Monday, 14 May 2007

NUI Galway will hold an Information Evening for Adult Learners on Tuesday, 22 May 2007 where prospective students can find out all they need to know about part-time undergraduate and post-graduate study opportunities commencing in September 2007. The event will be held from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Áras na Mac Léinn where course co-ordinators will outline the specific details and requirements on a range of part-time programmes, on a one-to-one basis. NUI Galway's Strategic Plan for Adult Education pledges to increase access for non-traditional students and to expand distance learning and educational outreach. Among the courses offered at Certificate, Diploma, Degree and Masters level include; Diplomas in French, Italian, German, Spanish and Irish BA in Training and Education BA in Family and Community Studies BSc. in Science and Technology Studies MSc in Software and Information Systems MSc in Technology Management Seamus O'Grady, Director of Adult & Continuing Education at the University says: "The profile of Adult & Continuing Education has changed greatly at NUI Galway over the past 10 years. The BA in Family and Community Studies is an example of such new programme developments. It is designed to enable participants to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to Family and Community work practice and policy in Ireland or abroad." The BSc in Science and Technology Studies is a unique programme that offers a combination of traditional subjects to give students a thorough grounding in the theoretical foundations of Science and Engineering along with specialist modules so that students can focus on areas that are relevant to their careers. "The programme can also be completed on a modular basis to enable students study at a pace that suits them", explains course co-ordinator Niamh Nolan. "So, if you work or aim to work in manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or medical devices this is the programme for you." The innovative on-line MSc in Software and Information Systems is a tailor-made programme to advance and update a participant's knowledge of software and database design and development, developed in collaboration with Regis University, Denver, USA. The programme combines theory and practice, providing hands-on experience of software development methodologies and the application of information systems in industry. The Masters in Technology Management, offered by the Atlantic University Alliance (AUA), a collaborative agreement between University College Cork, University of Limerick and NUI Galway is equally enticing for those working in R&D or new product development or for candidates who perform a range of roles in one of Ireland's SMEs. Nuala McGuinn, Adult Education Development Officer, NUI Galway urges anyone considering part-time study to come along to the Information Evening as a first step to enhancing career prospects. "Any software is only as good as its next update and you can apply the same principle to your career. The closing date for application for many of our courses is earlier than you think and in some cases it's as early as June, so now is the time for students to do their research." For further details on all programmes visit the Adult Education website on: www.nuigalway.ie/adulteducation. ENDS

Monday, 14 May 2007

The Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) at NUI Galway will play a significant role in the Semantic Technologies Conference in San Jose, from 20 – 24 May 2007. DERI will provide several technology presentations to a mostly industrial audience at the conference which will focus on industry-ready semantic technology solutions. "DERI Galway's leading role in semantic solutions is confirmed again - not only in Europe, but also in the Silicon Valley. Our innovative solutions continue to generate considerable industrial interest," says Prof. Stefan Decker, director of DERI. The presentations by DERI include work by researcher Eyal Oren, who will speak about this work on ActiveRDF, which bridges the gap between the new data formats of the Semantic Web and the mainstream approach of object-oriented programming. ActiveRDF, an open-source innovation from DERI which has triggered world-wide interest, allows existing developers to use Semantic Web data within their familiar tools and development approaches. In particular, ActiveRDF integrates the popular Web development framework Ruby on Rails and "puts the Semantic Web on Rails." Mr Oren will also present DERI s ongoing work on Semantic Business Process Integration which improves business-to-business integration, a multi-billion dollar market. Sebastian Kruk, who specialises in e-learning research, will present a semantic digital library, JeromeDL, which can turn a humble reader of digital content into a knowledge contributor, knowledge that can be used by other users, not only of this particular digital library. He will explain why systems like JeromeDL, which adapt semantic web and social networking technologies to knowledge organization systems in digital libraries domain, are the corner stones of the future Internet. Mr Kruk will also present how JeromeDL can support future solutions in e-learning, web archiving and e-government. The DERI team will also present other technologies at the conference where they will show how knowledge can be shared and filtered using Semantic Web 2.0 technologies; how to develop ontologies in a collaborative way using MarcOnt Portal; as well as explaining the role semantics play in digital content repositories. DERI is currently the largest applied research organisation in the world developing the next generation of internet technology - the Semantic Web. Founded in 2003 with CSET (Centre for Science and Engineering Technology) funding from Science Foundation Ireland, it has since grown to over 100 people and has acquired significant additional research funding from sources such as the European Union Framework Programmes, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland. Science Foundation Ireland s investment in DERI represents one of its largest investments in the software area, signalling the importance of the Semantic Web. SFI is greatly encouraged by the world class results such as this being produced by the DERI researchers. END

Thursday, 10 May 2007

Ag searmanas speisialta san Ollscoil, bronnadh Cartlann Mhíchíl Chíosóig, cartlann ina bhfuil ábhar oifigiúil agus pearsanta a bhaineann le bunaitheoir CLG, Mícheál Cíosóg agus a theaghlach, ar Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin, OÉ Gaillimh. B'iarleabharlannaí de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, Patricia O'Connell nach maireann, neacht chéile le Mícheál Cíosóg, a thug an chartlann don Leabharlann. I measc na n-ábhar: Leabhar oifigiúil Chlub Iománaíochta Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath, ó bunaíodh é i 1883 – sonraí faoi bhallraíocht, miontuairiscí agus cuntais an chlub nua, a raibh Cíosóg ina Leas-Uachtarán air, agus socruithe do chluichí iománaíochta i bPáirc an Fhionnuisce ag tús 1883; Cuntas Mhíchíl Chíosóig ar a chuairt ar Chontae an Chláir, Meitheamh 1902; litir chuig a chlann mhac sa tréimhse chéanna; leabhar urnaithe a thug sé dá bhean Margaret i 1880; nótaí faoina ghinealas, agus nóta dá chlann ina measc; grianghraif de Mhícheál, Margaret agus a gclann. Labhair an Leabharlannaí Marie Reddan faoi thábhacht na cartlainne. "Cuirfidh Cartlann Chíosóig go mór le stóras OÉ Gaillimh maidir le hathbheochan chultúr na hÉireann ag deireadh an naoú céad déag. Is bailiúchán den scoth é seo agus cuirfidh sé go mór leis an ábhar atá againn ó Bhailiúchán Stiofáin Bhairéid (an chéad Chisteoir ar Chonradh na Gaeilge) agus bailiúchán de pháipéir nuachta na hOllscoile ó dheireadh an naoú céad déag, ina bhfuil The Celtic Times." Rugadh Mícheál Cíosóg (1847 – 1906) sa Charn taobh thoir de Bhoirinn. Mhúin sé i gCora Finne, Loch Cútra, Coláiste Cholmáin, Iúr Cinn Trá, Coláiste na Carraige Duibhe agus i scoileanna eile i mBaile Átha Cliath, i gCill Chainnigh agus i gCill Dara, sular bhunaigh sé a scoil féin. I 1884, bhunaigh sé Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, chun iománaíocht agus peil Ghaelach a athbheochan agus chun an lúthchleasaíocht a fhorbairt. Bhí baint ag an gCíosógach le gluaiseacht athbheochana na Gaeilge freisin, agus scríobh sé go rialta do thréimhseacháin éagsúla. Bhunaigh sé The Celtic Times, páipéar seachtainiúil faoi chluichí dúchasacha agus faoi chultúr na hÉireann. Seachas an tairbhe a bheadh ann do thaighdeoirí maidir le heolas faoi fhórsaí cultúrtha sa tréimhse sin agus, go háirithe, imeachtaí roimh bhunú CLG i 1884, tugann cartlann Mhíchíl Chíosóig léargas níos fearr dúinn ar phearsantacht Chíosóig, an fear príobháideach teaghlaigh. Níl ábhar mar seo ó pheann Chíosóig féin le fáil in aon áit eile, ach in OÉ Gaillimh, agus bronnta orainn ag a theaghlach féin. Tá an Ollscoil fíorbhuíoch as an gcartlann seo a bhronn Patricia O'Connell ar Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin, áit ar chaith sí riar maith dá saol. Bhí trí leabhar scríofa ag Patricia féin faoi Choláistí Éireannacha ar an Mór-Roinn. Faraor, bhásaigh Patricia i mí na Nollag 2006. CRÍOCH

Wednesday, 9 May 2007

The Cusack Archive, containing unique official and personal material relating to the founder of the GAA, Michael Cusack and his family, has been presented to the James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway at a special reception at the University. The archive was donated by a former librarian at NUI Galway, the late Patricia O'Connell, who was a niece-in-law of Michael Cusack. Material includes: the official Minute-book of the Dublin Hurling Club, from its foundation in 1883 - giving membership, minutes and accounts for the fledgling club, of which Cusack was Vice-President, and also arrangements for hurling matches in the Phoenix Park in early 1883; Michael Cusack's diary of his visit to Clare in June 1902; a letter to his sons on the same occasion; a prayer book presented by him to his wife Margaret in 1880; notes tracing his ancestry, including a note from him for his children; photographs of Michael, Margaret and their children. Librarian Marie Reddan highlighted the significance of the donation. "The Cusack Archive adds substantially to NUI Galway's holdings on the revival of Irish culture in the later nineteenth century. It is a unique collection and complements existing material from the Stiophán Bairéad Collection (the first Treasurer of the Gaelic League) and the University's newspaper holdings from the later nineteenth century, which include The Celtic Times." Michael Cusack (1847 – 1906) was born in the parish of Carron on the eastern fringe of the Burren. As a teacher, he taught in Corofin, Lough Cútra, St Colman's College, Newry, Blackrock College and other schools in Dublin, Kilkenny and Kildare, before founding his own academy. In 1884 he founded the GAA, aiming to revive hurling and Gaelic football and to develop athletics. Cusack was also involved in the Irish language revival movement, and was a regular contributor to various periodicals, as well as founding The Celtic Times, a weekly newspaper devoted to 'native games' and Irish culture. Aside from its value for researchers into the cultural forces at work in that seminal period and in particular the events leading up to the foundation of the GAA in 1884, the Michael Cusack Archive affords an unparalleled insight into the personality of Cusack, the private family man. It is furthermore unique in constituting the only known surviving material in Cusack's own hand, donated to NUI Galway directly from his family. The University is deeply appreciative of this generous and valuable donation from Patricia O'Connell to the James Hardiman Library to which she devoted so much of her life. Unfortunately, Patricia herself, who was a distinguished author of three books on the Irish Colleges on the Continent, passed away in December 2006. ENDS

