Ócáid cheiliúrtha ag comóradh an deonacháin agus athainmniú an Aula Maxima in ómós don Uachtarán Tá fógartha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe inniu go bhfuil Cartlann Uachtaránachta an Uachtaráin, Mícheál D. Ó hUigínn, bronnta uirthi, chomh maith le leabhair óna bhailiúchán pearsanta. Áirítear leis na cáipéisí sa chartlann páipéir phearsanta, scríbhinní agus comhfhreagras agus beidh siad á gcoimeád i gCartlanna agus Bailiúcháin Speisialta Leabharlann na hOllscoile. Fógraíodh an deonachán go foirmiúil ag ócáid cheiliúrtha speisialta in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe áit ar cuireadh fáilte roimh an Uachtarán Ó hUigínn, in éineacht lena bhean chéile Sabina, ar ais chuig a alma mater. Sula ndeachaigh sé leis an bpolaitíocht, is i nGaillimh a bhí sé i mbun staidéir agus i mbun teagaisc. Reáchtáladh an ócáid san Aula Maxima i gCearnóg Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, ar athainmníodh é mar Halla Mhíchíl D. Uí Uigínn mar chuid den cheiliúradh. Nochtadh portráid den Uachtarán Ó hUigínn a rinne an t-ealaíontóir Colin Davidson freisin. Beidh an phortráid seo ar taispeáint don phobal i mbailiúchán ealaíne na hOllscoile. Bhí an ceiliúradh á óstáil ag Cathaoirleach Údarás Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn agus an tOllamh Peter McHugh, Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.      Seo mar a labhair Uachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigínn "Cúis áthais dom a fhógairt go foirmiúil go mbeidh mo chartlann scríbhinní agus cáipéisí ó mo théarmaí Uachtaránachta á gcoimeád in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bhuíochas le comhoibriú leis an institiúid sin.   “Coinneofar na comhaid seo go sábháilte as seo amach i gCartlann agus Bailiúcháin Speisialta Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus beidh rochtain orthu ann sa todhchaí ag taighdeoirí ar spéis leo saol polaitiúil, sóisialta agus cultúrtha na tíre i gcaitheamh na tréimhse sin. Seans go dtabharfaidh na comhaid sin spléachadh ar mo chuid smaointeoireachta, air sin a thug spreagadh dom agus ar na húdair frustrachais a bhí agam. Is ionann iad agus na sonraí pearsanta a chuir bonn faisnéise le mo chuid óráidí, ráitis agus ábhar scríofa eile le 14 bliana anuas agus mé mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.   “Taitníonn an léitheoireacht thar cionn liom agus tá bailiúchán suntasach leabhar agam agus anuas ar na comhaid don chartlann, tugann sé an-sásamh dom cuid den bhailiúchán sin a bheith á bhronnadh agam ar an Ollscoil i láthair na huaire. Áirítear sa bhailiúchán sin cóipeanna de leabhair a fuair mé do mo thaighde pearsanta féin lena n-áirítear roinnt imleabhar a bhfuil go leor nótaí scríofa agam orthu agus a bhí ina lón machnaimh dom le linn dom a bheith i mo léachtóir san Ollscoil agus ina dhiaidh sin agus mé i m'Uachtarán. Tá go leor leabhar sa bhailiúchán freisin a tugadh dom mar bhronntanas ó raon leathan foinsí agus mé i mbun dualgais áitiúla, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Comóradh ar eachtraí stairiúla atá i gcuid de na leabhair ar ar fhreastail mé féin orthu i gcáil oifigiúil.   “Tá sé tábhachtach dom féin go mbeadh an Aula Maxima sa Chearnóg – an halla clúiteach sin a bhfuil sé d'onóir agam anois a bheith ceangailte leis mar 'Halla Mhichíl D. Uí Uigínn’ – oscailte i gcónaí agus inrochtana don phobal, dóibh siúd a chónaíonn i nGaillimh, d'fhoireann agus mic léinn na hOllscoile agus do chuairteoirí agus do thurasóirí. Tá mé an-sásta cloisteáil mar sin gur spás a bheidh ann a úsáidfear ní díreach d'ócáidí ollscoile ach d'eachtraí poiblí eile cosúil le Féile Ealaíon na Gaillimhe, mar shampla.”   Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Is onóir agus pribhléid dom an ról seo a bheith agam ar an lá a bhfógraíonn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe deonachán Chartlann Uachtaránachta an Uachtaráin Uí Uigínn. Tá áit speisialta ag an Uachtarán Ó hUigínn i gcroí agus in aigne phobal na hOllscoile seo. Deis mhachnaimh dúinn an deonachán seo a bheith faighte againn, chomh maith leis an mbealach atá romhainn a mheas. Agus muid ag glacadh seilbhe ar bhailiúchán páipéar chomh luachmhar seo, tá deis faoi leith againn inspreagadh a thabhairt do mhic léinn agus do thaighdeoirí.