February

Déanfaidh Uachtarán na hÉireann Micheál D. Ó hUigínn an ceiliúradh seachtaine a oscailt Tá sraith imeachtaí seolta ag OÉ Gaillimh chun Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a cheiliúradh, amárach Dé Máirt, an 1 Márta. Chuir Uachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigínn tús leis an gceiliúradh seachtaine le haitheasc tosaigh, ag plé cearta agus ceisteanna eile a bhíonn ag déanamh tinnis do Thaistealaithe. Dúirt an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn: “Tá lúcháir orm Ceiliúradh Lá Eitneachta na dTaistealaithe a oscailt arís i mbliana in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. “Is iontach an tsraith imeachtaí atá beartaithe don tseachtain agus molaim an lucht eagraithe as an gclár atá curtha le chéile acu. “Is lá mór é an lá inniu chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar stair shaibhir ársa Thaistealaithe na hÉireann, an t-aon mhionlach dúchasach in Éirinn. B’fhiú dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar an méid atá bainte amach againn mar phobal a aithníonn agus a chuireann luach ar thraidisiúin agus ar chultúr na dTaistealaithe, ach tá go leor le déanamh fós maidir le rannpháirtíocht iomlán agus comhionannas.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann an 1 Márta ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann sé cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá meas agus oscailteacht ainmnithe ag pobal na hollscoile mar phéire dár gcroíluachanna, agus trí chomhiarracht i dtionscnaimh éagsúla, táimid ag tabhairt faoin dúshlán ár bpobal a dhéanamh níos cothroime, níos cuimsithí agus níos éagsúla mar phobal oibre agus mar phobal staidéir. Is maith an oidhe orainn é go bhfuil buanna go léir na sochaí againn anseo. “Leanfaimid leis an obair atá ar siúl againn chun fáilte a chur roimh Thaistealaithe, tacú leo agus iad a chosaint mar chuid luachmhar de shaol na hollscoile. Tá ríméad orm go ndéanfaidh féile eitneachta na dTaistealaithe ceiliúradh ar an oscailteacht seo agus go mbeidh béim ar níos mó deiseanna ar mhaithe le tionchar dearfach agus cuimsiú.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann an lá cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bíonn an ceiliúradh bliantúil eagraithe ag an tionscadal Mincéirs Misl'd in Education (MMIE) in OÉ Gaillimh. Baineann tionscadal MMIE le Taistealaithe na hÉireann a chumasú le dul ar aghaidh chuig an ardoideachas agus muintearas a aireachtáil ann. Tugann Mincéirs Misl’d in Education comhpháirtithe le chéile as Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh, Gluaiseacht Taistealaithe na Gaillimhe, Involve CLG, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Mhaigh Eo, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Shligigh, Ionad Forbartha Taistealaithe agus Idirchultúrtha an Iarthair, Tusla, an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas agus ionadaithe mac léinn chun oibriú le chéile chun bacainní ar ardoideachas a bhaint. Ag an seoladh chomh maith bronnadh Gradam Michael McDonagh do Shármhaitheas Lucht Tacaíochta Phobal Taistealaithe na hÉireann, a ainmníodh in ómós don Taistealaí Éireannach agus feachtasóir ar son na gceart. Ba iad na buaiteoirí ná léachtóirí OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Deirdre Hardiman agus an Dr Helen Casey. Bronnadh ballraíocht saoil i gCumann Mincéirs Whiden ar chéimí de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, Jason Sherlock, freisin. I measc imeachtaí na seachtaine beidh plé painéil ar an ngá atá le Lucht Tacaíochta do Thaistealaithe na hÉireann; An Bille um Chultúr agus Stair an Lucht Siúil san Oideachas, 2018; Eispéireas Gipseach, Roma agus Taistealaithe na hÉireann ar baill den phobal LGBT+ iad laistigh dá bpobail féin; agus coiriúlú na fánaíochta ó pheirspictíocht na RA agus na hÉireann. Cuirfidh ceardlanna agus taispeántais chultúrtha deiseanna éagsúla ar fáil freisin don fhoireann, do mhic léinn agus don phobal tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi chultúr agus stair Thaistealaithe na hÉireann. I measc na mbuaicphointí beidh an dráma a bhfuil duaiseanna bainte amach aige Magpies on the Pylon a scríobh Michael Collins; grianghraif ón taispeántas cáiliúil taistealaithe Crown a thaispeánann gruaig na mban; agus Taispeántas Beo Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a bhí ar an gcampas inniu taobh amuigh d’Áras na Mac Léinn agus ina raibh Vaigín Bairille athchóirithe go hiomlán. Tá tuilleadh eolais agus naisc chun clárú do na himeachtaí le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer Críoch