Tuesday, 8 May 2007

Tá ag éirí go hiontach leis na mic léinn a d'fhreastail ar an Dioplóma i Scileanna Teilifíse in Ionad na hOllscoile i nGaoth Dobhair le 4 bliana anuas. Le déanaí, bhuaigh an clár Siúlach Scéalach, a léirigh mic léinn an chúrsa agus mic léinn an Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach, (An Cheathrú Rua), an léiriúchán teilifíse i nGaeilge is fearr ag comórtas SMEDIA i mBaile Átha Cliath. Taifeadadh an clár faisnéise i nGaeltacht Ghaoth Dobhair ag tús na bliana. Tá an cúrsa seo ag tosú arís i mí Mheán Fómhair i gcomhpháirtíocht le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus tá an tIonad i nGaoth Dobhair ag glacadh le hiarratais anois. Ní bheidh táillí le híoc chun freastal ar an chúrsa seo agus íocfar liúntas cothabhála leis na rannpháirtithe. Tá iarmhic léinn ó chúrsa Ghaoth Dobhair ag obair le comhlachtaí teilifíse ar fud na tíre agus tá ag éirí go geal leo. Tagann mic léinn as gach cearn den tír le freastal ar an chúrsa seo agus baineann siad sult agus tairbhe as. Duine acu sin, Séamus Ó Súilleabháin as Cúil Aodha i gCo. Chorcaí: "Bhain mé an-sult as an gcúrsa agus as an am a chaith mé i nGaoth Dobhair. Chuaigh an bhliain thart róghasta". Tá Séamus ag obair mar eagarthóir le Nemeton anois thíos i bPort Láirge agus tá dúil bhreá aige ann. Dúirt sé freisin: "Tá suim mhór agam i spórt agus is minic a bhím ag déanamh eagarthóireachta ar chláracha peile. Mar sin de, ní bhíonn deacracht ar bith agam ag éirí ar maidin le dul ag obair" Duine eile a rinne an cúrsa ná Fiona Ní Chléirigh as Gaoth Dobhair. Mar chuid den chúrsa, chuaigh Fiona amach ar thaithí oibre le Telegael, comhlacht leiriúcháin, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe, agus anois tá post lánaimseartha aici leo i mBéal Feirste. "Tá dúil bhreá agam sa phost. Ós rud é go raibh trealamh den scoth againn ar an chúrsa bhí mé ábalta teacht isteach ar an dóigh a n-oibríonn achan rud san ionad oibre. Tá mé breá ábalta tabhairt faoi eagarthóireacht, grafaicí agus meascadh fuaime anois." Rinne Louise Ní hAnachaí as Baile Átha Cliath an cúrsa anuraidh agus dúirt sí: "Chuidigh an cúrsa liom áit a fháil sa 4ú bliain den chúrsa céime sa chumarsáid in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Thamhlacht. Ní raibh le déanamh agam ach bliain amháin agus fuair mé Céad Onóracha sa chéim i mbliana." Chun bróisiúr a fháil, cuir glaoch ar an Ionad ag (074) 9531919. Críoch

Thursday, 3 May 2007

Sr Avril O'Regan, Chaplaincy NUI Galway, accepts a cheque for €3,000 from the NUI Galway Alumni Association Board toward the Ghana Project, which has raised over €65,000 to fund a team of 21 students who will travel to Ghana next week. The students will spend two weeks in the western African country helping local people build their own homes. They will work and live on the construction site with the homeowners' families during their stay. The trip is organised by the NUI Galway Chaplaincy, part of the University's Student Services, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Ghana, which has already built over 4,000 homes in Ghana. Also pictured are Mr Peter Mannion, Students' Union Education Officer, NUI Galway; Catherine Hickey-O Maolain, Vice Chair of the NUI Galway Alumni Association Board and Ailíse McMahon, from Bray, County Wicklow, a fourth year Arts student and member of the Ghana Project. The mission of NUI Galway Alumni Association Board is to nurture an active and mutually beneficial relationship between NUI Galway and all its graduates throughout the world. ENDS

Thursday, 3 May 2007

Secondary school students from Athenry and Spiddal are to battle it out in this year's final of the REMEDI schools debate competition at NUI Galway on Wednesday, 9 May 2007. The motion for this year's final is: The current situation whereby most Irish hospitals do not facilitate cord blood collection is unacceptable. Arguing in favour of the motion will be Jack Rawlings and Catherine O'Keefe, Transition Year students at Presentation Secondary School, Athenry. Arguing against the motion will be fifth year students Ciara Ní Ghabhain and John Gerard O'Gnímh, representing Coláiste Chroí Mhuire, An Spidéal. Prizes include a Galway Crystal trophy for the winning school, while the successful students will be presented with iPods. The runners up will also receive a Galway Crystal trophy for their school and personal prizes of iPOD shuffles. Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI, and one of the world's leading experts in stem cell research, will chair the judging panel. A total of eight schools across the city and county participated in this year's competition, which is part of the Galway Region Outreach (GRO) programme. GRO is an innovative outreach programme aimed at secondary schools in the region facilitated jointly by REMEDI and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Sciences (NCBES) at NUI Galway. It promotes science, engineering and technology to students and encourages them to consider a career in these fields. The aim of the competition is to stimulate discussion among young people on the ethical and societal issues raised by developments in biomedical sciences. ENDS

Thursday, 3 May 2007

Glacfaidh daltaí meánscoile ó Bhaile Átha an Rí agus An Spidéal páirt i gcraobhchomórtas díospóireachta scoileanna REMEDI in OÉ Gaillimh, Dé Céadaoin, 9 Bealtaine 2007. Is é rún na díospóireachta i mbliana: The current situation whereby most Irish hospitals do not facilitate cord blood collection is unacceptable. Beidh Jack Rawlings and Catherine O'Keefe, Daltaí Idirbhliana ó Choláiste na Toirbhirte, Baile Átha an Rí, ag argóint ar son an rúin. Beidh Ciara Ní Ghabhain agus John Gerard O'Gnímh, daltaí ón gcúigiú bliain i gColáiste Chroí Mhuire, An Spidéal, ag argóint i gcoinne an rúin. I measc na nduaiseanna atá ann don scoil a bhuann tá trófaí Galway Crystal, agus bronnfar iPod an duine ar na daltaí a n-éiríonn leo. Is é an tOllamh Frank Barry, Stiúrthóir REMEDI, agus ceann de mhór-eolaithe an domhain ar thaighde gascheall, a bheidh ina chathaoirleach ar phainéal na moltóirí. Ghlac ocht scoil as ar fud chathair agus chontae na Gaillimhe páirt sa chomórtas seo i mbliana. Is cuid de chlár For-Rochtana Réigiún na Gaillimhe (GRO) an comórtas seo. Clár nuálach for-rochtana é GRO atá dírithe ar mheánscoileanna sa réigiún le páirtíocht ó REMEDI i gcomhar leis an Ionad Náisiúnta um Eolaíocht Innealtóireachta Bithmhíochaine (NCBES) in OÉ Gaillimh. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an GRO eolaíocht, innealtóireacht agus teicneolaíocht a chur chun cinn i measc daltaí agus iad a spreagadh le tabhairt faoi ghairm bheatha sna réimsí seo. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an gcomórtas díospóireacht faoi na ceisteanna eiticiúla agus na ceisteanna i measc na sochaí a bhaineann le forbairtí sna heolaíochtaí bithmhíochaine a spreagadh i measc daoine óga. CRÍOCH

