- Launch of ‘Janet’, the harp, manufactured by Camac for world-wide distribution. Designed with and for Janet
- Accompanied President Mary McAleese on her state visit to the People’s Republic of China, 2003
- Harper at signing of Anglo-Irish Agreement, Washington DC 1985 (guest of President Reagan)
- Harper at President Reagan’s visit to ancestral home in Ballyporeen (1983)
Competitions won
- Rencontres Internationales de l’Harpe Celtique, (Dinan Brittany) Awen Trophy 1985
- An tOireachtas, Senior Harp Competition 1982
- Granard Harp Festival Competition, Canon Gilfinnon Cup 1982
- O’Carolan Festival Rosebowl 1981
- All Ireland Championship 1981
- Granard Bicentenary Harp Festival Compeition (Vocal and harp) 1981
- Isle of Man Millenium Competition (£1,000) 1979
- Feis Ceoil, An Chruit, Gold Medal 1971
- Oireachtas: New Choral Works 1983
- Channel 4, For music score of series of cultural art films, produced Neville Presho, Martello Films, 1979