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins opens week-long celebrations NUI Galway has launched a series of events to mark Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day, tomorrow Tuesday 1 March. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led the opening of the week-long celebrations with a keynote address, exploring rights and other issues for the Traveller community. President Higgins said: “I am delighted to be opening today’s Traveller Ethnicity Day Celebrations hosted again this year by the National University of Ireland Galway. “The series of events planned during the week is so impressive and I commend the organisers for developing the programme. “Today is a day to celebrate the rich and ancient history of Ireland’s Traveller community who constitute Ireland’s only indigenous minority. Today is a day to take stock on how far we have come as a society that recognises and values the Traveller traditions and culture, but it is also a day to consider the road still ahead to full participation and equality.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day on March 1 marks the anniversary of when the Irish Government formally recognised Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and celebrates Irish Travellers culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language.  President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our university community has defined respect and openness as two of our core values, and through collective effort across many different initiatives, we are meeting the challenge of making our community a more equal, inclusive and diverse place in which to work and study. We are better for having all the talents in society here. “We will continue our determined work to welcome, support and vindicate the Traveller community as a part a valuable and valued part of the life of our university. I am delighted that our Traveller ethnicity festival will celebrate this sense of openness and highlight many more opportunities for further positive impact and inclusion.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day marks the anniversary of formal recognition by the Irish Government of Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and the day celebrates Irish Traveller culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language. NUI Galway’s now annual celebrations are organised by the University’s Mincéirs Misl’d in Education (MMIE) project. The MMIE project is about empowering Irish Travellers to transition and build a sense of belonging in higher education. Mincéirs Misl’d in Education brings together partners in NUI Galway Access Centre, Galway Traveller Movement, Involve CLG, Mayo Sligo Traveller Support Group, Sligo Traveller Support Group, Western Traveller Intercultural Development Centre, Túsla, the  Higher Education Authority and student representatives to work together to remove barriers to higher education.  The launch included the presentation of the Michael McDonagh Award for Traveller Ally Excellence, named in honour of the Irish Traveller and rights campaigner. The awardees were NUI Galway lecturers Dr Deirdre Hardiman and Dr Helen Casey.  NUI Galway graduate Jason Sherlock was also honoured with lifetime membership of the Mincéirs Whiden Society.  The week-long events include panel discussions on the need for Irish Traveller Allies; the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill 2018; Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller LGBT+ people’s experience within their communities; and the criminalisation of nomadism from a UK and Irish perspective.  Workshops and cultural exhibitions will also offer a variety of opportunities for staff, students and the public to discover more about Irish Traveller culture and history.  Some of the highlights include the award-winning play Magpies on the Pylon by Michael Collins; photographs from the well-known Crown exhibition showing Irish Traveller women and their hair; and the Irish Traveller Living Exhibition which was hosted on campus today outside Áras na Mac Léinn and includes a fully restored Barrel Top Wagon. For further information and links to register for events at www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer  Ends

Cruthaíonn an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus OÉ Gaillimh comhpháirtíocht chun bás agus oidhreacht an taighdeora a chomóradh Inniu, sheol an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta i gcomhpháirtíocht le OÉ Gaillimh Scéim Sparánachta Taighde Cuimhneacháin Karzan Sabah D Ahmed. Cruthaíodh an sparánacht chun aitheantas agus ómós a thabhairt do thaighdeoir OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed, a bhásaigh i dtimpiste bhóthair lena bhean chéile Shahen Qasm agus a n-iníon Lina i mí Lúnasa 2021. Ag an am, bhí Karzan Ahmed ina iarrthóir PhD in OÉ Gaillimh i mbun taighde in Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil. Dhírigh a chuid oibre ar mheastóireacht a dhéanamh ar fheidhm éiceachórais feithidí i ngnáthóga feirme le cur san áireamh i scéimeanna nua agra-chomhshaoil agus bhí dlúth-chomhoibriú ar siúl leis an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra. Bhronn OÉ Gaillimh PhD iarbháis air in Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil i mí Dheireadh Fómhair. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, ag seoladh na sparánachta: “Táimid thar a bheith buíoch den tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus den Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta as a dtacaíocht agus a gcomhpháirtíocht agus muid ag tabhairt ár gcomhghleacaí Karzan Ahmed agus a bhean chéile Shahen Qasm agus a n-iníon Lina chun cuimhne. “Ghoill a mbás go mór ar ár bpobal agus, go háirithe, orthu siúd a d’oibrigh go díreach le Karzan. Cabhróidh an sparánacht fhlaithiúil seo lena chuid oibre a thabhairt ar aghaidh, agus ag an am céanna déanfar ceiliúradh agus cuimhneofar ar a fheabhas agus ar a thiomantas agus ar thiomantas OÉ Gaillimh don réimse tábhachtach seo.” Dúirt an tAire Stáit le freagracht as Oidhreacht agus Athchóiriú Toghcháin Malcolm Noonan T.D.: “Rinne Karzan Ahmed taighde tábhachtach a raibh tionchar aige ar fheirmeoireacht le meas ar an Dúlra le linn a thréimhse in OÉ Gaillimh. D’oibrigh sé go dlúth le foireann na Seirbhíse Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra (NPWS) agus bhí sé thar a bheith fial lena chuid ama agus saineolais. “Tá an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta muiníneach go gcuirfidh an sparánacht taighde seo le taighde Karzan agus go dtabharfaidh sé deis do mhic léinn taithí ríthábhachtach a fháil i réimse na bithéagsúlachta feirme, i gcomhar leis an NPWS.” Reáchtálfar Scéim Sparánachta Taighde Cuimhneacháin Karzan Sabah D Ahmed mar chlár taighde samhraidh i Scoil na nEolaíochtaí Nádúrtha in OÉ Gaillimh, ag díriú ar fheirmeoireacht le meas ar an dúlra agus ar bhithéagsúlacht inveirteabrach. Beidh an scéim nua oscailte do mhic léinn ó gach institiúid ardoideachais in Éirinn a bhfuil suim acu ann. Críoch 

National Parks and Wildlife Service and NUI Galway form partnership to mark researcher’s death and legacy  The National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with NUI Galway have today announced the Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme. The bursary has been created to recognise and honour NUI Galway researcher Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed, who died in a road accident with his wife Shahen Qasm and baby daughter Lina in August 2021.  At the time of his death Karzan Ahmed was a PhD candidate at NUI Galway undertaking research in Environmental Science. His work focused on evaluating insect ecosystem function in farm habitats for inclusion in novel agri-environmental schemes and involved close collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service NUI Galway awarded Karzan Ahmed a posthumous PhD in Environmental Science in October. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We are extremely grateful to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for their support and partnership in remembering our colleague Karzan Ahmed and his wife Shahen Qasm and their baby daughter Lina.  “Their deaths had a profound impact on our community and, in particular, those who worked directly with Karzan. This generous bursary will help to continue his work, celebrating and remembering his excellence and both his and NUI Galway’s commitment to this important area.” Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan T.D. said: “Karzan Ahmed undertook important and impactful research in High Nature Value farmland during his time at NUI Galway. He worked closely with staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and was exceptionally generous and giving with his time and expertise.  “The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are confident that this research bursary will continue to build upon Karzan’s research and afford students an opportunity to gain vital experience in the area of farmland biodiversity, in collaboration with NPWS.” The Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme will run as a summer research programme in the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway, focusing on high nature value farming and invertebrate biodiversity. The new scheme will be open to interested students from all higher education institutions in Ireland.  Ends

Cartlann mhór ina bhfuil breis agus 600,000 leathanach ar fáil do lucht taighde Tá catalógú déanta ag OÉ Gaillimh ar chartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge, an eagraíocht Ghaeilge is sine in Éirinn, agus tá an chartlann sin seolta ag an Ollscoil. Déantar cíoradh sna cáipéisí ar chorradh agus céad bliain d’imeachtaí, d’fheachtais agus d’éachtaí an Chonartha agus tugtar léargas eisiach iontu ar chúrsaí teanga, cultúir, sóisialta agus polaitíochta a bhaineann le stair na hÉireann. In 2018, de thoradh cainteanna a thionscain an Dr John Walsh agus a lean ar aghaidh faoina stiúir, cuireadh an chartlann faoi choimeád i Leabharlann na hOllscoile. Bhí níos mó ná 600 bosca ábhair ann agus níos mó ná 600,000 leathanach. Tá sé ar cheann de na bailiúcháin is mó dár taisceadh in OÉ Gaillimh riamh. Tá catalógú déanta anois air ag an gcartlannaí Niamh Ní Charra. Tugann Cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge deis don phobal fáil a bheith acu ar na príomhfhoinsí a bhain le forbairt polasaithe i leith na Gaeilge. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá an Ollscoil seo tiomanta don Ghaeilge mar a léirítear inár Straitéis don Ghaeilge. Is ar mhaithe leis an bpobal agus chun na pobail a bhfuilimid ag freastal orthu a chothú atáimid anseo. Ó tharla go bhfuil catalógú déanta ar an gcartlann anois, beidh fáil go forleathan air mar acmhainn thábhachtach teagaisc agus taighde.