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

NUI Galway PhD student Sandra Galvin from the Department of Bacteriology will bring the topical issue of water quality to the annual Science Speak competition in the RDS on Thursday, 3 May, 2007 where she will compete with students from the six other Irish Universities to claim the coveted national title. Compered by RTE's Pat Kenny, the contest rates the speakers' ability to communicate their research to a non-scientific audience. The judging panel, which includes Irish Times Science Editor Dick Ahlstrom, Peter Brabazon of Discover Science and Engineering, and RTE broadcasters John Creedon, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Kathriona Devereux, will determine the winner as the person best able to communicate their area of research and how it can affect peoples' everyday lives. Sandra's presentation, 'Water water everywhere - is it safe to drink?' is especially topical given the current national debate about water quality arising from the problems with water quality in the Galway region. It is based on her PhD research project which examines how to detect antibiotic resistant bacteria in water and in sewage and asks what is the significance of this issue for human health. The work is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Sandra's work involves analysing various water bodies around Ireland including hospital effluent, outflow from a wastewater treatment plant, source water, drinking water, sea water, river water and lake water. "The effect the environment has on our health is of increasing concern worldwide," says Sandra. "Given the current climate of water quality issues in Ireland, this research further highlights the importance of increased monitoring and assessment of our water supplies." Originally from Askeaton, in County Limerick, Sandra holds a BSc in Microbiology from UCC. Now in her second year of a PhD at the Department of Bacteriology, NUI Galway, she is one of a team of researchers involved in the 'Enhancing Human Health Through Improved Water Quality' project, led by the Environmental Change Institute at NUI Galway. Science Speak is an annual competition organised by the seven Irish Universities; NUI Galway, University of Limerick, University College Cork, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and NUI Maynooth. Each finalist, a postgraduate student, qualified for the national final through individual competitions in their respective university. Science Speak is a joint initiative organised by the Irish Times and the RDS in association with the Irish Universities Promoting Science. The event is sponsored by Wyeth Biotech and the Discover Science & Engineering Programme. ENDS

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

Internet researchers at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) at NUI Galway have made a major technological breakthrough in the Semantic Web, a machine readable version of the web which enables more efficient internet searching. Current internet technology means that users must filter search results and decide what is relevant. The Semantic Web enables the computer to filter information and also powers the intelligent transfer, sharing and negotiation of information between computer systems. The Semantic Web Search Engine developed at DERI is able to answer queries with more than 7 billion RDF statements in fractions of a second - the largest number reported so far anywhere in the world. An RDF statement is the entity that makes the Semantic Web semantic. Possible application areas include Social Network Applications and Analysis, eHealth applications, Web Search, location based services, and financial searches. "The importance of this breakthrough can not be overestimated" says Professor Stefan Decker, Director of DERI. "These results enable us to create web search engines that really deliver answers instead of links. The technology also allows us to combine information from the Web, for example the engine can list all partnerships of a company even if there is no single web page that lists all of them." Andreas Harth and Aidan Hogan, key researchers on the Semantic Web Search Engine project, have been working on the project for about three years. "I am excited about the prospects ahead," says Mr Harth. "We are currently working on realising inferencing - making the web truly intelligent - and we have results already." DERI is currently the largest applied research organisation in the world developing the next generation of internet technology – the Semantic Web. DERI was founded in 2003 with CSET (Centre for Science and Engineering Technology) funding from Science Foundation Ireland. It has since grown to over 100 people and has acquired significant additional research funding from sources such as the European Union Framework Programmes, Enterprise Ireland and SFI. ENDS

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

The trend towards increasing outflows of people as well as the more evident inflows from other countries should be welcomed as part of Ireland's changing pattern of migration, according to a former Dean of Commerce at NUI Galway, Professor Roy Green, who will deliver the 30th Annual Countess Markievicz Memorial lecture on Tuesday, 8 May 2007. The 'Building the Innovative Capability of Organisations' lecture, organised by the Irish Association for Industrial Relations (IAIR), with the support of Medtronic and GMIT, will take place at Áras Moyola, NUI Galway from 6.30 – 7.30pm. Prof. Green is Dean of the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, one of Australia's leading business schools. Prof. Green argues that, like Australia, Ireland too must adopt a positive view of the trend for graduates to look for work abroad as well as at home, as many of these graduates are likely to return with enhanced skills and experience. Prof. Green, who was responsible for establishing the Centre for Innovation & Structural Change and J E Cairnes Graduate School of Business & Public Policy during his six years at NUI Galway, believes Countess Markievicz herself was one of the first examples of a migrant who contributed massively to the Irish nation. "The first phase of immigration comprised Irish expatriates from the less than halcyon days of the 1980s, who were forced to leave by the economic circumstances of the time and only now have the opportunity to return to senior positions in universities, public agencies and international firms, as well as professional s and skilled workers from a wide range of other countries, especially the new member states of the EU, who also want to contribute to the Irish economic transformation and build a new life here for themselves and their families," says Prof. Green. "With only a slight stretch of the imagination, you might say that London-born Constance Markievicz was an early prototype for this group, as were James Connolly, who was Scottish and New York native Eamon de Valera. "Unlike Joyce Beckett Shaw and the Massachusetts Kennedy clan, whose life and work were conducted abroad, the new generation will be gone one day but back the next, as a sophisticated, Blackberry wielding, Armani and Prada-clad globalised community, which according to AT Kearney's Globalisation Index, belongs to one of the most globalised economies in the world." Professor Green concludes that business schools have a major part to play in "preparing the next generation of leaders in our societies, through their management of organisations in both the public and private sectors, and that leadership in the future will no longer be about 'command and control', but releasing people's talent and creativity, more often than not in cross-functional, problem-solving teams, collaborative networks and 'communities of knowledge'". The lecture is free and open to the public. Further information is available from Dr Noel Harvey, Chairman of the IAIR on 091 742127 or Nuala Donohue, Department of Management, NUI Galway on 091 493771. The Irish Association for Industrial Relations was established in 1972 in response to a growing need to develop and exchange knowledge on industrial relations at the national level, providing a forum for discussion and research. Membership is drawn from management, trade unions, academics, students and others interested in industrial relations and related topics. ENDS

Saturday, 30 June 2007

Pictured at the Honorary Conferring on Friday 29 June, 2007(L to R): Chief Justice Pius Langa; Enya; Bill Walsh; Niall FitzGerald, KBE; Dr Jane O Leary and Nicholas Carolan Honorary Doctorates conferred on Bill Walsh, Jane O'Leary, Chief Justice Pius Langa, Nicholas Carolan, Niall Fitzgerald, KBE and Eithne Ní Bhraonáin (Enya) Six outstanding individuals from the worlds of business, philanthropy, justice, music and the arts were conferred with honorary degrees from National University of Ireland, Galway on Friday 29 June, 2007. The conferring marks remarkable achievements and distinctive contributions both nationally and internationally by individuals who have excelled in their fields. The ceremony follows last week's honorary conferring of world renowned folklorist Tom Munnelly. Commenting, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway said, "It is a great pleasure to welcome such a distinguished group of graduands to NUI Galway to bestow on them the highest honour that the university can confer. This year with the worlds of the arts, justice, business and philanthropy represented by graduands from South Africa, Ireland, Britain and the United States, I believe that we have a wonderfully eclectic, diverse and particularly talented group of honorees." Bill Walsh (Degree of Doctor of Laws) is the Founder and Chairman of Sequoia Associates, a private investment firm, established in 1982. He is married and has six children. A quiet, steadfast philanthropist, Walsh is a long-time member of the American Ireland Fund and received its Distinguished Leadership Award in 1997. Walsh, his wife, and six children together endowed The William D. Walsh Family Library at Fordham University, and dedicated the Lumbard Classroom in Hauser Hall at Harvard Law School. In addition, Walsh established the Lumbard Fellowship to fund summer interns from Harvard Law School and Columbia and Fordham Law Schools to work in the U.S. Attorney's Office. Jane O'Leary (Degree of Doctor of Music) was born in Hartford, Connecticut, Jane has been resident in Ireland since 1972. A founding member of Aosdána, Jane has composed over 70 works, which have been widely performed and broadcast. In 1976 Jane established the contemporary music ensemble Concorde to promote and perform new music on a regular basis. She lives in Galway where she is a founder and current chairperson of Music for Galway, founded in 1981. Jane has served on the Board of the National Concert Hall, the Arts Council, and the Cultural Relations Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs. She was chair of the Contemporary Music Centre during a period of significant development for the centre. She has been Composer in Residence at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and currently teaches composition at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama. Chief Justice Pius Langa (Degree of Doctor of Laws) is an inspirational jurist who is the first African Chief Justice of South Africa. He rose from humble beginnings as a worker in a shirt factory, to a court interpreter and messenger; subsequently a prosecutor and magistrate and a Judge of the Constitutional Court. Chief Justice Langa has always been involved in attempts to improve the quality of life of his fellow South Africans. He continues to assist civic organisations, townships residents association and youth and recreational groups. In an extremely competitive profession, his rise from humble beginnings in apartheid in South Africa to the Chief Justice of a free South Africa is truly remarkable and bears testimony to a courageous and indefatigable personality. Nicholas Carolan (Degree of Doctor of Literature) has achieved a national feat in the last twenty years in the establishment of the Irish Traditional Music Archive. It holds and preserves there the largest multi-media collection in existence of Irish traditional music materials: over 28,000 sound recordings, 18,000 books and serials, 10,000 images, and a mass of other materials. It also holds the largest body of information about the music, organised on unique computer catalogues: over half a million content items in all. He is best known to the public for his long-running archival television series, Come West along the Road on RTÉ and Siar an Bóthar on TG4, and for his extensive public lecturing. He has also published a profusion of books and scholarly articles on the subject of Irish traditional music. This year 2007 will be the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Archive, an appropriate time to honour Nicholas Carolan s service to the nation. Niall FitzGerald, KBE (Degree of Doctor of Laws) became the Chairman of Reuters in October 2004, having spent over thirty years with Unilever in a variety of commercial and financial jobs in several countries. During his Unilever career, he worked and lived in Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, the USA and the UK. Niall FitzGerald joined the Board of Reuters as a non-executive director in 2003 and became Chairman in 2004. Niall FitzGerald was awarded an honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire in 2002, and holds a number of Honorary Doctorates from American, British and Irish universities. Eithne Ní Bhraonáin-Enya (Degree of Doctor of Music) was born in Gaoth Dobhair and educated in Milford, County Donegal, Enya was born into a musical family. In 1980 she was asked to join the family group Clannad at the request of Nicky Ryan, Clannad's Manager at that time. After leaving Clannad in 1982 she commenced her musical collaboration with the producer and lyricist team of Nicky and Roma Ryan. Enya has become Ireland's best-selling solo artist in the history of the State and ranks alongside the most successful female artists in the world. She was the world s biggest selling female artist of 2001 and 2002. To date Enya has sold over seventy million albums worldwide. The honorary conferring will take place in the presence of the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland and former Taoiseach, Dr. Garret FitzGerald ENDS