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Monica Crump, Leabharlannaí na hOllscoile: “Fíorscoláire is ea an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn agus tá dúil mhór aige i leabhair agus an-tuiscint aige ar thábhacht na léitheoireachta.  Cuireann a chartlann agus a chuid leabhar ar ár gcumas spléachadh a fháil ar a scoláireacht. Tá nasc díreach idir na leabhair seo, a bhfuil rian a láimh agus a chuid peannaireachta ar go leor acu, agus a chuid oibre mar Uachtarán agus na hábhair a bhí faoi chaibidil aige ina chuid óráidí. Is mór an phribhléid é go bhfuil an cinneadh déanta aige a chartlann Uachtaránachta agus sciar dá bhailiúchán leabhar a bhronnadh ar Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Údar bróid dúinn gur muid atá roghnaithe le bheith inár gcaomhnóirí dá oidhreacht, agus spreagadh á fháil dá bharr ag glúnta mac léinn agus scoláirí aisti sa todhchaí.” Deir Catriona Cannon, Ceannasaí na mBailiúchán Oidhreachta agus an Digitithe i Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá ról gníomhach agus bríomhar glactha ag an Uachtarán Mícheál D. Ó hUiginn i saol sóisialta, cultúrtha agus polaitiúil na Gaillimhe ó bhí sé ina mhac léinn in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá an tionchar nach beag atá imeartha aige ar shaol na hOllscoile le feiceáil sa leabharlann cheana féin agus is pribhléid dúinn anois a pháipéir phearsanta óna thréimhse mar Uachtarán na hÉireann a chur leis an ábhar sin. Táimid ag súil go mbeidh a oidhreacht ina inspioráid dár bhfoireann agus dár mic léinn sna blianta amach romhainn.” Roimh an ócáid cheiliúrtha, rinneadh dhá phainéal a shuiteáil taobh istigh de ‘Halla Mhichíl D. Uí Uigínn’ atá nua-ainmnithe. Tá sonraí beathaisnéiseach ar cheann de na painéal a cuireadh i dtoll a chéile le cabhair ón Dr John Cunningham, léachtóir Staire ar scor in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá grianghraf den Uachtarán Ó hUigínn nuair a bhí sé ina ghníomhaí ar an dara ceann, agus téacs ón dán a scríobh sé 'Of Saturdays Made Holy', dán a tiomnaíodh do Mary McPartlan, ar iarchomhalta foirne d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe í agus cara mór leis an Uachtarán Ó hUigínn.   Maidir leis an gcartlann - Bailiúchán Mhíchíl D. Uí Uigínn Tá léargas as an ngnách le fáil i gcartlann an Uachtaráin Uí Uigínn, a bhfuil dhá théarma uachtaránachta iomlána i gceist leis, ar shaol agus ar shaothar naoú Uachtarán na hÉireann, agus meascán saibhir dá pháipéir phearsanta óna théarma oifige. Áirítear leis dréachtaí d’óráidí a ndearna sé mioneagarthóireacht orthu, agus a nótaí lámhscríofa féin le feiceáil orthu mar aon lena chomhfhreagras pearsanta le líonra leathan agus éagsúil daoine. Breis agus 150 bosca atá i gceist leis an gcartlann, agus is é an Cartlannaí, Kieran Hoare, a dhéanfaidh catalógú orthu. Fanfaidh na taifid oifigiúla a bhaineann le téarmaí oifige an Uachtaráin Uí Uigínn i seilbh an Stáit agus aistreofar chuig an gCartlann Náisiúnta iad. Tá dhá chartlann Uachtaránachta shuntasacha eile á gcoimeád ag Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in éineacht le Bailiúchán Mhíchíl D. Uí Uigínn: páipéir an iarUachtaráin, Máire Mhic Róibín, chomh maith le roinnt bailiúchán a bhaineann le Dubhghlas de hÍde, céad Uachtarán na hÉireann. Tá an bailiúchán seo sa bhreis ar bhailiúcháin eile na Leabharlainne ina luaitear an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn go minic, agus ina dtagraítear dá chaidreamh fadbhunaithe leis an Ollscoil, dá thacaíocht leanúnach do na healaíona, dá ról lárnach sna hócáidí comórtha náisiúnta le linn Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán, agus dá dhíograis dhiongbháilte do chearta an duine agus don chomhionannas. Is iad na tréithe is mó atá le haithint sna cartlanna seo an cheannaireacht, déine intleachtúil, maoirseacht chultúrtha chomh maith le seirbhís phoiblí arna treorú ag fís. Anuas ar