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Dr Niall Comer, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge: “Léiríonn gairmiúlacht agus tiomantas na foirne go ndearna muid an cinneadh ceart an chartlann luachmhar seo a lonnú anseo in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, agus gabhaim buíochas fosta leis an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán as an mhaoiniú agus an tacaíocht leanúnach a chuirtear ar fáil don tionscnamh seo.” Tá gach tréimhse deich mbliana ó bunaíodh Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893 go dtí go ndearnadh an bailiúchan a thaisceadh in OÉ Gaillimh in 2018 san áireamh sa chartlann. Bhí Conradh na Gaeilge ag plé leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn agus le breathnóireacht a dhéanamh agus taifead a choinneáil ar úsáid na Gaeilge i ngach gné den saol ó lá go lá. Seo samplaí de chuid de na míreanna is spéisiúla sa chartlann:   Teachtaireachtaí ó phríosúnaigh phoblachtánacha ar pháipéar toitíní a smugláladh as Príosún na Ceise Fada sna 1980idí agus comhfhreagras idir Conradh na Gaeilge agus Seirbhís Príosúin na Banríona maidir leis an gcosc ar chuairteanna i nGaeilge Clár Guth na nGaedheal 1904 ina bhfuil trácht ar an gcéad uair a bhí an teanór John McCormack ar stáitse taobh amuigh d’Éirinn nuair a bhí sé 20 bliain d’aois Bileog a bhaineann le hagóid in aghaidh chogadh Vítneam taobh amuigh d’Ambasáid Mheiriceá, 1972  Seiceanna do Phádraig Mac Piarais agus Traolach Mac Suibhne a bhfuil a síniú ar a gcúl ó na blianta 1912 agus 1920 Litreacha ó Bhreandán Ó Beacháin agus Seán O’Casey a bhaineann le léirithe ar a saothar Gaeilge  Samplaí de phacáistiú ilteangach, paicéad cnónna Aer Lingus ina measc Mórleabhar faoi cheangal leathair ina bhfuil liosta de na craobhacha (1904-1918), rud a léiríonn cé chomh láidir agus a bhí an eagraíocht ag tús an 20ú hAois Grianghraif de léirsithe ina rabhthas i mbun agóide faoina laghad clár Gaeilge a bhí ar an teilifís agus ar an raidió, agus faoi ghabháil daoine nár dhíol a gceadúnas teilifíse mar agóid ina aghaidh sin Miontuairiscí agus cláir na nArd-Fheiseanna bliantúla ó 1894 go 2008 ina léirítear an daonlathas agus an chruthaitheacht a bhain leis an eagraíocht Foclóir pearsanta lámhscríofa ó dheireadh an 18ú hAois, a bronnadh ar an dlíodóir, bailitheoir leabhar, agus fear a raibh spéis aige sa Ghaeilge, Ernest Reginald McClintock Dix in 1909 agus a tugadh do leabharlann Chonradh na Gaeilge ina dhiaidh sin Póstaeir ó chraobhchomórtais chlubanna CLG ag deireadh na 1950idí  Preasráiteas ag éileamh go gcuirfí deireadh le pionós an bháis in Éirinn, 1976  Tá ábhar sa chartlann a bhaineann le ceol, spórt, drámaíocht, reiligiún, polaitíocht agus imeachtaí ar nós fheachtas bliantúil Sheachtain na Gaeilge agus comórtais Oireachtais a mbeidh comóradh 120 bliain agus 125 bliain a mbunaithe faoi seach ann i mbliana. Tá tuairiscí na dTimirí sa chartlann chomh maith, ina bhfuil eolas mion le fáil ar na hathruithe a bhí ag teacht ar shochaí na hÉireann go háirithe sna 1960idí agus sna 1970idí, agus corrthuairisc ó na 1920idí. Labhair an Dr John Walsh, Ollamh Comhlach le Gaeilge in OÉ Gaillimh a bhí i mbun thiomsú na cartlainne, ar thábhacht na cartlainne do lucht taighde: “Is acmhainn an-luachmhar an bailiúchán seo do lucht taighde de bhrí go léirítear ann an obair cheannródaíoch a bhí ar siúl ag Conradh na Gaeilge i réimsí éagsúla, ar nós na bhfeachtas le seirbhísí raidió agus teilifíse, scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge, údarás Gaeltachta daonlathach, stádas na Gaeilge san AE agus cearta teanga a bhaint amach ar dhá thaobh na teorann.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag John Cox, Leabharlannaí na hOllscoile: “Cuireann an Ollscoil agus an Leabharlann an-bhéim ar an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn agus tacú léi. Táimid an-bhródúil as an mbaint a bhí againn leis an gcatalógú agus le cartlann chomh mór agus chomh tábhachtach seo a chur ar fáil don teagasc agus don taighde agus is léiriú é ar an gcomhpháirtíocht den scoth a bhí againn le Conradh na Gaeilge.” Tá fáil ag lucht taighde ar an gcartlann i Seomra Léitheoireachta na gCartlann agus na mBailiúchán Speisialta i Leabharlann OÉ Gaillimh.  Tá bailiúchán fairsing, beagnach 400 cartlann ar fad, ag OÉ Gaillimh, faoi chúram na Leabharlainne. Ar na réimsí is mó a bhfuil ábhar a bhaineann leo sa bhailiúchán tá an drámaíocht, scannáin agus na taibhealaíona, an litríocht, an stair agus an pholaitíocht, agus tá béim ar leith ar ábhar i nGaeilge.  I measc na mbailiúchán is cáiliúla tá cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge agus cartlann Mary Robinson; páipéir liteartha John McGahern agus Thomas Kilroy; cartlanna compántas amharclannaíochta éagsúil, lena n-áirítear Amharclann na Mainistreach, Amharclann an Gheata agus Amharclann an Druid; Bailiúchán Tim Robinson ina bhfuil eolas mion faoi thíreolaíocht agus topagrafaíocht Chonamara; agus cartlanna ó eastáit mhóra talún i gCúige Chonnacht agus roinnt páipéar a bhaineann leis na Trioblóidí i dTuaisceart Éireann. Cuirtear an-bhéim ar chartlanna a fhoilsiú ar líne mar chuid de chlár digitithe leanúnach.  Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil anseo faoi na Cartlanna agus na Bailiúcháin Speisialta in OÉ Gaillimh: http://library.nuigalway.ie/collections/archives/   Is féidir le taighdeoirí brabhsáil tríd an mbailiúchán sula dtagann siad chuig an Leabharlann lena scrúdú via https://exhibitions.library.nuigalway.ie/s/cnag/page/home Críoch