Friday, 29 June 2007

Ag bronnadh na gCeimeanna Oinigh inniú ag OÉ Gaillimh (ó chlé): an tArd-Bhreitheamh Pius Langa; Enya; Bill Walsh; Niall FitzGerald, KBE; Dr Jane O Leary agus Nicholas Carolan Céimeanna Dochtúireachta bronnta ar Bill Walsh, Jane O'Leary, An tArd-Bhreitheamh Pius Langa, Nicholas Carolan, Niall Fitzgerald, KBE agus Eithne Ní Bhraonáin (Enya) Fuair seisear den scoth ó shaol an ghnó, an daonchairdis, an cheartais, an cheol agus na n-ealaíon céimeanna oinigh ó Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh inniu, Dé hAoine, an 29 Meitheamh 2007. Léiríonn an bronnadh na héachtaí agus an obair náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta atá bainte amach ag na daoine seo sna réimsí lena mbaineann siad. Bronnadh céim oinigh an tseachtain seo caite ar an mbéaloideasaí Tom Munnelly, a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda air. Dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, "Is mór an onóir dom fáilte a chur roimh an ngrúpa ar leith réamhchéimithe seo chuig OÉ Gaillimh agus an onóir is mó is féidir leis an Ollscoil a thabhairt dóibh á bronnadh orthu inniu. I mbliana agus réamhchéimithe ón Afraic Theas, as Éirinn, as an mBreatain agus as na Stáit Aontaithe ag déanamh ionadaíochta ar na healaíona, an ceartas, an gnó agus an daonchairdeas, is eicléictiúil, ilghnéitheach agus ildánach an grúpa céimithe atá againn." Is é Bill Walsh (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Dlí) a bhunaigh agus atá mar Chathaoirleach ar Sequoia Associates, gnólacht príobháideach infheistíochta, a bunaíodh i 1982. Tá sé pósta agus tá seisear clainne air. Daonchara ciúin seasmhach é Walsh atá in bhall le blianta fada den American Ireland Fund agus a fuair an Gradam Ceannaireachta uathu i 1997. Mhaoinigh Walsh, a bhean chéile, agus a seisear clainne an William D. Walsh Family Library in Ollscoil Fordham, agus ba iad a thiomnaigh an Lumbard Classroom in Hauser Hall ag Scoil Dlí Harvard. Chomh maith leis sin, bhunaigh Walsh Ánracht Lumbard chun intéirnigh a mhaoiniú i rith an tsamhraidh ó Scoil Dlí Harvard agus as Scoileanna Dlí Columbia agus Fordham chun go mbeidís in ann oibriú in Oifig an Ard-Aighne sna Stáit Aontaithe. Rugadh Jane O'Leary (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Cheol) in Hartford, Connecticut, agus tá sí ina cónaí in Éirinn ó 1972. Duine de lucht bunaithe Aosdána í Jane a bhfuil breis agus 70 saothar cumtha aici, saothar a sheinntear agus a chraoltar go mion minic. I 1976, bhunaigh Jane an ensemble comhaimseartha ceoil, Concorde, chun ceol nua a chur chun cinn agus a sheinm go rialta. Tá sí ina cónaí i nGaillimh áit ar bhunaigh sí Music for Galway i 1981 agus is í atá ina cathaoirleach air faoi láthair. Bhí Jane ar Bhord an Cheolárais Náisiúnta, na Comhairle Ealaíon, agus ar Choiste um Chaidreamh Cultúir na Roinne Gnóthaí Eachtracha. Bhí sí in Cathaoirleach ar an Contemporary Music Centre agus an t-ionad sin á fhorbairt go mór ag an am. Bhí sí ina Cumadóir Cónaitheach le hAcadamh Ríoga Cheol na hÉireann agus faoi láthair tá cumadóireacht á teagasc aici san Ardscoil Cheoil agus Drámaíochta in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath. Is dlí-eolaí den scoth an tArd-Bhreitheamh Pius Langa (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Dlí). Ba é an chéad Ard-Bhreitheamh Afracach ar an Afraic Theas. Thosaigh sé ag obair i monarcha léinte ar dtús. Ansin fuair sé post mar theachtaire agus mar theangaire cúirte; ansin mar ionchúisitheoir. D'oibrigh sé ansin mar ghiúistís agus mar Bhreitheamh ar an gCúirt Bhunreachtúil. Tá a shaol caite ag an Ard-Bhreitheamh Langa ag iarraidh caighdeán maireachtála na ndaoine san Afraic Theas a fheabhsú. Cabhraíonn sé i gcónaí le heagraíochtaí saoránachta, cumann cónaitheoirí bailte agus grúpaí óige agus caitheamh aimsire. Is gairm fhíoriomaíoch í seo, agus léiríonn an dul chun cinn a rinne sé i gcinedheighilt san Afraic Theas go hArd-Bhreitheamh san Afraic Theas shaor, chomh misniúil agus chomh dosháraithe is atá an fear seo. Tá éacht náisiúnta bainte amach ag Nicholas Carolan (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Litríocht) le scór bliain anuas le bunú Chartlann Cheol Traidisiúnta na hÉireann. Is ann atá an bailiúchán ilmheán is mó de cheol traidisiúnta na hÉireann: Breis is 28,000 fuaimthaifead, 18,000 leabhar agus sraitheanna, 10,000 íomhá, agus go leor ábhar eile. Is ann is mó atá eolas le fáil faoin gceol freisin – curtha in ord ar chatalóga áirithe ríomhaire: breis is leathmhilliún acu ar fad. Is fearr aithne air mar gheall ar an sraithchlár cartlainne atá ar RTÉ le fada, Come West along the Road agus Siar an Bóthar ar TG4, agus mar gheall ar a chuid léachtaí poiblí. Tá neart leabhar agus alt scolártha foilsithe aige faoi cheol traidisiúnta na hÉireann. Beidh sé 20 bliain i mbliana ó bunaíodh an Chartlann, am feiliúnach chun onóir a thabhairt do sheirbhís Nicholas Carolan don tír. Rinneadh Cathaoirleach ar Reuters de Niall FitzGerald, KBE (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Dlí) i nDeireadh Fómhair 2004, tar éis tríocha bliain a bheith caite aige le Unilever i bpoist éagsúla tráchtála agus airgeadais i dtíortha éagsúla. Agus é ag obair le Unilever, bhí sé ina chónaí in Éirinn, san Ísiltír, san Afraic Theas, i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá agus sa Ríocht Aontaithe. Rinneadh ball de Bhord Reuters de Niall FitzGerald mar stiúrthóir neamhfheidhmiúcháin in 2003 agus rinneadh Cathaoirleach de in 2004. Rinneadh Ceannasaí Oinigh Ridireachta d'Impireacht na Breataine as Niall FitzGerald in 2002, agus tá céimeanna oinigh Dochtúireachta faighte aige ó ollscoileanna i Meiriceá, sa Bhreatain agus in Éirinn. Rugadh Eithne Ní Bhraonáin-Enya (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Cheol) i nGaoth Dobhair agus fuair sí a cuid oideachais i Milford, Contae Dhún na nGall. Bhí an teaghlach an-cheolmhar agus i 1980 d'iarr Nicky Ryan uirthi, Bainisteoir Chlannad ag an am, páirt a ghlacadh i gClannad – grúpa an teaghlaigh. I ndiaidh di Clannad a fhágáil i 1982 thosaigh sí ag ceol trí chomhoibriú leis an léiritheoir Nicky Ryan agus leis an liriceoir Roma Ryan. Is í Enya an t-amhránaí ban is mó éilimh sa tír seo agus tá sí ar dhuine de na hamhránaithe ban is cáiliúla ar domhan. Ba í an t-amhránaí ban ba mhó éilimh in 2001 agus 2002. Go dtí seo, tá breis is seachtó milliún albam díolta aici ar fud an domhain. I láthair ag an searmanas bronnta beidh Seansailéir Ollscoil na hÉireann agus an tIar-Thaoiseach, an Dr Garret FitzGerald. CRÍOCH

