February 2007

NUI Galway is to host its largest Science and Technology Careers Fair on Wednesday, March 7th 2007, at Áras na Mac Léinn from 4.00pm to 6.30 pm. Students and graduates are invited to avail of valuable career opportunities with a host of national and international companies, which will be actively recruiting on the day. Among those exhibiting at the fair are: Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Aquafact International, Berkley Pharmaceutical, Boston Scientific, Environmental Change Institute, Intel, SAP SSC (Ireland) Ltd, Schwarz Pharma Ltd., Science Recruitment Ireland, Stiefel Laboratories (Irl) Ltd, The Western Regional Fisheries Board, O' Neill & Brennan Recruitment Specialists, PharmaChemical Ireland, Irish Medical Devices Association, Oracle Corporation, Health Service Executive, St. Michael's House, Medical Recruitment Specialists, The National Rehabilitation Hospital, Fás, IntertradeIreland (Fusion) & Valent (an IBM company). This year's fair is a unique opportunity for students and graduates to explore job opportunities in the Science, Technology & Health Science sectors. According to research conducted by the University's Careers Service, over 89% of 2005 science graduates were in employment or further study by 2006. The survey also found that the science fair proved to be a key link in matching many 2005 Science students with their employers. Angela Teahan, Careers Adviser at NUI Galway said, "In order to fully maximise use of the Science & Technology Fair, it is important to arrive well prepared for the event. Decide on the companies you wish to target in advance and crucially research the ones that are of interest to you. Be focused and know your objectives." This year the Careers Service is providing a C.V. seminar geared specifically for students and graduates of the Science and Technology sector. The seminar is given by Human Resources professionals and it is an ideal forum to find out what an employer looks for in an application or Curriculum Vitae. Ms Teahen also advises: "Be ready to network with employers and endeavour to make a positive and lasting impression! Employers are looking for a wide range of skills as well as a strong academic background hence the importance of presenting the employer with an impressive CV." Other exhibitors to attend the fair include The Institute of Geologists and The Geological Survey of Ireland. - ENDS - Further information: Angela Teahan, Careers Service, NUI Galway Tel: 091 492133 www.nuigalway.ie/careers/events.html

The Huston School for Film and Digital Media, NUI Galway is to hold a public workshop to help local campaigners become even more successful in their public advocacy endeavours. The free workshop is being hosted in conjunction with the London based campaigners' charity, the Sheila McKechnie Foundation on Saturday, 10 March at Earl's Island from 10.00am to 3.00pm. The workshop will feature political, media and campaign experts, who will give direct feedback on how to influence TDs, get the most from the media and adopt the most suitable tactics to achieve an outcome. Rod Stoneman, Director of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media says: "Since we introduced the new Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Activism last year, we have seen first hand how involved Galway is in the public advocacy arena. "The workshop we have developed with the Sheila McKechnie Foundation will provide intensive training for those who may not be available to take a Masters programme but would like to improve and hone their skills. I also think this is a great networking opportunity and will further strengthen the solidarity of campaigners in Galway." Claire McMaster, Chief Executive of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation says: "Great campaigns have enabled us to close the gap between the powerful and the powerless, to fight injustice at a local, national and global level. We are delighted to work in partnership with the Huston School of Film and Digital Media and admire their creative and innovative approach." If you are currently involved in or wish to become involved in public advocacy, the Galway Campaign Skills Workshop will help you create effective, successful campaigns. Spaces are limited to a maximum of 25 people and will be allocated on a first come, first served. For more information and to register, email Emily Buchanan at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, emily.buchanan@sheilamckechnie.org.uk or call 0044.207.7707822 -ENDS- Notes to the Editor The Huston School of Film & Digital Media The Huston School of Film & Digital Media offers a unique suite of courses with a single starting point – the centrality of cultural creativity. Well recognised as a education authority on production, direction and screenwriting, the school pioneers both creative and academic courses alike. Last year the school introduced a new Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Activism. This programme is designed specifically for those working, or intending to work, in international or local advocacy; including community organization, development, labour, rights, health, and environment. The development of this innovative new masters degree was prompted by the realisation that while there are many Management, Communications, and Public Relations courses, none offers a focus on the issues and skills central to the role of those working in organisations which seek to shift attitudes and understandings in order to initiate change. For more information, please visit www.filmschool.ie , telephone +353 (0)91 512 469 | or email info@filmschool.ie The Sheila McKechnie Foundation The Sheila McKechnie Foundation is a new charity, established in 2005. The Foundation exists to equip campaigners with the skills they need to make a greater impact. It was formed in memory of Scottish Campaigner Sheila McKechnie, the former head of Shelter and Consumers' Association, who died in January 2004. More information about the Foundation's work can be found at www.sheilamckechnie.org.uk. The Foundation is currently being incubated in the London-based offices of Which? (formerly the Consumers' Association). The Chief Executive Claire McMaster has a long history of high profile campaigning from the Anti-Apartheid Movement, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Commission for Racial Equality. Patrons include Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Alan Grant, Lord Howe of Aberavon, Baroness Morgan of Drefelin and Jon Snow. For more information of the Foundation please email emily.buchanan@sheilamckechnie.org.uk