Extensive archive containing over 600,000 pages is available to researchers The archive of Conradh na Gaeilge, Ireland’s oldest Irish language organisation, has been catalogued and launched by NUI Galway. The documents cover more than a century of Conradh’s existence, campaigning and achievements and provide an unparalleled insight into linguistic, cultural, social and political aspects of Irish history. In 2018, following discussions instigated and led by Dr John Walsh, the University’s Library became the custodian of the archives. It consisted of more than 600 boxes of material and over 600,000 pages, making it one of the largest collections ever deposited with NUI Galway. Now catalogued by archivist Niamh Ní Charra, the Conradh na Gaeilge Archive at NUI Galway gives researchers, students and the public unique access to primary sources about the development of Irish language policy. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “Our University is committed to the Irish language through our Straitéis don Ghaeilge. We are here for the public good and to sustain the communities which we serve. Now that the archive has been catalogued, it will be widely available for use as a significant resource for teaching and research.” Dr Niall Comer, President, Conradh na Gaeilge, said: "The professionalism and dedication of the staff show that we made the correct decision to locate our valuable archive in NUI Galway and I would also like to thank the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their continued funding and support for this project." Every decade is represented in the archive, from the founding of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893 to the deposition of the collection with NUI Galway in 2018. Conradh na Gaeilge was actively involved in promoting, observing and documenting the use of Irish across all aspects of everyday life. Highlights in the archive include:  Republican prisoners’ messages on cigarette papers smuggled out of the Maze prison in the 1980s and correspondence between Conradh na Gaeilge and HM Prison Service on the ban on visits in Irish A 1904 Guth na nGaedheal programme featuring tenor John McCormack’s possible first performance outside of Ireland at the age of 20 A flyer relating to an anti-Vietnam war protest outside the American embassy, 1972  Cheques to and endorsed by Patrick Pearse and Terence MacSwiney in 1912 and 1920 Letters from both Brendan Behan and Seán O’Casey relating to productions of their work in Irish  Samples of multilingual packaging including an Aer Lingus peanuts wrapper. An oversized leather-bound book listing branches (1904-1918) showing the strength of the organisation at the beginning of the 20th Century Photographs of demonstrations protesting both the lack of Irish language programming on TV and radio, and the arrest of people who refused to pay their television licences as a result Minutes and programmes from the annual Ard-Fheis covering the period 1894 to 2008 showing the democracy and creativity in the organisation A handwritten personal dictionary from the late 18th century which was gifted to solicitor, book collector, and Irish language enthusiast Ernest Reginald McClintock Dix in 1909 and subsequently given to Conradh na Gaeilge library Posters from GAA club championships in the late 1950s  A press release calling for the end to the death penalty in Ireland, 1976  The archive includes material relating to music, sport, drama, religion, politics and events such as the annual Seachtain na Gaeilge campaign and Oireachtas competitions which celebrate their 120th and 125th anniversaries respectively this year. It also features the Timirí (organisers’) reports, which provide detailed information on changes in Irish society mainly during the 1960s and 1970s, and some reports from the 1920s. Dr John Walsh, Associate Professor of Irish at NUI Galway who led the acquisition of the archive, noted its significance to the research community: “This collection is a very valuable resource for researchers because it illustrates Conradh na Gaeilge’s pioneering work in various areas, for instance the campaigns for radio and television services, all-Irish schools, a democratic Gaeltacht authority, the status of Irish in the EU and language rights on both sides of the border.” John Cox, University Librarian, said: “Promoting and supporting the Irish language is a priority for the University and Library. Our engagement in cataloguing and making available for teaching and research an archive of such scale and significance is a source of great pride and represents the fruition of an excellent partnership with Conradh na Gaeilge.” The archive is open for consultation by researchers in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room of the NUI Galway Library.  NUI Galway has an extensive collection of almost 400 archives, managed by its Library. Collection strengths include theatre, film and the performing arts, literature, history and politics, with a particular focus on material in the Irish language.  Collections of note include the archives of Conradh na Gaeilge and Mary Robinson, the literary papers of John McGahern and Thomas Kilroy, the archives of a range of theatre companies, including the Abbey, Gate and Druid, the Tim Robinson Collection detailing the geography and topography of Connemara, as well as the archives of several Connacht landed estates and a number of papers relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles. There is a strong focus on publishing archives online as part of an ongoing digitisation programme.  For more information about the Archives and Special Collections at NUI Galway visit http://library.nuigalway.ie/collections/archives/ Researchers can browse the contents of the collection in advance of accessing it in the Library via https://exhibitions.library.nuigalway.ie/s/cnag/page/home End