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

Access to Success: the Student Experience from Pre-entry to Employment (with particular focus on students from under-represented groups) The European Access Network (EAN) in collaboration with the Access Programme Office at NUI Galway is having its 16th EAN Annual Conference from 27 - 29 June 2007. The conference will look at the student experience throughout the student life cycle, with particular focus on students from under-represented groups. The NUI Galway Access Programme promotes initiatives that encourage greater participation in university amongst under-represented groups (under presentation can be for reason of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, nationality, low-socio economic status, vocational training, geographic location or earlier educational disadvantage). According to Imelda Byrne, Access Officer, "The numbers of students progressing from our target groups to higher education has increased over the past 10 years. This conference hopes to examine in particular factors that will affect, influence or shape the experience and future employment potentials; it will also consider the role of the career services as an interface for student – university – employer to facilitate a three way dialogue on employability. Increasingly, higher education institutions are recognising the need to stimulate university – industry links and are working with local communities in order to develop the knowledge based economy." Mr. Michael Kelly, Chair of the Higher Education Authority will deliver the opening address. Mr. Chris Coughlan, Adjunct Professor at the University and e-Business Services Manager, Hewlett Packard, Galway is a guest speaker and will discuss the Role of Career Guidance in Supporting Students' Personal and Professional development. Past conferences have been very successful and were attended by high level policy makers, academics, practitioners and researchers who came to share international examples of innovative strategies and good practices. The EAN and NUI Galway are confident that this year's event will be equally successful with over 200 delegates expected. Keynote speakers include: Bahram Bekhradnia, Director, Higher Education Policy Institute, UK Ibrahim Bokharouss, ECHO, the Netherlands Michael M Crow, President, Arizona State University, USA Margaret Dane, Chief Executive, AGCAS, UK Michel Feutrie, President, EUCEN, France Annika Persson Ponten, Ministry of Education, Sweden Jaana Puukka, Analyst, OECD The EAN is the only independent, non-profit making, European organisation – but with an active international membership – which promotes equity and access to education and training for disadvantaged and under-represented groups. Over the past 15 years the EAN has through research, publications and conferences, successfully informed and stimulated access policy, raised awareness to the social and equity dimensions of higher education, facilitated pedagogic development, and disseminated research findings and examples of good practice. ENDS

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

NUI Galway Biomedical Engineering student Michael Dunning has been named Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year 2007 at a ceremony in Dublin. This prestigious award, now in its 9th year, is presented annually by Siemens and Engineers Ireland to a final year engineering student who has developed an innovative technology or product that is commercially viable. Michael, from Athlone, Co. Westmeath won the award for his final year research project, A Self-Expanding Nano-Fibrous Biodegradable Stent, which developed a stent to treat urethral strictures. Stents are small medical devices designed to be inserted into a vessel or passageway to keep it open. Professor Padraic O Donoghue, Dean of Engineering at NUI Galway, said: "I would like to congratulate Michael on his tremendous achievement in winning the prestigious Siemens Prize. This is the top award nationally for engineering graduates and there is always very keen competition for it. His success is further evidence of the high quality of the engineering programmes at NUI Galway and our strength within Biomedical Engineering. I also acknowledge the contributions of his lecturers and in particular those of his advisor, Professor Abhay Pandit." Michael received a specially commissioned trophy along with a cheque for €2,000. A further prize of €1,250 will be awarded should he decide to continue with post-graduate studies in engineering at an accredited University or Institute of Technology. Speaking after receiving the award, Michael said: "I am delighted to have won the prize, which is a wonderful accolade to have on my CV. There was some very strong competition in the final, including another student from my course, which is a great reflection on the department and is justified because of the great researchers and lecturers doing interesting and innovative research." The award is open to final year engineering students of Engineers Ireland accredited engineering degree courses from Universities and Institutes of Technology, north and south of the border. Each the year competition receives applications from 14 participating Universities and ITs who nominate two student projects each for the award. The Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year Award encourages young engineering students to be innovative in their work and to think about the practical and commercial applications of their research. For further information on the award logon to: www.engineersireland.ie ENDS

Monday, 25 June 2007

The Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway will proudly host a special visit by Justice Pius Langa, Chief Justice of South Africa, who will deliver a seminar entitled: A Review of the Work of the South African Constitutional Court: the Retrospect and Prospect on Saturday, 30 June, 2007. Last year, South Africa celebrated the 10th anniversary of the signing of its constitution. Thus, the visit by Chief Justice Langa is both timely and opportune. The constitution, signed into law by the country's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, at Sharpeville, on 10 December 1996, has been widely regarded as the most progressive in the world. The protection of human rights along with the promotion of equality, diversity and social justice are among the aspirations embodied in the constitution, which was negotiated in the acute awareness of the country's history of injustice and oppression. Pius Nkonzo Langa was appointed a Judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa in October 1994 and became Deputy President of that Court in August 1997. He was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa in November 2001 and assumed the position of Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa on 1 June 2005. During Chief Justice Langa's early practice as an advocate of the Supreme Court of South Africa, political trials predominated, and his practice reflected the struggle against apartheid. His clientele included the underprivileged, civic bodies, trade unions and people charged under apartheid security legislation. He was also a founder member of the Release Mandela Committee (Natal) and served in the committees formed to accelerate and prepare for the release of political prisoners. Justice Langa has participated in numerous conferences abroad and delivered papers and lectures on a variety of law and human rights-related topics. He has participated in the work of constitutional review commissions in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Tanzania. Langa assisted in the formation of and is the current chairman of the Southern African Judges Commission, a forum for Chief Justices of SADC and other jurisdictions in other Southern African jurisdictions. The Commission's focus is, among other things, the promotion and protection of the independence of the judiciary and the promotion and development of a culture of human rights in the Southern African region. According to Deputy Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, Dr Vinodh Jaichand, the visit by Chief Justice Langa is the highlight of a very full academic year a the Centre. "This will be an opportunity to hear first-hand how the Constitutional Court's internationally acclaimed decisions have affected the lives of the millions affected by the notorious practice of apartheid. In its landmark decisions on the legal protection of the right to health care and housing, for example, the South African Constitutional Court has clearly illustrated the vital role that courts can play in the protection of socio-economic rights." Justice Pius Langa is among six outstanding individuals from the worlds of business, philanthropy, justice, music and the arts to be conferred with honorary degrees from National University of Ireland, Galway on Friday 29 June, 2007. The seminar will commence at 10 am at the Irish Centre for Human Rights and all are welcome. ENDS

Monday, 25 June 2007

The Grainne Mhaol Club, in conjunction with NUI Galway Alumni Association, is pleased to invite all NUI Galway graduates to an afternoon & evening of rowing and entertainment at Henley Royal Regatta, (Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire) on Saturday, 7 July, 2007. The guest of honour will be Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway. Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best known rowing regatta in the world and holds a unique place in the respect and affection of all oarsmen. Henley also offers a fantastic social occasion, and is a highlight of the English summer social circuit. NUI Galway has a legacy of participating in, and often winning, events at Henley. In 2003, the Rowing Club won the Visitor's Fours event at Henley Royal Regatta, beating both "Boat Race" crews from Oxford and Cambridge along the way, and repeated this by winning the same event in 2005. An earlier generation of oarsmen, competing as UCG Rowing Club tasted victory in the Thames Cup in 1987 and in the Britannia Challenge Cup in 1990. The 20th Anniversary of the club's first Henley win will be marked by the 1987 crew rowing over the course during the break in racing on Saturday at this year's event. In addition to the row-past by the 1987 crew, the present generation of NUI Galway athletes will also be racing on Saturday. The Club is planning to send two extremely strong and experienced crews to complete this year; and it is expected that at least one of them will still be in the competition at semi-final stage. "If you ever were to attend Henley this would be the year to do it" declared Eamonn Hegarty, Alumni Association Board member and event organiser. The Regatta Enclosure will be the venue for the NUI Galway graduate get-together at 2:00pm. After an afternoon at the regatta, alumni will be welcomed to a barbeque hosted by the Alumni Association Board at 8:00pm. Transport will be provided for guests from Henley Town Centre to the barbeque venue, ("The Maltsters Arms" in Rotherfield Greys), and afterwards, back to Henley in time for the last train to London. For further details of the regatta timetable, dress code, barbeque venue, etc., please visit www.grainnemhaol.com, or e-mail us at mailgrainnemhaol.com ENDS

Tuesday, 19 June 2007

World-renowned folklorist, Mr Tom Munnelly received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature from NUI Galway in recognition of his lifetime of service to the collection and publication of folksong and folklore in Ireland. Mr Munnelly was honoured at the University's summer conferring ceremony on Tuesday, 19 June, 2007. Tom Munnelly is widely recognised as one of the world s foremost collectors of traditional Irish songs in the English language, with over 20,000 songs collected to date. A native of Dublin, Mr Munnelly is an archivist/collector with the Delargy Centre for Irish Folklore in UCD, and since moving to West Clare in 1978 he has collected over 4,000 Songs from local traditional singers. He has also recorded songs, music and folklore in most other counties in Ireland. Dr Pádraig Ó Héalaí, a former lecturer in Irish at NUI Galway said: "Tom Munnelly has made an immense contribution to the future of Irish folkore studies by producing an index of all the English-language oral poetry contained in vols 1 to 2000 of the National Folklore Archive's manuscripts, some 18,000 items in all, and by developing a classificatory system for this material based on internationally accepted models. "Formidable as Tom's feats as an archivist may be, his achievement as a collector of oral tradition is truly awesome. He has recorded well over 1,000 hours of song and lore and has been responsible for the most comprehensive collection of traditional songs in English ever compiled by any one individual in Ireland. It constitutes a very substantial enrichment of the National Folklore Collection and it significantly expands the database available to future scholars in this field." Mr Munnelly was a founder member of the Folk Music Society of Ireland/Cumannn Ceoil Tíre Éireann, has acted as Chair of the Irish Traditional Music Archive/Taisce Ceol Dúchais and of Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy and has served the Arts Council of Ireland in a number of different roles. His close association with these bodies and his founding role in other local historical and folk music societies, folklore schools and singing festivals highlight his contribution to Irish cultural life. The Conferral ceremony at NUI Galway will also include the posthumous award of the PhD degree to Mr John Mulqueen of Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo and a native of Kilrush, Co. Clare. John, a graduate of UCD and Iowa, was a former Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, an employee of An Foras Talúntais and Teagasc and an international authority on soils, and died in 2006. The award will be accepted by his family. Almost 200 students from across the Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Commerce, Science, Law and Arts will also receive their degrees and diplomas at the ceremony. ENDS