Site works have commenced at NUI Galway, on a €21 million, 6,500sqm Sports Centre Complex. When completed the new sport and recreation complex will include a 25m, 6-lane swimming pool, gym, weights room, handball and squash courts, climbing wall, sports hall with three basketball courts, an aerobics/dance studio and multi-purpose activity spaces. Commenting on the new development, President of NUI Galway Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh said: "Sports and recreation play a major role in improving the quality of campus life, and as such we are committed to providing top-class sports facilities. The University's Sports Complex, will serve a broad range of competitive and recreational sport and active leisure pursuits for the University and the region." The Sports Centre Complex is part of a major €400 million "Campus of the Future" programme project, announced by NUI Galway last December. The capital investment programme project will see almost 20 large infrastructural projects undertaken on the 260-acre campus, continuing the dramatic re-orientation of the campus to face the River Corrib. Galway-based building works firm Glenman Corporation have commenced work on the Sports Centre and are currently on-schedule to complete this landmark project in April 2008. Project managers KSNPM lead the internationally renowned architectural firm Faulkner Brown Ltd, in partnership with Holohan Architects on this project. -ENDS- Further information: Jacqueline Hogge, Press Office, NUI Galway Tel: 00353 91 493361 Email: jacqueline.hogge@nuigalway.ie

The Law Faculty at NUI Galway is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Gerard Quinn to two prestigious committees in recognition of his work on international disability law. Professor Quinn, who is a member of the Irish Human Rights Commission, has been made the 'focal point' for the work of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) on disability. NHRIs are composed of human rights commissions or similar bodies from around the world and are co-ordinated by an International Coordinating Committee based in the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. In his new capacity, Professor Quinn has already convened a major conference of human rights commissions from four continents at Harvard Law School to discuss how commissions can step up their collaboration in ensuring proper implementation of the new UN disability treaty around the world. Professor Quinn was also recently appointed to the prestigious Advisory Council of the London-based NGO Interights which specialises in mounting test cases around the world on discrimination issues. He joins former President Mary Robinson, Lord Anthony Lester QC, Dean Harold Koh (Yale) and Professor Philip Alston (NYU) among others on the incoming Council. Professor Quinn said: "This is an honour for me but also for the Faculty of Law at NUI Galway. For some time now we have been developing and encouraging socially useful research as well as orienting students toward public interest law. I intend to use these new openings to advance my own interests in disability law and social justice but also to mentor younger colleagues to open up more public interest outlets in their careers". -ENDS-

Global warming and the world's depleting fossil fuels reserves are the focus of a public lecture to be given by Professor Philip Walton at NUI Galway on Wednesday, 28 February 2007. The lecture, 'The Nuclear Power Debate – Fact and Fiction,' which is free and open to the general public, will address the ongoing public concerns over global warming and the continuing debate over nuclear energy. "Two major problems are facing the world; global warming and the peaking and subsequent decline of oil and gas reserves," said Prof. Walton, Emeritus Professor of Applied Physics at NUI Galway. "In Ireland we have the additional problem that 90% of our energy comes from imported fossil fuels whose supply is not secure and which are rapidly increasing in price. We can help the situation with strict conservation measures and by using renewables but these alone will not suffice. "Nuclear power, with no greenhouse gas emissions and with very good and secure reserves, should be seriously considered as it can help solve these problems." Hosted by the University's Physics Society, 'The Nuclear Power Debate – Fact and Fiction' takes place in lecture theatre IT250 in the IT building at 7.00pm. -ENDS-

