PHIL TAYLOR has been awarded the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage of Trinity College University Philosophical Society following a ceremony held in his honour in Dublin.
Trinity College's famous University Philosophical Society was formed 331 years ago, with previous members including Oscar Wilde and 'Dracula' author Bram Stoker.
Past Honorary Patrons include Sir Winston Churchill, Dame Helen Mirren and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, while comedian and actor Steve Coogan recently joined them in receiving the Gold Medal.
Taylor, who has been competing in the partypoker.com World Grand Prix in Dublin, was the latest name to join that elite cast after being elected by Trinity College students to recognise the "exceptional contribution to his field" during his unparallelled career.
"I'm really chuffed, it means a lot to me," said Taylor. "You don't get awards like this every day, so it's a big honour for me.
"I've had an amazing career and it's wonderful that people want to recognise that, and especially when you see all the famous names who've received this award previously."
Alongside the presentation of the Gold Medal at Trinity College's Graduates Memorial Building, Taylor joined 150 students in the Debates Chamber for a question-and-answer session about his career.
Ludivine Rebet, the President of the University Philosophical Society, said: "We have over 10,000 members and a big presence on-campus, and we make sure that our members and Trinity students suggest who they believe are deserving of the award.
"We're thrilled to be able to recognise Phil's work and to be able to recognise the best darts player of all time."
Click below to watch our feature as Phil Taylor receives his award