Monday, 18 June 2007

With only days remaining for Leaving Cert students to re-evaluate their CAO choices and submit their change of mind forms, NUI Galway would like to make students aware of some of the new courses in Engineering and Science being offered from September 2007. Students interested in pursuing a career in science can consider the new Physics with Medical Physics programme, listed as GY316 on the CAO form. The course is a response to the considerable demand for qualified medical physicists in Ireland, and will combine essential core physics modules with medical physics, chemistry, mathematical science, biology and anatomy. Graduates from the programme will be well qualified to proceed to professional medical physics training at Masters Degree level. There are also exciting career opportunities in the medical device and health care industry and in the health and safety sector. Prof. Tom Glynn, Head of the Physics Department, NUI Galway, said: "Graduates of this course will receive an education in physics, instrumentation, and computational techniques - with a strong emphasis on the medical applications. As well as pursuing a further career in medical physics, graduates will also have employment options in research, industry, teaching, energy and environment and in many other areas" Graduates from this programme can seek employment in the wide range of careers open to regular physics graduates but will also have a strong foundation in medical physics and will be well qualified to proceed to professional medical physics training at Masters Degree level. A Project and Construction Management degree, (GY410), will equip students with knowledge and an understanding of project management, particularly in the construction sector, is being offered as a four-year programme. The degree will enable students to embrace the challenges of modernisation, innovation and change in tomorrow's knowledge-based economy. Professor Padraic O'Donoghue, Dean of Engineering at NUI Galway said: "This new degree will equip students with a knowledge and understanding of project management, particularly in the construction sector, and enable them to embrace the challenges of modernisation, innovation and change in tomorrow's knowledge based economy." ENDS

Monday, 18 June 2007

Michael Dunning and Louise Murphy, both students of Biomedical Engineering at NUI Galway, have been selected as finalists to compete in the Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year Award 2007, which takes place on Thursday 21st June at the headquarters of Engineers Ireland in Dublin. This prestigious award, now in its 9th year, is presented annually by Siemens and Engineers Ireland to a final year engineering student who has developed an innovative technology or product that is commercially viable. Michael, from Athlone, Co. Westmeath was short-listed for the award based on his research project entitled "A Self-Expanding Nano-Fibrous Biodegradable Stent." The goal of his project was to develop a stent, which will treat urethral strictures. Stents are small medical devices designed to be inserted into a vessel or passageway to keep it open. Louise, from Naas, Co. Kildare was short-listed for the award based on her research project entitled "Crimp Technology Assessment of Bare Metal Stents." The goal of her project was to analyse the performance of stents used during angioplasty. Angioplasty is a commonly undertaken procedure, in which an obstructed blood vessel is mechanically widened. Stents are tiny medical devices inserted into the artery to clear blockages caused by coronary heart disease. Ireland manufactures 80% of the world's coronary stents in Galway. Professor Sean McNamara, Head, Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, said: "The Department is very proud of the accomplishments of Michael and Louise in reaching the final round of the Siemens award, with projects based on technologies of interest to the biomedical engineering industry based in the Galway region. I am sure that both have benefited greatly from this experience and a win would be a bonus" Michael and Louise are two of six finalists to be short-listed for the award. The winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy along with a cheque for €2,000. A further prize of €1,250 will be awarded to the winner should he or she decide to continue with post-graduate studies in engineering at an accredited University or IT. The award is open to final year engineering students of Engineers Ireland accredited engineering degree courses from Universities and Institutes of Technology, north and south of the border. Each the year competition receives applications from 14 participating Universities and ITs who nominate two student projects each for the award. The Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year Award encourages young engineering students to be innovative in their work and to think about the practical and commercial applications of their research. For further information on the award logon to: www.engineersireland.ie ENDS

Monday, 18 June 2007

Tá Céim Dhochtúireachta Oinigh sa Litríocht le bronnadh ag OÉ Gaillimh ar an mbealoideasaí aitheanta, an tUasal Tom Munnelly mar chomhartha aitheantais ar na blianta fada dá shaol atá caite aige ag bailiú agus ag foilsiú idir amhráin tíre agus béaloideas in Éirinn. Bronnfar an chéim oinigh ar an Uasal Munnelly ag searmanas bronnta an tsamhraidh anseo san Ollscoil Dé Máirt, an 19 Meitheamh 2007. Tá aithne ar Tom Munnelly mar dhuine de na príomhbhailitheoirí d'amhráin Bhéarla thraidisiúnta na hÉireann ar fud na cruinne; tá breis is 20,000 amhrán bailithe aige go dtí seo. Is de bhunadh Bhaile Átha Cliath é an tUasal Munnelly agus tá sé ag obair mar chartlannaí/bailitheoir i Lárionad Uí Dhuilearga do Bhéaloideas na hÉireann sa Choláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath. Sa bhliain 1978 bhog sé go hIarthar Chontae an Chláir agus ó shin i leith tá os cionn 4,000 amhrán bailithe aige ó amhránaithe traidisiúnta ón gceantar. Lena chois sin, tá amhráin, ceol agus béaloideas bailithe aige i bhformhór de chontaetha na hÉireann. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Dr Pádraig Ó Héalaí, iar-Léachtóir le Gaeilge in OÉ Gaillimh: "Is cinnte gur áis iontach a bheidh sa mhéid oibre atá déanta ag Tom Munnelly do dhaoine a bheidh i mbun staidéir ar bhéaloideas na hÉireann amach anseo. Thiomsaigh sé innéacs den fhilíocht bhéil Bhéarla ar fad atá le fáil in Imleabhar 1 go 2000 de lámhscríbhinní Chartlann Bhéaloideas Éireann, thart ar 18,000 mír ar fad, mar aon le córas aicmiúcháin a fhorbairt don ábhar seo bunaithe ar mhúnlaí a nglactar leo go hidirnáisiúnta. "Cé gur chruthaigh Tom go hiontach mar chartlannaí, is cinnte go bhfuil obair éachtach déanta aige mar bhailitheoir den traidisiún béil. Tá breis is 1,000 uair an chloig d amhráin agus seanchas bailithe aige agus níl bailiúchán chomh cuimsitheach d'amhráin thraidisiúnta Bhéarla curtha le chéile ag aon duine amháin riamh in Éirinn agus atá ag Tom. Cuireann an méid seo ar fad go mór leis an mBailiúchán Náisiúnta Béaloidis agus cuireann sé go mór leis an mbunachar sonraí a bheidh ar fáil amach anseo do scoláirí sa réimse seo." Tá an tUasal Munnelly ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí Chumann Cheol Tíre Éireann, d'oibrigh sé mar Chathaoirleach ar Thaisce Cheol Dúchais Éireann agus ar Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy agus is iomaí ról a bhí aige ar an gComhairle Ealaíon. Is léir ón mbaint a bhí aige leis na comhlachtaí seo mar aon leis an ról a bhí aige i gcumainn stairiúla agus ceol tíre áitiúla, scoileanna béaloidis agus féilte amhránaíochta a bhunú, go bhfuil an t-uafás oibre déanta aige le cur le saol cultúrtha na hÉireann. I mí na Bealtaine 2007, bronnadh Festschrift, 'Dear Far-voiced Veteran' (curtha in eagar ag an Dr Anne Clune) ar Tom. Bailiúchán aistí scríofa ag 28 údarás idirnáisiúnta faoi cheol agus amhrán na hÉireann atá ann chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar a bhfuil bainte amach aige. Ag an Searmanas Bronnta in OÉ Gaillimh bronnfar Céim Dhochtúireachta Iarbháis ar theaghlach an Uasail John Mulqueen, fear de bhunadh Chill Rois, Co. an Chláir, ach a bhí ag cur faoi i dTuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo. Céimí de chuid an Choláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath agus Iowa ba ea John, mar aon le Léachtóir Cúnta i Roinn na hInnealtóireachta Sibhialta, fostaí san Fhoras Talúntais agus Teagasc agus saineolaí idirnáisiúnta ar ithreacha. Cailleadh John in 2006. Bronnfar céimeanna agus dioplómaí ar thart ar 200 mac léinn ó Dhámh an Leighis agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte, Dámh na hInnealtóireachta, Dámh na Tráchtála, Dámh na hEolaíochta, Dámh an Dlí agus Dámh na nDán ag an searmanas. CRÍOCH