Beidh dráma nua Crosántacht leis an scríbhneoir iomráiteach Biddy Jenkinson á léiriú ag an gcúrsa Ard-Dioplóma sa Drámaíocht, faoi stiúir Dharach Mhic Con Iomaire, i Seanscoil Sailearna, Dé Sathairn agus Dé Domhnaigh, 10 - 11 Márta 2007, ag a 8.00 i.n. Is ócáid ar leith é léiriú an dráma seo mar gurb é seo léiriú cinn chúrsa an Ard-Dioplóma sa Drámaíocht, cúrsa nua atá á reáchtáil ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge i gcomhar le Scoil na Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. "Tugann an dráma deis do na mic léinn na scileanna a d'fhoghlaim siad i rith an chúrsa a tharraingt le chéile agus tugann sé deis dóibh freisin oibriú in éineacht le léiritheoir proifisiúnta agus scríbhneoir iomráiteach. Tá gach duine idir chliar agus chriú ag obair go dian chun an dráma a chur ar an stáitse" a deir stiúrthóir an chúrsa, Nora Nic Con Ultaigh. Dráma dúthshlánach, fisiciúil agus dána é Crosántacht a dhéanann cur síos ar a thárlaíonn do Ghráinne, Iníon Chormaic Mhic Airt, nuair a shocraíonn sí filleadh ar Theamhair, den chéad uair le cúig bliana déag, tar éis di éalú le Diarmuid Ó Duibhne. Níl Crosáin Charna róshásta nuair a thuigeann siad go bhfuil Ailbhe, leasdeirfiúr Ghráinne, ag pósadh ag breacadh an lae agus gan scéala faighte acu faoi bhainis ar bith – ainneoin iad ag troid i gcoinne na nAllmhúrach atá tagtha i dtír i Ros An Mhíl agus atá ag bánú Conamara leis an Dragan Tine atá acu. Tá sé in am acu Crosáin Dhuibhlinne a chur ina gceart… Ochtar aisteoirí, iliomad carachtair, diabhlaíocht, dánacht, damhsa agus drúis, corrdhuine bocht - ag Crosántacht! Beidh luach €10.00 an ceann ar na ticéid agus is féidir ticéid a chur in áirithe nó breis eolais a fháil faoin dráma ach glaoch ar Nóirín in oifig Sheanscoil Sailearna ar 091 593017. -Críoch– Tuilleadh eolais: Bríd Seoige, Acadamh na hOllscolaiochta, OÉ Gaillimh 091-495302 nó 087-1266353

19 February 2007: Following on from its huge inaugural success last year, NUI Galway is to hold its second Buy a Book Day on Thursday 1st March, 2007 from 10.30am to 6.00pm in the Aula Maxima. It is hoped that as well as attending the sale, the public will donate material to the event, which is sure to offer the most avid reader an exciting and diverse range of books. Last year's event raised almost €6,000, half of which was donated to international, national and local charities through the University's United Charities Group (UCG). Formed in 2004, UCG consolidates the fundraising efforts of the three University based charitable committees: the Third World Appeal Committee, the IFUT Charitable Committee and Medicus Mundi. The remainder was used to purchase items of interest for Special Collections at the James Hardiman Library. NUI Galway Librarian, and co-ordinator of the Buy-a-Book event, Marie Reddan said: "Last year's event was very worth while – raising money for both Special Collections in the Library and for a variety of charities. It was a great example of cross-campus collaboration – supported enthusiastically by staff and students alike. Most importantly, it was an event for the university and the citizens of Galway who were so very generous in their support of the day. Hopefully, this year's sale will be bigger and better and it will become an annual feature on the University's calendar." The event is one of the more novel ideas to emanate from the University's Staff Suggestion Scheme - Úrsmaointe – and has received generous support from local businesses. Books remaining at the end of the day will go to local charity shops. -ENDS-