Two NUI Galway projects have been selected to develop solutions for operational challenges facing the Defence Forces. The research teams have secured funding as part of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) -Defence Organisation Challenge. The researchers will collaborate with the Defence Forces to develop disruptive solutions to challenges faced by the Army, Navy and Air Corps while also having a potential to deliver significant societal impact. The first project, AltFuel4DF, will focus on convert waste to low-carbon fuel. The second, SafeGuard-Bio, will look at a novel device to detect multiple biological agents. Professor Jim Livesey, Vice President Research and Innovation at NUI Galway, said: “The successful projects in the SFI-Defence Organisation Challenge have huge potential and are a mark of the value our researchers place on responding to society’s needs.  “Collaboration is a vital element of research and as a public university it is profoundly important for our excellence to be put to the test in developing solutions for those who serve on the frontline while also creating the potential for societal impact.” The successful projects were announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. and Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney T.D. The NUI Galway projects are among just 10 selected as part of the SFI-Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge.  :: AltFuel4DF A joint project with Dr Rory Monaghan and the Institute of Technology Carlow will develop technologies to convert waste products like rubbish and residues from forestry and agriculture into sustainable low-carbon fuels. This will help the Defence Forces reduce emissions and improve energy security by cutting reliance on imported fossil fuels. Part of the project will analyse fuel use to establish greatest need. Within transport in the Defence Forces, there is potential for the low-carbon fuel to be used for ships, planes and vehicles on land. :: SafeGuard-Bio Led by Professor Lokesh Joshi and Dr Stephen Cunningham, the project is in part a result of a decade long collaboration with the Defence Forces and Aquila Bioscience.  The NUI Galway team, in collaboration with the Defence Forces, will develop a rapid and reliable platform for simultaneous detection of several biological threat agents from a single sample.  The solution has potential far beyond the security field, including aspects of public health and environmental monitoring for better awareness of infectious agents. Ends

Naoi n-ollscoil Eorpacha diantaighde ag obair chun deiseanna a mhéadú do mhic léinn agus chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin shochaíocha Tá fáilte curtha ag OÉ Gaillimh roimh thacaíocht an Rialtais do Chomhghuaillíocht Ollscoileanna ENLIGHT, a mhéadóidh deiseanna do mhic léinn agus don fhoireann chun staidéar, foghlaim agus oibriú ar fud na hEorpa. Tá maoiniú beagnach €445,000 bainte amach ag OÉ Gaillimh ón Údarás um Ard-Oideachas (ÚAO) chun an tionscnamh teagaisc, foghlama agus taighde uile-Eorpach a chur chun cinn as seo go ceann dhá bhliain go leith. Tugann ENLIGHT an t-ardán d’ollscoileanna chun cineál nua “campais” a chruthú ina mbeidh fáil níos éasca ag mic léinn agus ag comhaltaí foirne ar staidéar, oiliúint, teagasc, taighde agus roinnt seirbhísí ar bhonn idirnáisiúnta. Dúirt Leas-Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta na hOllscoile, an tOllamh Becky Whay: “Is eiseamláir de chomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT é tiomantas OÉ Gaillimh d’oscailteacht agus d’éagsúlacht inár nOllscoil, ag cruthú deiseanna do mhic léinn agus don fhoireann, agus dár réigiún cáiliúil san iarthar chomh maith. “Cuireann ár gcomhpháirtíocht i Líonra Ollscoileanna Eorpacha muid ar thús cadhnaíochta maidir le samhlacha a dhearadh do chomhoibriú, oideachas, taighde agus fás tras-Eorpach.” “Tá an tacaíocht mhaoinithe seo ón ÚAO ríthábhachtach dár gcumas an leas is fearr a bhaint as na buntáistí a thugann ballraíocht sa chomhghuaillíocht seo dúinn – dár mic léinn ar mian leo taisteal agus foghlaim ar fud na hEorpa agus dár bhfoireann ar mian leo dul i gcomhpháirtíocht le lucht léinn agus le seirbhísí gairmiúla.” Neartóidh maoiniú an Rialtais rannpháirtíocht OÉ Gaillimh in ENLIGHT agus tacóidh sé le malartuithe mac léinn agus comhoibriú agus rannpháirtíocht foirne. I gcomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT tá – OÉ Gaillimh; Ollscoil Comenius, an Bhratasláiv (An tSlóvaic); Ollscoil Groningen (An Ísiltír); Ollscoil Bordeaux (An Fhrainc); Ollscoil Gent (An Bheilg); Ollscoil Tartu (An Eastóin); Ollscoil Gottingen (An Ghearmáin); Ollscoil Thír na mBascach (An Spáinn); Ollscoil Uppsala (An tSualainn). Tá sé mar aidhm ag ENLIGHT an t-ardoideachas a athrú i gcomhar lena chéile, ag tabhairt aghaidh ar dhúshláin shochaíocha agus ag cur caighdeán na beatha chun cinn mar aon le hinbhuanaitheacht agus rannpháirtíocht sheachtrach le pobail na n-ollscoileanna comhpháirtíochta. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh agus cathaoirleach reatha Chomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá OÉ Gaillimh thar a bheith sásta le tacaíocht an Rialtais maidir lenár rannpháirtíocht i gcomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT a neartú. Tá na naoi n-ollscoil in ENLIGHT lonnaithe lasmuigh de phríomhchathracha rud a thugann dearcadh faoi leith dúinn ar an saol agus ar an bpobal. Le chéile, cuirimid borradh faoi fhorbairt ar bhonn réigiúnach, oibrímid go dlúth le dul i ngleic le dúshláin shochaíocha agus breathnaímid ar uaillmhian idirnáisiúnta mar bhealach leis an tionchar réigiúnach is mó a bheith againn.  In OÉ Gaillimh, is trína bheith oscailte do na caighdeáin is airde maidir le barr feabhais agus comhoibriú a dhéanaimid an freastal is fearr – agus a léirímid an meas is fearr – ar ár réigiún. Trí thacaíocht an Rialtais do ENLIGHT tabharfar an deis dúinne agus dár mic léinn agus dár bhfoireann foghlaim le chéile, barr feabhais a bhaint amach agus aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin chomhroinnte atá ag teacht lenár luachanna mar phobal ollscoile.” Tabharfaidh ENLIGHT ardán do OÉ Gaillimh do chomhpháirtíochtaí agus comhoibrithe chun maoiniú níos leithne a mhealladh faoin gclár Erasmus agus an clár Fís Eorpach. Neartóidh sé chomh maith comhpháirtíochtaí straitéiseacha na naoi n-institiúid rud a spreagfaidh comhoibriú oideachais, taighde agus nuálaíochta a chuirfidh lenár n-iomaíochas idirnáisiúnta agus lenár dtionchar domhanda. Mar chuid d’obair na comhghuaillíochta, beidh ócáid ar siúl ag OÉ Gaillimh i gcomhar le hOllscoil Uppsala sa tSualainn i mBealtaine 2022. Is é an téama ná Forbairt Uirbeach Inbhuanaithe agus tiocfaidh taighdeoirí, mic léinn agus páirtithe leasmhara réigiúnacha ó gach cearn den chomhghuaillíocht le chéile chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar chomhdhúshláin. Críoch

Nine European research-intensive universities working to increase opportunities for students and to address societal challenges NUI Galway has welcomed Government support for the ENLIGHT University Alliance, which will increase opportunities for students and staff to study, learn and work across Europe. NUI Galway has secured funding of almost €445,000 from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to progress the new pan-European teaching, learning and research initiative over the next two and half years. ENLIGHT gives universities the platform to create a new type of “campus” where students and staff have increased opportunities for international study, training, teaching, research and sharing of services. The University’s Vice President International, Professor Becky Whay said: “The ENLIGHT alliance exemplifies NUI Galway’s commitment to openness and diversity in our University, creating opportunities for students and staff, as well as for our renowned western region.  “Our partnership in a European University Network puts us at the forefront of designing models for cross European collaboration, education, research and growth.”  “This funding support from the HEA is critical to our ability to optimise the advantages that membership of this alliance opens up for us - for our students who wish to travel and learn throughout Europe and for our staff who wish to partner with fellow academics and professional services.” The Government funding will strengthen NUI Galway’s participation in ENLIGHT and support student exchanges and staff collaboration and engagement.  The ENLIGHT alliance includes - NUI Galway; Comenius University, Bratislava (Slovakia); University of Groningen (Netherlands); University of Bordeaux (France); Gent University (Belgium); University of Tartu (Estonia); University of Gottingen (Germany); University of the Basque Country (Spain); and Uppsala University (Sweden). ENLIGHT aims to collaboratively transform higher education, addressing societal challenges and promoting equitable quality of life, sustainability and external engagement with the communities of the partner universities. NUI Galway President and current chair of the ENLIGHT Alliance, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “NUI Galway is delighted with this Government support to strengthen our participation in the ENLIGHT alliance. “All nine of the universities in ENLIGHT are based outside of capital cities which gives us a particular perspective on the world and community.  "Together, we are regional drivers of development, working closely to tackle societal challenges and see international ambition as a means of maximising regional impact. At NUI Galway, we serve our region best - and respect it - by being open to the highest standards of excellence and co-operation. Securing Government support for ENLIGHT will afford us and our students and staff the opportunity to learn collectively, to excel and to address shared challenges consistent with our values as a university community.” ENLIGHT will give NUI Galway a platform for partnerships and collaborations to attract wider funding under the Erasmus and Horizon Europe programmes.  It will also strengthen strategic partnerships across the nine institutions, encouraging education, research and innovation collaborations, contributing both to our international competitiveness and collective global impact. As part of the work of the alliance, NUI Galway is partnering with Uppsala University in Sweden on an event in May 2022. The theme is Sustainable Urban Development with researchers, students and regional stakeholders from across the alliance coming together to address collective challenges. Ends

