The NUI Galway Gala Banquet and Alumni Awards 2009, took place at the Radisson SAS Hotel on Saturday 7th March. Over 500 alumni and friends of the University attended this prestigious event.

Eight alumni, representing academic and sporting excellence, were honoured by their alma mater through the presentation of alumni awards. Click here for full details of the award recipients.

A highlight of the evening was the performance by tenor and alumnus David O’Leary BA 2007, LLB 2008 who was later joined on stage by the Cois Cladaigh choir conducted by Alumni Award recipient, Dr Brendan O’Connor.

Pictured above are (back row from left): Pádraig Ó Ceithearnaigh, Dr Brendan O’Connor, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Mike Higgins, and Finian O’Sullivan. Front row (left to right): John Hegarty, Siún Nic Gearailt (MC for the evening), NUI Galway President Dr James J. Browne, Dr Catherine Caulfield, and Professor Michael O’Brien.

Click here to view photographs from this year's event.

young tenor wakes the neighbours

The House of Lords, Bank of Ireland, College Green was the very grand venue for the latest offering from the Dublin Alumni group. Led by RTE’s Sean O’Rourke ( BA 1977 and Alumni Awardee 2006), the group this time presented the young graduate tenor David O’Leary to a gathering of 120 Galway graduates on the night of Tuesday March 10th in the centre of Dublin city.

It was the third University appointment in five months for David, an arts and law graduate of NUI Galway who has trained under tenor Ronan Tynan amongst others. We first saw him perform for former US president Bill Clinton at Galway University Foundation Gala in New York City and more recently he headlined the University Gala Banquet and Alumni Awards. The Dublin event afforded David a more extensive and varied repertoire than the previous occasions and guests were treated to a programme of traditional, musical, classical and contemporary pieces. Well within earshot of fellow university Trinity College Dublin, the audience chorused for a rabble-rousing finale of The West’s Awake. On this occasion, no-one seemed to mind waking the neighbours.

Click here to see pictures from the night

Rollicking laughter and gasps at "The Cripple" in new york

55 alumni attended the Druid Theatre Company's acclaimed production of The Cripple of Inishmaan in New York City on February 26th. Written by Martin McDonagh, and directed by NUI Galway alumna and Tony Award winner, Garry Hynes, Cripple has received rave reviews and the graduate group were not to be disappointed. “Rollicking laughter - and gasps when that trademark McDonagh darkness reared it's head!” commented one guest. Graduates including Ms Hynes met before the show for a drinks reception hosted by the New York Alumni group. After the show guests mingled with the stars of "Cripple", Galway graduate Marie Mullen and Aaron Monaghan.

The New York Alumni group have more events in planning so watch this space and remember to update your details at http://www.nuigalway.ie/

Click here to see pictures from the night.

Successful New Year's event for London alumni

Over 20 NUI Galway alumni met up with graduates from other Irish universities and colleges for the annual New Year’s party in London on January 27th. The event was a great success and offered alumni the opportunity to meet new friends and catch up with old ones.

Click here to view photos from this event.

Launch of the Galway Club

The NUI Galway Alumni Association will launch the Galway Alumni Club on Friday, 1st May for Galway-based graduates. This inaugural event will take place on board the L.É. Aisling in Galway Docks and will be hosted by Lieutenant Commander Roberta O'Brien BSc 2000, the first female captain of an Irish naval vessel . Tickets for this event are strictly limited and will be available on a first come first served basis. Further details will be emailed to graduates in Galway in the coming weeks.
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The NUI Galway Dublin Alumni Group presents…

The Perfect Storm Up Close – A presentation by Declan Kelly, Executive Vice President, FTI & U.S. Board Chair, Galway University Foundation

Wednesday 25 March, 7:30 PM
Davenport Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin 2. More details.

Future Dublin events - mark your diaries:

Lisbon 2 Debate

Wednesday 8 April, Davenport Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Pat Rabbitte TD BA 1970, HDip in Ed 1972, LLB 1977 debates Declan Ganley founder and Chairman of Libertas on Wednesday 8th April in the Davenport Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Moderated by Harry McGee BA 1987, Diploma in Communications Studies 1989, LLB 1993.

125 Years of the GAA - a lecture by Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh BA 1965, MA1966.

Tuesday 12 May, Davenport Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks. Numbers limited.

Druid Theatre returns to london

Druid Theatre returns to London with The New Electric Ballroom written and Directed by Enda Walsh, (Disco Pigs, Bedbound and The Walworth Farce) performed in Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9RL from Tuesday 3 to Sunday 26 March. Tickets from £18.00. Online Bookings or phone +44 (0)20 8237 1111.