19 February 2007: An exhibition of posters by Engineering students at NUI Galway have proved that the priorities of a student extend beyond a healthy social life and passing exams. As part of an Engineering in Society module offered to third-year Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering students, participants developed devices for the physically impaired, a road safety initiative on roundabouts and provided engineering workshops for children with learning disabilities. The poster exhibition entitled "Engineering in Society and Community Outreach", describing the projects takes place this week in the Arts Millennium Building. The Engineering in Society module is an intrinsic part of the academic programme taken by students in the third-year Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering programme. It is designed to encourage students to commit some of their time and energy to the benefit of local communities. Professor Abhay Pandit, Department of Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering and co-ordinator of the initiative says: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to put something back into their communities. 'Service Learning,' where students use their skills to see how they can be of use to the community is commonplace in most American universities but is a relatively new concept in Ireland. In our programme, students identify a need in their locality and provide a service, with the input from the local community, towards assisting with that need. The program is designed to foster a partnership for the next generation of citizens to engage in social partnerships, specifically in the skill set they know best; i.e. Engineering." The module is supported by the University's Centre for Excellence in Learning and Training (CELT). Lorraine McIlrath, Academic Staff Developer at CELT, describes the projects as "a massive achievement and a great inspiration to staff and students locally and nationally". In one of the projects a simple boiled egg top remover, 'The Egg Chopper Off'r' was designed for people with limited or no use of one arm, such as those suffering from arthritis, stroke victims or amputees. "We researched the idea and designed a prototype which was a success but needs continued development in order to make it more user-friendly and accessible to those who need it." said Kiel McCool, who designed the device along with Aoife Heneghan. In another project, a group of four students facilitated engineering workshops with students at the Galway Association's St Joseph training centre. The Engineering students introduced methods of engineering drawing and spatial awareness through the workshops which proved intellectually stimulating to those involved. "We chose to focus our project on helping students with intellectual disabilities," said Lorna Ryan. "We showed them how to visualise a 3-D object from different views and represent this in a technical drawing." The poster exhibition is open to the public from Friday 23rd February to Friday 2nd March 2007. -Ends-

Marie Reddan, Librarian, NUI Galway; Professor Jim Browne, Registrar, NUI Galway and Jane O Leary, Music for Galway 12 February 2007: To mark the 25th anniversary of Music for Galway, the archive was recently presented to the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway. The Archive was accepted by the Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Jim Browne at a reception in the Aula Maxima attended by friends of the University and Music for Galway, and enjoyed a musical interlude from Galway's Quartet in Residence, ConTempo. The archive is a rich mix of programmes, posters, reviews, press cuttings, photographs, correspondence and minute books. It is a major addition to the Library's existing archival collections, of An Taibhdhearc, Druid, Galway Arts Festival and Macnas, which highlight the artistic and cultural life of Galway over the years. Accepting the archive on behalf of NUI Galway, Prof. Jim Browne said: "The University is delighted to accept this very special collection, given the long association between Music for Galway and the University. The development of Music for Galway is such a concrete example of active citizenship. The archive will be a resource for scholars and citizens alike, and will undoubtedly provide a rich research resource for those engaged in charting Galway's cultural and social history over the last 25 years". Music for Galway began 25 years ago with a concert by the Ulster Orchestra, intended to raise funds for a Steinway grand piano for Galway. The piano moved into the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway in 1981 and since then hundreds of concert performances have been organised by Music for Galway with performers from all over the world. Five years ago Music for Galway initiated the Ensemble in Residence project, which brought ConTempo Quartet to Galway. Special moments over the past quarter century have included Yehudi Menuhin's visit, Nigel Kennedy's early performances in Galway, performances of the complete cycle of Beethoven Piano Sonatas by Robert Taub, the Hallé Orchestra's appearance in Seapoint, and many more. -Ends – For further information contact: Marie Redden, Librarian, James Hardiman Library at 091-492540 or by email: marie.reddan@nuigalway.ie