Monday, 18 June 2007

NUI Galway will host a major international conference on 'Settler Colonialism' from 27 – 30 June. Organized in association with the University's MA in Culture and Colonialism and with the support of the Centre for Irish Studies, this is the fifth Galway conference on colonialism. With delegates arriving from Canada to Cuba, and New Zealand to Zimbabwe, the conference is being held in conjunction with the Society for Irish Latin American Studies and will feature an impressive international line-up of scholars and activists. Dr. Lionel Pilkington, Course Director, MA in Culture and Colonialism at NUI Galway said: "Settler colonisers come to stay. They seek to replace native peoples or—or, at least, displace them from—their land. Characteristically, the outcome is a conflictual coexistence through which indigenous and invasive societies historically transform one another. Dr. Pilkington added: "Topics to be addressed, such as indigenous rights, resistance, settler identity, land, and genocide, show the importance of settler colonialism as an historical legacy and as an ongoing political and cultural phenomenon" The conference is particularly proud to be able to announce the participation of one of the world s most distinguished postcolonial theorists, Dr Robert Young, the Julius Silver Professor of English and Comparative Literature at New York University. Professor Young will deliver a paper entitled Anti-Colonial Colonialism which will address the Fenian invasion of Canada. He will also perform the official opening of the conference on Wednesday evening (June 27). Among other speakers at the conference are: Chief Ron Ignace of the Shuswap Nation from British Columbia; Wayne Atkinson, a member of the Yorta Yorta and the Dja Dja Wurrong people of central and northeastern Victoria; activist, feminist, and member of the Hawai'ian royal family, Haunani-Kay Trask; and Professor Saree Makdisi, Palestinian activist and literary scholar. There will be a special focus on Palestine, with a roundtable discussion dedicated to highlighting the current situation. Participants include Raymond Deane, former Chairman of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Lorenzo Veracini, author of Israel and Settler Society (2006). Two of the plenary lectures, to be given by Saree Makdisi and Patrick Wolfe, will also discuss aspects of the Palestinian situation. ENDS Further conference details are available from Lionel Pilkington, English Department, NUI Galway Tel: 091 493078

Thursday, 14 June 2007

A novel exhibition, "Laughter is the Only Medicine: a comment on the ills of our medical healthcare system" comes to NUI Galway's Art Gallery for a three week run from Wednesday, 20 June to Sunday 8 July 2007. Brigit Beemster, a ceramic sculptor based in Sligo brings her 10 piece exhibition which looks at the pitfalls encountered in what she describes as "a two tier medical health system". The pieces span a period from a GP's visit to three variations of heaven. Professor Pat Finnegan, Professor Emeritus and Chairman of the Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust will open the exhibition at the Art Gallery, in the Quadrangle at 6.00pm on Wednesday, 20 June 2007. NUI Galway Arts Officer Fionnuala Gallagher says; "Brigit Beemster s ceramic sculptures are the best kept secret in Ireland. She captures the weight, relaxation, expressions and foibles of these human bodies with an understanding that is comically tender. You will laugh at your own failings." Explaining the inspiration for her creations, Ms Beemster says: "An essential ingredient of my work is a sense of humour, because it is the best communicator and equaliser, it puts things in perspective and laughing is a crucial part of life. "Over the past few years I have chosen a theme for my work for the year. So far, I've done art history and science, history and mythology. This year it is all about the healthcare system. I learn and read all about my subject and base my work on this knowledge." NUI Galway Art Gallery hosts a variety of visually stimulating exhibitions throughout the year. It promotes emerging Galway and national artists as well as touring exhibitions from international embassies, cultural organisations and educational institutions. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 10.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and 12pm to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday. ENDS

Thursday, 14 June 2007

L-R: Mr Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of the children's charity Barnardos and Dr. Pat Dolan, Director of the Child & Family Research Centre, NUI Galway Above: Mr. Brian Keenan addressing the Conference at NUI Galway. Building resilience in children, families and communities is the focus of a conference at NUI Galway that will see international experts from the fields of Child Care, Social Work, Psychology and Sociology address the need to ensure families are resilient to stress and tragedy. The conference is hosted by the Child and Family Research Centre, from Thursday 14 June to Friday 15 June. Over 300 delegates are due to attend the conference where special guest speaker Mr Brian Keenan will reflect on how he used coping skills learned in his childhood, to cope with captivity and social isolation during the four and a half years in which he was held hostage in Beirut in the 1980s. Mr. Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of the children's charity Barnardos, who will deliver the opening address, said: "Every childhood lasts a lifetime, and a childhood of poverty can leave scars that never fade away. This is made all the more real in that one in nine Irish children live in the type of poverty that means going without adequate food and proper clothing". Other key speakers include Dr Robert Chaskin, Associate Professor at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago; Professor Sheila Green, Director of the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin and Professor Jean E Rhodes, Professor of Psychology, University of Massachusetts. "Professionals need to be more proactive in ensuring families are resilient to stress and tragedy according to Dr Pat Dolan, Director of the Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway. "Apart from the need for more preventive services in communities, many children and their families need to be better equipped with the necessary skills to be able to 'bounce back' from tragedy or on-going stress. Furthermore, better use can be made of families' own capacity to overcome difficulties with professionals' support. It is somewhat ironic that although rightfully much emphasis is now placed on the protection of children who experience adversity and are in crisis, far less attention is given to the need to equip their families to cope at the earlier stages in their problems or in their aftermath." Delegates from a range of social care backgrounds are due to attend the conference at the Child and Family Research Centre, Áras Moyola, NUI Galway. The Child and Family Research Centre (CFRC) is a partnership between the Health Service Executive and the National University of Ireland Galway. Based at the Department of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Galway, the Centre is in receipt of significant support from The Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland towards its future development. The vision of the CFRC is to improve outcomes for children and their families, and advance practice and policy in Ireland and internationally, through research, evaluation and service development. ENDS For further information please contact: Dr. Pat Dolan, Director, Child & Family Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway. Tel: 091-492930 or 087-2342649.

Tuesday, 12 June 2007

NUI Galway this year has the honour of hosting the Irish National and University Library Staff (INULS) conference for the first time since 1996. INULS commenced in 1965 and is a landmark event in the annual calendar of academic and national library staff in Ireland, north and south. The conference affords an opportunity for staff to catch up on key developments in the library and information world, to share experience and to reconnect in an enjoyable social ambience. Marie Reddan, Librarian, NUI Galway, observes; "INULS is unique in attracting such a mix of library staff to its conference. NUI Galway Library staff have a genuine curiosity in developments in other libraries but can take great pride in embracing huge change both socially and technologically and not least seeing a doubling of student numbers since INULS was last hosted in Galway." The theme of this year's conference is Collaborating and Competing. Libraries have a strong tradition of collaboration but competition is an increasing factor and the boundaries between the two are often fuzzy as universities strive with each other to attract the best students and researchers. Speakers will address a range of issues including: Collaboration and competition between universities Relationships between libraries and departments within the same institution The impact of global forces like Google and the social networking movement Professor Jim Browne, Registrar and Deputy President at NUI Galway notes; "Irish Universities must work together to develop a network of collaborating Universities each of which aspires to, and achieves, excellence in particular, and complementary areas that respond to the social, cultural and economic needs of its hinterland." "A university cannot effectively meet the needs of its various stakeholders unless it operates at the level of excellence. If, for instance, NUI Galway is to support the further development of the medical-devices industry or the marine sector in Ireland, it must create and sustain excellent research and teaching programmes in these areas. Anything less is a disservice to an industry that competes in a global market." The increasingly online environment in which libraries now supply their services, and the extent to which collaborative initiatives like IReL (the Irish Research e-Library) deliver a common pool of resources, highlights a need for distinctiveness too in support of institutional competitiveness. But competition for libraries and universities comes not only from each other, as services like Google promise instant gratification to information searchers. Libraries need to identify themselves clearly and to maximise partnerships with the rest of the university in delivering an enhanced learning experience. Delegates will have opportunities to engage fully with these topics through presentations and workshops, a sponsors exhibition, and a very active and social programme. A first for INULS this year will be the publication of some of the conference papers in the journal Library Management. ENDS

Monday, 11 June 2007

The Applied Optics Group at NUI Galway will host an International Workshop on Adaptive Optics for Industry and Medicine from 12-15 June 2007, where international speakers will focus on the latest developments and technologies in adaptive optics for industry and medicine. The conference will provide scientists and engineers, from both industry and academia, with opportunities to explore recent developments, current practices and future trends in adaptive optics and related fields. Professor Chris Dainty, SFI Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Optics said, "The fact that this meeting is the largest in this series of international workshops, together with the strong industrial presence, demonstrates the high regard for NUI Galway in the field of Adaptive Optics." The workshop is the sixth in a series that has seen previous conferences held in: Shatura, Russia (1997); Durham, UK (1999); Albuquerque, USA (2001); Munster, Germany (2003) and Beijing, China (2005). This year's programme of events will include the following speakers: Bruno Berge (Variopic SA): Liquid lens technology for miniature imaging systems Martin Booth (Oxford University): Wavefront sensorless adaptive optics for imaging and microscopy Joshua Fernandez (University of Murcia): Adaptive optics for the human eye Guoqiang Li (University of Arizona): Liquid crystal lenses for correction of presbyopia Masakazu Ogasawara (Pioneer Corporation): The application of liquid crystal aberration compensator for optical disc systems Workshop subjects will include: wavefront sensing; wavefront correction devices; MEMS mirrors; liquid crystal SLMs; new technologies for correctors; control systems and strategies; complete adaptive optics systems; image sharpening; varifocus and other novel lens technologies; applications of adaptive optics; microscopy, lasers, communications, vision science; and a special session on recent commercial products. The workshop is organised by the Applied Optics Group in the Department of Experimental Physics at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Sponsors for the event include: Adaptive Eyecare Ltd. (UK); Andor Technology plc (N.Ireland); Bausch & Lomb Ireland; Boston Micromachines Corp. (U.S.); CILAS (France), Fraunhofer IPMS (Germany); Hamamatsu Photonics UK Ltd., HOLOEYE Photonics AG (Germany); Imagine Eyes (France), Imagine Optic (France), Iris AO Inc. (U.S.); Night-N Ltd. (Russia); Flexible Optical B.V. – OKO Technologies (The Netherlands); Optos (Scotland); PHASICS S.A. (France); SciMeasure Inc. (U.S.); European Optical Society (EOS); Optical Society of America (OSA); IDA Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI); Enterprise Ireland; and Fáilte Ireland - Ends –