Look out for upcoming London alumni events.

INTERNATIONAL GROUPS CONTACTS

NEW ENGLAND USA

New England Galway Grads (NEGGS) click here for homepage

BEIJING, CHINA

NUI Galway Chinese website www.nuigalway-china.cn/
Beijing Alumni group email: alumnibeijingnuigalway-china.cn

Reunions

Cumann caoga bliain/Fifty Year Reunion - class of 1959

Save-the-Date: Saturday 18th April

Congratulations to the Class of 1959! This year marks the 50th anniversary of graduation for all who were conferred with degrees from the National University of Ireland Galway, or University College Galway as it was known, in 1959. Read on.

1999 & 2004 Reunion

Save-the-Date: Saturday 6th June

All NUI Galway alumni who attended University in 2004 or 1999 are invited to return to their alma mater to celebrate their reunion on Saturday 6th June.

Your reunion is the best excuse you’ll ever have for returning to college, so pick up the phone, ring around your friends (don't leave it to others!) and reserve your spot at Reunion today. The closing date for receipt of registration is 29th May. Your reunion is taking place in the Students' Union Bar, overlooking the Corrib River. Read on.

1969 Reunion

Save-the-Date: Saturday 3rd October

All NUI Galway alumni who attended University in 1969 are invited to return to their alma mater to celebrate their reunion on Saturday 3rd October.

Plans are underway for a bus tour of campus, a photo exhibition, a Reunion Dinner in the Galway Bay Hotel, and other activities to encourage a very enjoyable trip down memory lane. More details.

1979, 1984 & 1989 Reunion

Save-the-Date: Saturday 7th November

All NUI Galway alumni who attended University in 1979, 1984 & 1989 are invited to return to their alma mater to celebrate their reunion on Saturday 7th November.

Building on the success of last year's Classes of 1978 & 1979 Reunion, organised by Brendan 'Speedie' Smith, this year's reunion, for all who attended UCG from 1979 through to 1989, plans to be be even more spectacular. A reunion committee is being formed to assist with the planning of this year's event. If you would like to participate in the planning of your reunion please contact the Alumni Office on +353 (0)91 493750. The 78/79 committee plans to compile a book containing graduates' memories of their time at UCG. If you would like your memories of University life to be included please contact Brendan Smith at bspeedieeircom.net. This book with for sale at your reunion with proceeds going to charity. Read on.

University News

President's Teaching Award

We all know of a particular member of academic staff who is an excellent teacher, perhaps because of their enthusiasm and passion for their subject; their commitment to help students learn; their willingness to embrace interesting and innovative ways of teaching - or perhaps all of these! The President’s Awards for Teaching Excellence recognise the outstanding efforts of academic staff to ensure NUI Galway students receive the highest quality learning experience. You are strongly encouraged to consider nominating any member of academic staff who you feel is worthy of such recognition. Read on.

Pictured above at last year's Awards are (L-R): Dr. Sylvie Lannegrand, Dr Aisling McCluskey, Dr James J. Browne, Dr Ailish Hynes, Dr Pat Morgan. Missing: Dr Gerard Flaherty.

calling 2008 graduates

Did you graduate from NUI Galway in 2008? If so, please fill out our annual graduate destinations survey online at http://www.nuigalway.ie/careers/survey/gradsurvey.php or fill out the paper version that will arrive to your home address shortly.

Last year, less than 2% of degree holders, and 2.5% of postgraduate holders were unemployed. Help us to see what the current labour market is like for new entrants by filling out the form today. Personal details are kept confidential and results are used to gauge the labour market for graduates on a national level ( http://www.hea.ie/) as well as helping NUI Galway staff and students with decisions regarding course options and choices. You can see results of previous surveys, and how the information you provide will be used on our website at http://www.nuigalway.ie/careers/students/degree_destinations.html.

Graduate and Academic Elected JCI President

The 2009 President of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Galway is alumna Dr Brenda Gannon BA 1994, MA 1995, Brenda is Deputy Director of one of NUI Galway’s leading research centres, the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, which explores the health economics and social aspects of ageing. Read on.

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Keep up-to-date with all NUI Galway alumni news by visiting www.nuigalway.ie/alumni. If you would like to unsubscribe from Alumni Links please email alumninuigalway.ie with 'unsubscribe' in the subject box.

Please forward this email to friends and classmates who we may have lost touch with.

Alumni Association
The Gate Lodge, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
Phone: +353 (0) 91 493750, Fax: +353 (0) 91 494579, E-mail: Alumni Association
This page was last updated Friday, October 07, 2011