12 February 2007: A key member of the team that brought the Special Olympics to Ireland, Ms Mary Davis, will address the issue of citizenship during a seminar at NUI Galway on Thursday, 22nd February at 1.00pm in the Siobhan McKenna Theatre. Ms Davis' talk 'Perspectives on Active Citizenship in Ireland Today' is part of a Keynote Seminar Series, organised by the University's Community Knowledge Initiative. Focusing on themes related to civic engagement and active citizenship, the series is being offered as a response to the impact that volunteering has in today's communities. Ms Davis has played a pivotal role in terms of raising awareness, and creating a supportive sporting environment for those with diverse abilities. She has been recognised nationally for enhancing a culture of volunteerism in modern Irish society through the hosting of the Special Olympics World Games in Ireland in 2003. Recently appointed Chair of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship by the Taoiseach, which seeks to address the perceived decline in levels of social capital in Ireland, Ms Davis' address will offer personal and professional reflections on citizenship, her role in the culmination of the Special Olympics event and her vision for the future of engaged and active citizens in modern Irish society through the work of the Taskforce. Lorraine McIlrath, Project Coordinator, Community Knowledge Initiative, NUI Galway said "Insights from the Chair of the Taskforce on Active Citizenships of the levels of social capital in modern Irish society is essential to the work that NUI Galway is enabling to embed as part of the Community Knowledge Initiative, our work and its future will be advanced I'm sure through perspective offers by this address" Tickets for the free event, which is hosted in partnership with the President's Office and the Arts Faculty, are available from Mary Bernard at the Community Knowledge Initiative at mary.bernard@nuigalway.ie or on 091 493823. The Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) is a project at NUI Galway that promotes partnership with communities and endeavours to enhance social commitment within communities. Funded by philanthropic donations, the CKI hopes to reinvigorate the civic mission of higher education in Ireland, putting communities at the centre of debate. -ends – For further information contact Lorraine McIlrath, Project Coordinator, Community Knowledge Initiative, NUI Galway. Phone 091 495234

09 February 2007: Scholars from all over the world will attend the Annual Conference of Sports History Ireland which will be held in connection with the Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway on the 16 – 17 February, 2007. This is the third annual conference of Sports History Ireland, a society dedicated towards the development of the study of the history of sport amongst amateur and professional historians. Dr. Iognáid o Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway, said: "This year's conference has secured what appears to be the most impressive list of speakers to date, including established and emerging scholars in the world of sports history from Ireland, France, the United Kingdom and Australia". One particularly controversial feature of this year's conference will be Liam O'Callaghan's paper 'Reflecting on the brave and the faithful: the invention of tradition in Munster rugby', which will expose the myth surrounding the Munster Rugby phenomenon. Another innovative feature of this year's conference is Sean Crosson's investigation into representations of Gaelic Games in narrative cinema. A special feature of this presentation will be the screening of the Oscar nominated Paramount Pictures short on hurling, Three Kisses (Justin Herman, 1955). Among the other titles in the conference programme are: The 'Lion of Lahinch: an IRA man at the Walker Cup' Les Bleus multicolores: Contesting identities and French Football Batting on a sticky wicket: George Frith Barry and the growth of chess in Victorian Ireland Gaelic games versus "Cromwell s game": the GAA and association football in Derry City, 1884-1934 How to become an Irish sporting hero: lessons from Dan Donnelly. Dr. Paul Rouse, Chair of Sports History Ireland, remarked that "the ambition of the society is to use the conference to further promote the study of sports history both in the universities and in local communities." He also mentioned "the society would welcome secondary school students to the conference, especially with sport now a part of the history curriculum". Topics to be addressed during the two-day conference include Sinn Fein's attempt to stop hunting in 1919; Ireland's last rugby international in Belfast; Representations of Gaelic Games in narrative cinema; The journalistic career of Michael Cusack; The sporting pursuits of women in the nineteenth century Ireland; and the relationship between sport and the Irish Anti-Apartheid movement, 1964-74. Distinguished guest speakers will include Dr. Phil Dine from the National University of Ireland, Galway; Professor Conal Hooper, Director, Centre for Sport Studies, UCD; Professor Mike Cronin, Boston College; Dr. Dilwyn Porter and Professor Richard Holt from the International Centre for Sport History and Culture, De Montfort University, Leicester. The conference will be officially launched by Dr. Iognáid G. Ó Muircheartaigh, President, National University of Ireland, Galway, in the Moore Institute, NUI Galway on 16 February and the full conference programme is available on the Centre for Irish Studies website at: www.nuigalway.ie/cis - Ends - For further information, please contact David Doyle, Conference Co-Ordinator, Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway. Phone: 091-492051 mobile: 0868798479 or email: sportshistoryireland@gmail.com Notes to Editor: The Sports History Ireland society was formed in 2005 under the direction of Dr. Paul Rouse (University College Dublin) and Dr. William Murphy (Mater Dei) in an attempt to promote the highest levels of scholarship in Irish sports history in a way that is inclusive to general public. This has been the hallmark of the society's endeavours so far, something that the society prides itself on. The first two conferences were held in University College Dublin and the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, respectively. Both conferences were complete sell-outs and drew much media attention, as a result of the line-up of national and international speakers. Speakers: Professor Conal Hooper, Director, Centre for Sport Studies, UCD School of Public Health and Population Science. Dr. John Newell, Lecturer in Statistics, Department of Mathematics, NUI Galway, Consultant Statistician, Sports Performance Units, Newcastle United F.C. and Celtic F.C. Dr. Phil Dine, Lecturer, Department of French, NUI Galway. Sport and Identity in France: Practices, Locations, Representations. (An ongoing project funded by the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences) Dr. Jim Shanahan, Trinity College Dublin Paper: Sean Burke, the Lion of Lahinch : an IRA man at the Walker Cup This paper will focus on a little-known event in Irish sporting history, the story of Sean Burke s experience at the 1932 Walker Cup at Brookline, Mass., USA. Burke (1899-1974) was Ireland s finest amateur golfer in the 1930s and 40s, winning the Irish Open Amateur championship in 1947, eight Irish Close titles, eleven South of Irelands, and six West of Ireland championships. He was only selected for one Walker Cup team, however, and this paper examines why. Burke was the first player from the Free State to be selected for the Walker Cup, but he was also the first working man to feature on the team, and his golfing career sheds light on the exclusive nature of amateur golf in both Ireland and Britain in the early decades of the twentieth century. Concentrating on Burke s own account of his experiences at the Walker Cup as told to his friends and family, it reveals how his past as an IRA volunteer came to light, and how he was ostracised by the Royal and Ancient GC and his fellow team mates, despite being the best performer in practice. Even today, he is not mentioned in Gordon Simmond s officially-sanctioned history of the Walker Cup. I will argue that Burke s experience provides valuable perspectives on the organisation of golf in Ireland and Britain, and on attitudes to British-Irish relations in the decade after the War of Independence. Liam O Callaghan, PhD Candidate, Leeds Metropolitan University. Paper: Reflecting on the brave and the faithful: the invention of tradition in Munster rugby