Well-being programme takes place over six weeks in higher education institutions across Europe  Initiative aims to study physical and mental health benefits for students and young people NUI Galway has launched a new well-being programme - Mind, Body, Boost - to support students’ physical and mental health and research its impact. The initiative is taking place in partnership with higher education institutions in six European countries and aims to address social isolation, poor lifestyle balance, mental health difficulties and low levels of physical activity of young people. Mind, Body, Boost also involves research to assess the impact and benefit of a six-week health and wellbeing programme on physical and mental health. Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students, NUI Galway, said: “We know from our students that the issues of anxiety and stress are real. Mind, Body, Boost provides us with a new opportunity to help our students improve their overall well-being, to prevent isolation and open the door to physical activity. Most of all, it is a huge opportunity to learn the impacts of this approach.” Mind, Body, Boost is designed to be accessible and welcoming for third level students with low levels of physical activity and mental health struggles and who have had limited opportunities to participate in physical activity, for whatever reason, through personal difficulties or other obstacles.  It is running in seven institutions across Europe. The programme recruits students via student sign-up and seeks referrals from student service, health professionals and educators.  An APP has been developed for participating students who will receive encouragement and motivation to achieve their goals each week. Today, Tuesday 8 February 2022, marked the introductory session for NUI Galway students, and sessions continue on campus on the same day each week for the next six weeks.  The sessions run for 25 minutes and 45 minutes and include a mix of low-moderate intensity physical activity, relaxation, and resilience sessions.  The project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus + Sport programme.  The partners include - Trinity College Dublin; University of Stirling, Scotland; University of Limerick; University of Lisbon, Portugal; Technical University of Munich, Germany; Vilnius University, Lithuania; and It’s Great Out There Coalition, Brussels. To find out more information visit www.mindbodyboost.eu Ends

A special new scholarship has been announced by University of Galway for entrepreneurial undergraduate students. The Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship, funded through the generous philanthropic support of the Liffey Trust, will run for an initial 10-year period. The scholarship will help to support students in University of Galway’s newly launched student innovation and entrepreneurship hub, IdeasLab. It will also help to promote the concepts of job creation, entrepreneurial development and education for life for undergraduate students commencing their studies. First year undergraduate students at University of Galway can apply for a scholarship valued at up to €9,000 for the duration of their studies at the University.  The inaugural students will be selected in March 2022.  President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We welcome our new partnership with the Liffey Trust. A key strength of University of Galway is our partnership with business, industry, government and civic society to nurture graduates that are civic, innovative and entrepreneurial. The scholarship will sow the seeds to further enhance and support our vision for innovation, excellence and entrepreneurship in the region.” The Liffey Trust was established more than 30 years ago and has been supporting entrepreneurs to establish and grow new businesses since then. The University of Galway scholarship is named in honour of the founder of the Liffey Trust, Galway native Séamus McDermott, in recognition of his contribution to entrepreneurship in Ireland.  Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students in University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to broaden our scholarship portfolio to include the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Our campus is filled with creative and innovative minds that this scholarship can make a real difference to.” For further information on the scholarship contact ideaslab@nuigalway.ie, or submit an application at https://bit.ly/3u2r0Vk.  Ends