Monday, 11 June 2007

A new book that offers an original and powerful contribution to debates about the civic purpose of higher education will be launched by the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) at NUI Galway tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 June). 'Higher Education and Civic Engagement: International Perspectives' suggests that universities can best realise their civic mission by making it central to their policy and practice. Edited by Lorraine McIlrath and Iain Mac Labhrainn, of the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at NUI Galway the book moves from conceptual considerations of citizenship, to institutional concerns, offering insights from academics, community members and students experiencing civic engagement initiatives within institutions of higher education. Iain Mac Labhrainn, Director of CELT, of which CKI is a part, said; "The articles in this book raise some very pertinent issues in the relationship between higher education institutions and civil society. This is also particularly topical in Ireland with, for example, the recent work of the Active Citizenship Taskforce and continuing debate about the role of universities in the knowledge economy." The collection of diverse articles relating to the civic purpose of higher education includes contributions from senior and internationally recognised experts in the field such as: Professor Ron Barnett (University of London); Professor Richard Taylor (University of Cambridge); Michael Edwards (Ford Foundation); Professor Andrew Furco University of California, Berkeley); Professor Edward Zlotkowski (Campus Compact, US); Nan Kari from the Jane Adams School for Democracy, Minnesota; and contributors from across the island of Ireland. Reviewing the volume, Professor John Annette, Birkbeck College, University of London, UK, commented; "This book is a major contribution to the international study of higher education, civic engagement and also service learning. It offers some insightful and powerful analyses of conceptual issues, the institutionalising of civic engagement and the pedagogy and professional practice of service learning in higher education." 'Higher Education and Civic Engagement – International Perspectives' emanates from the 3rd Teaching and Learning Conference held in NUI Galway in 2005, and is published by Ashgate Publishing, as part of the CKI's research and knowledge sharing dimensions. To order copies please visit www.ashgate.com The Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) is a project at NUI Galway that promotes partnership with communities and aims to reinvigorate the civic mission of higher education in Ireland. -ends-

Tuesday, 31 July 2007

Pictured at the John McGahern International Seminar at Lough Rynn Castle Hotel, Mohill, Co. Leitrim on Saturday 28 July, 2007 (l to r): Dr John Kenny, Seminar Co-ordinator from NUI Galway; Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives & External Affairs, NUI Galway; Olive Braiden, Chairperson, The Arts Council; Séamus O Grady, Director of Adult Education, NUI Galway; and Séamus MacMathúna, Academic Secretary, NUI Galway. NUI Galway, in partnership with Leitrim County Council, have confirmed details of the future of the John McGahern International Seminar, following a hugely successful inaugural event held over the weekend in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. From 2008, the Seminar will extend to include an International Summer School, aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers. The school, which will carry academic credits from NUI Galway, commemorates the life and work of John McGahern. Speaking at the inaugural Seminar, Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic and External Affairs, NUI Galway said: "This programme will be located between Galway and Leitrim and it is our intention that going forward from 2008, this Summer School will become an annual feature of the University's Summer School programme. "Given the impressive scale of interest this year, we envisage attracting high level students of literature and of Ireland who will contribute to our growing knowledge of McGahern, of his homelands, and of the nature of contemporary fiction." Meanwhile, a special book celebrating the longstanding relationship between John McGahern and the University is to be published in the Autumn. John McGahern at NUI Galway contains contributions from a range of University staff including Séamus O'Grady, Director of Adult & Continuing Education; Marie Reddan, Librarian; Fergus Fahey, Archivist; Keith Warnock, Vice-President For Physical Resources, Dr Riana O'Dwyer, Senior Lecturer, English Department; Dr John Kenny, English Department; Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, History Department with an Introduction by Dr Iognáid G. Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway. The volume is illustrated, with eight colour portraits of John McGahern by Brian Bourke RHA which were commissioned by NUI Galway, following the deposition of his literary archive in the James Hardiman Library in 2003. ENDS

Friday, 27 July 2007

Dr. John Kenny pictured at the opening address of the John McGahern International Seminar in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim which took place from the 26-28 July, 2007. The inaugural John McGahern International Seminar will be officially opened tonight (Thursday, 25 July), by Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, National University of Ireland, Galway, in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The opening address, John McGahern: The Novel and the Story, will be given by Professor Declan Kiberd, University College Dublin. Speaking at the opening, Dr Ó Muircheartaigh said; "John McGahern enjoyed a progressively deepening association with our University, over a period of almost 50 years. From a brief period of initial undergraduate studies in 1953 which is so beautifully described in his acclaimed novel, The Dark, he later held positions as a teacher on Creative Writing and Irish Studies Summer Programmes; and eventually became an honorary doctor of the University in 1994 and Adjunct Professor of Irish Studies in 2001. "In 2003, John chose the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway to be the repository of his Archive, a complete collection of his papers and writings, providing an unparalleled view into a unique literary life. It is entirely fitting, therefore, that to commemorate John McGahern and his life's work, Leitrim County Council and NUI Galway have come together in partnership to organise and launch this inaugural International Seminar here in County Leitrim this evening." Damian Brennan, Cathaoirleach, Leitrim County Council remarked; "Our aim is to bring people closer to the work of John McGahern and, the decision of NUI Galway to commit to this partnership in Leitrim underpins that aim of continuing the dialogue between the place in which John McGahern lived and the university with which he shared his life's work." Speakers during the International Seminar will include Prof. Sylvie Mikowski, University of Reims, France; Dr. James Whyte, Presentation College, Headford, Co. Galway; Dr. Eamon Maher, I.T. Tallaght; and Fr. Liam Kelly, Cavan. There will also be a panel discussion including journalists Susan McKay and Belinda McKeon. Seminar sessions will be held in Carrick-on-Shannon, Aughawillan, Ballinamore and Mohill. The Seminar will also include a boat trip on the Shannon and Boyle rivers and a bus tour of the Aughawillan/Ballinamore area. Further lecture topics at the Seminar include: Amongst McGahern's Women; John McGahern: The Local and the Ordinary and John McGahern and Religion. A series of excerpt readings by actress Ms Marie Mullen will also feature throughout the seminar as well as a viewing of the documentary film John McGahern: A Private World. A detailed schedule for the Seminar can be downloaded from www.nuigalway.ie/iss/John_McGahern.html ENDS

Wednesday, 25 July 2007

Bunófar Scoil Cosliachta den chéad uair riamh in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Cuirfidh an Scoil an chéad fhochéim chosliachta sa Stát ar bun agus beidh BSc (Onóracha) i gCosliacht le bronnadh ar chéimithe an chúrsa. Féadfaidh mic léinn iarratas a dhéanamh ar áit ar an gcúrsa ceithre bliana don bhliain acadúil 2008-9 ar aghaidh agus tá sé i gceist glacadh le 25 mac léinn gach bliain. Cuirfidh Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte Clinic Cosliachta ar bun in Ospidéil Réigiúnacha na Gaillimhe ag Páirc na Muirlinne ach is seirbhísí d'othair sa phobal is mó atá i gceist. Beidh comhoibriú idir an Clinic agus an Scoil chun oiliúint agus oideachas cliniciúil an chláir a chur ar fáil. Is iad Dámh an Leighis agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte, OÉ Gaillimh, Cúram Pobail agus Leanúnach Príomhúil na Gaillimhe (PCCC) agus Ospidéil Réigiúnacha na Gaillimhe a d'ullmhaigh an tairiscint seo. Ag labhairt dó i ndiaidh na fógartha, dúirt an tOllamh Jim Browne, Meabhránaí agus Uachtaráin Ionaid, OÉ Gaillimh: "Tá an-áthas orainn anseo in OÉ Gaillimh gur roghnaíodh an Ollscoil seo chun an chéad Scoil Cosliachta i bPoblacht na hÉireann a bhunú. Léiríonn an fhorbairt seo in Iarthar na Tíre an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Dámh an Leighis agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte agus ag Scoil na dTeiripí a bhfuil cláir chreidiúnaithe den scoth á gcur ar fáil acu cheana i dTeiripe Shaothair agus Teiripe Urlabhra agus Theanga. Ba mhaith leis an Ollscoil buíochas a ghlacadh le Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, Limistéar an Iarthair as a gcomhoibriú le fada an lá agus buíochas freisin leis na coslianna gairmiúla i nGaillimh a bhfuil tacaíocht ghníomhach tugtha acu dúinn, gan iad ní bhunófaí an Scoil seo." Fógraíodh bunú na Scoile i ndiaidh comórtas a d'eagraigh an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas. Rinneadh sé thairiscint ar an gconradh chun an Scoil a bhunú agus mhol painéal idirnáisiúnta an conradh a thabhairt do OÉ Gaillimh. D'aithin Tuarascáil FÁS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report, i Lúnasa 2005 gur gairm í an chosliacht a bhfuil easnamh fadtréimhseach inti agus moladh sa Tuarascáil go mbunófaí BSc i gCosliacht. Críoch