Monday 5 February 2007: A troupe of sixth-class pupils from across Galway city will entertain family and friends in a story-telling evening at the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Thursday 8 February as part of the University's Access Office programme. The children from Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla; Holy Trinity Girls School; and St Michael's Boys School Mervue have been developing their story telling skills through workshops led by storytellers Clare Murphy and Rab Fulton, as part of the 'Uni For You' initiative. The Access Office's three-year structured programme of activities aims to positively promote third level education to children and their communities. Story-telling is an excellent educational tool, which develops the child's capacity for active listening, in a world filled with stimuli that reduces the attention span this is an excellent starting point for self-development. The memory, imagination, creativity, liner and abstract thought and self-expression of the child is enhanced through the process of creating and telling their own story. Speaking ahead of the story telling evening, Vice President of Strategic and External Affairs at NUI Galway, Professor Ger Hurley said: "Story-telling enhances confidence and communication skills and is part of the Irish seanchaí tradition that we want to encourage in the next generation." Parents, siblings, teachers and NUI Galway staff will enjoy the children's debut story telling performance, where a selection of stories ranging from the frightening to the funny, will be relayed. Clare Murphy, story-teller, says: "By retelling old tales and inventing their own, children engage their imagination and find confidence in their own innate storytelling abilities. Story-telling is the intrinsic glue that encourages us to learn to listen, to respect and to understand those around us in our community." The Access programme has wide-ranging activities and has been developed in close partnership with the link schools, Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla, Holy Trinity Girls School, and St Michael's Boys School Mervue. -ENDS-

5 Feabhra: Mar chuid de chur i bhfeidhm Scéim Teanga na hOllscoile a aontaíodh mar chuid d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, cuirfear seirbhís iomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge ar fáil do chustaiméirí a ghlaonn ar Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Beidh custaiméirí in ann teacht ar an tseirbhís nua ón 1 Feabhra 2007 ar aghaidh. Is í príomh aidhm na Scéime ná go gcuirfí le soláthar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge san Ollscoil i réimse na hacadúlachta, an riaracháin agus na seirbhíse ginearálta. Nuair a aontaíodh an Scéim le hOifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, earcaíodh beirt Fheidhmeannach Teanga go speisialta chun an Scéim a chur i bhfeidhm. Chas na Feidhmeannaigh Theanga mar Aonad Iniúchta le comhaltaí foirne i gceithre spriocroinn go dáta, comhaltaí foirne an mhalartáin ina measc. Tá an t-athrú do chóras an mhalartáin mar chuid de thoradh an phróisis seo. Seo mar a labhair Uachtarán na hOllscoile, An Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh "Ní bheidh le déanamh ag an gcustaiméir ach an tseirbhís a éileamh trí chnaipe a bhrú. Mura mbeidh an córas uathoibríoch in ann cuidiú leis an gcustaiméir, beidh an custaiméir in ann labhairt le hoibreoir malartán a bhfuil Gaeilge líofa aige/aici." Lean an tUasal Ó Muircheartaigh "Tá dualgas faoi leith orainn in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh freastal a dhéanamh ar phobal na Gaeltachta agus ar phobal na Gaeilge i gcoitianta. Tá teanga na Gaeilge lárnach d'fhís fhadtréimhseach na hOllscoile agus táimid an bhuíoch de lucht bainistíochta, teicneoirí agus oibreoirí de chuid an mhalartáin as ucht an tseirbhís iontach seo a chur ar fáil. Mar gheall gurb é an malartán an chéad phointe teagmhála leis an bpobal, tá sé seo thar a bheith tábhachtach. " Mar fhocal scoir dúirt an tUachtarán " Ní dhéanfar aon athrú ar an gcóras a fhreastalóinn ar chustaiméirí a roghnaíonn seirbhís trí mheán an Bhéarla. Ní bheidh le déanamh ag an gcustaiméir a bhfuil seirbhís trí mheán na Gaeilge uaidh/ uaithi ach uimhir a ceathair a bhrú ag tús chlár an mhalartáin. Cuireadh a leithéid de sheirbhís dhátheangach ar fáil le linn saoire na Nollag agus fuarthas aischothú thar a bheith dearfach ó chustaiméirí an mhalartáin. Tá súil againn go gcuideoidh soláthar na seirbhíse nua seo lenár gcustaiméirí uile. Beidh feabhas ag teacht ar sheirbhísí i gcoitianta trí Ghaeilge san Ollscoil mar chuid de chur i bhfeidhm na Scéime agus déarfainn le pobal na Gaeilge is libhse na seirbhísí seo , éilígí iad." Le aghaidh tuilleadh eolais déan teagmháil le: Dáithi Ó Madáin, Áras na Gaeilge ag 091-495449 nó rphost ag daithi.omadain@oegaillimh.ie nó Lisa Ní Fhlatharta, Áras na Gaeilge ag 091 495451 nó rphost ag lisa.nifhlatharta@oegaillimh.ie - CRÍOCH -

5 February 2007: Technologies to help elderly people lead more independent lives are to be developed through research conducted by the Irish Centre for Social Gerentology (ICSG) at NUI Galway, which has been awarded a €1.5 million grant from the Intel Corporation, with the support of the IDA. The ICSG research will inform the design, application and usability of new technologies to enhance the quality of life and independence of older people as part of the newly launched Technology and Research for Independent Living (TRIL). TRIL is a virtual centre, established as part of Intel's European Health Research and Innovation Capactiy. The project involves cross-collaboration among NUI Galway, UCD and Trinity College. An ethnographic gerotechnology research team at the Centre will focus on the content and meaning of older people's lives, their need for new technologies and their experiences with that technology as part of a secure but independent home environment. The team will also examine older peoples' experiences of disability which will provide guidance and feedback to those designing and producing new technologies in relation to falls, cognitive function and social connectedness. Welcoming the funding, Prof. Eamon O'Shea, Director of the ICSG said: "The TRIL initiative is an important development in the ongoing study of age and ageing at NUI Galway. The ethnographic research at ICSG will ensure that older people are at the heart of clinical and technological decision-making with respect to new technologies." The ICSG team will unite the various engineering and design strands of TRIL through enhanced multidisciplinary information systems that link conceptualisation to application, with a personalised focus on the experiences of older people in their own homes. The funding will allow the ICSG to expand its interests in technology and ageing, which along with the economics of ageing and rural ageing, represent the primary research themes of the Centre. It also builds on the existing expertise of the staff of the ICSG, helping to establish the group as an international centre of excellence in the realm of social ageing. In addition, the funding demonstrates the growing interest of the private sector in the area and the increasingly multidisciplinary approach taken in ageing research endeavours. Further information on the work of the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology can be found at www.icsg.ie -ENDS

5 Feabhra 2007: Bhí searmanas speisialta ar siúl in onóir do na 57 mac léinn a fuair Scoláireacht Iontrála san Ollscoil. Is aitheantas é seo ar an ardchaighdeán acadúil i measc rang 2006/07. Bhí an tUachtarán féin, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, i láthair ag an searmanas in Áras na Mac Léinn, Dé Sathairn, an 3 Feabhra 2007. Bronnadh seic €1,525 ar na mic léinn chomh maith le scrolla a dearadh go speisialta chun an t-éacht a rinne siad sa scrúdú deiridh scoile a cheiliúradh. Is ó gach cearn den tír na buaiteoirí agus déanann siad ionadaíocht ar 18 gcontae, ó Aontroim go Corcaigh agus ó Dhún na nGall go Port Láirge. Is de bhunadh na Gaillimhe 23 scoláire. Bronnadh na scoláireachtaí ar scoláirí ó 43 scoil ar leithligh, rud a léiríonn go bhfuil tallann acadúil den scoth le fáil i réimse leathan scoileanna, idir scoileanna beaga agus móra, ar fud na tíre. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh: "Tá an-áthas orainn anseo in OÉ Gaillimh aitheantas a thabhairt do thallann acadúil na 57 mac léinn iontach seo ó cheann ceann na tíre. Tá ríméad orm fáilte a chur rompu ar an gcampas seo agus tá moladh ag dul dóibh as an Ollscoil seo a roghnú le staidéar a dhéanamh inti. Táimid ag súil go mór lena dtallann acadúil a chothú agus tacú leo ina gcuid staidéir". Gheobhaidh gach iontrálaí nua a bhainfidh 560 pointe amach (590 i Leigheas agus Eolaíochtaí Sláinte) na scoláireachtaí seo. D'éirigh le beirt mhac léinn déag as na Dámha seo – na Dána, Tráchtáil, Innealtóireacht, agus Leigheas & Eolaíochtaí Sláinte uasmhéid na bpointí a fháil (600 pointe) (chomh maith le seisear eile a fuair an uasmhéid sna scrúduithe A-level). Fuair triúr mac léinn déag 590 pointe. -CRÍOCH-

3rd February 2007: Academic excellence among the entering class of 2006/7 at NUI Galway has been recognised with a special ceremony to honour the 57 recipients of Entrance Scholarships at the University. The students, from throughout the country, were honoured by the President, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, at the ceremony at Áras na Mac Léinn, on Saturday 3rd February 2007. The students were each presented with a cheque for €1,525 and a specially designed scroll to mark their achievement in their school-leaving examination. The wide geographical spread of the winners is notable. The winners are drawn from 18 counties, from Antrim to Cork and Donegal to Waterford, including 23 scholars from County Galway. The scholarships have been awarded to students from 43 individual schools, highlighting the fact that top academic talent is to be found in a wide range of schools, large and small, throughout the country. The President of NUI Galway, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, said: "We in NUI Galway are delighted to recognise the academic talent of these 57 outstanding students from all over Ireland. I am delighted to welcome them to our campus and commend them for choosing to undertake their studies at this University. We look forward to nurturing their academic talent and supporting them throughout their years of study". The scholarships are guaranteed to all new entrants who reach 560 points (590 in Medicine and Health Sciences). Twelve students of programmes in Arts, Commerce, Engineering, and Medicine & Health Sciences achieved the maximum 600 points (in addition to six others with a maximum A-level result), while 13 students attained 590 points. -ENDS-