a bhailiúchán cartlainne, tá an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn i mbun sciar dá bhailiúchán leabhar a aistriú chuig an Ollscoil faoi láthair. Tugann Leabharlannaí na mBailiúchán Speisialta, Marie Boran, faoi deara go n-áirítear leis seo leabhair a bronnadh air le linn a Uachtaránachta, chomh maith le go leor leabhar a fuair an tUachtarán dá thaighde pearsanta féin, lena n-áirítear imleabhair a bhfuil go leor nótaí orthu agus a chuir bonn faisnéise faoina smaointeoireacht le linn dó a bheith ina léachtóir Ollscoile anuas go dtí a thréimhse mar Uachtarán. Nuair a bheidh sé catalógaithe, beidh an chartlann agus na leabhair araon inrochtana le haghaidh taighde ag baill den phobal i Seomra Léitheoireachta na gCartlann agus na mBailiúchán Speisialta sa Leabharlann. Tagann deonachán seo Chartlann Uachtaránachta Mhichíl D. Uí Uigínn d'Ollscoil na Gaillimhe sna sála ar na páipéir óna thréimhse sa saol poiblí atá bronnta ag an Uachtarán cheana féin ar Chumann Staire Lucht Saothar na hÉireann i dTor an Bhacaigh, Baile Átha Cliath agus ar Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann maidir lena chuid oibre le Páirtí an Lucht Oibre agus i dTithe an Oireachtais faoi seach. Is é mian an Uachtaráin é, agus na hinstitiúidí uile ar aon intinn leis maidir leis seo, go mbeidh rochtain éasca ag scoláirí ar na trí chartlann agus go mbeidh cur chuige oscailte agus comhoibríoch idir na trí eagraíocht i ndáil leo. Críoch

Celebratory event marks donation and renaming of historic Aula Maxima in honour of President University of Galway has today announced the donation of the Presidential Archive of President Michael D. Higgins, as well as books from his personal collection. The documents in the archive, which include personal papers, writings and correspondence, will be held in the Archives and Special Collections of the University Library. The donation was formally announced at a special celebratory event at University of Galway, where President Higgins was accompanied by his wife Sabina as he was welcomed back to his alma mater, where he studied and taught before entering politics. The event was held at the Aula Maxima in University of Galway’s iconic Quadrangle, which was renamed The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium as part of the celebrations. A portrait of President Higgins, by artist Colin Davidson, which has been acquired by the University for its public art collection, was also unveiled. The celebration was hosted by Chair of the Governing Authority of University of Galway, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway.             President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, said: “I am very pleased to formally announce the collaboration with the University of Galway of my archive of writings and documents from my Presidential terms, for their custodianship.   “The University of Galway Library Archives and Special Collections can now provide a secure home for these files and make them accessible to future generations of researchers who are interested in the political, social and cultural life of our country over this period, the files of my Presidency that perhaps explain my thinking, motivation, and frustration too – the personal data that has helped inform my speeches, statements and other written materials over the past 14 years of my life mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.   “As well as my archive files, as an avid reader with a significant collection of books, I am delighted to be in the process of contributing a proportion of my collection to the University, a collection that includes titles that I acquired for my own personal research, including some heavily annotated volumes that informed my thinking during my time as a lecturer at the University through to my Presidency. The collection also includes many books presented to me from a wide range of sources while undertaking local, national and international engagements, with some of these marking historic events attended by myself in an official capacity.   “For me it is important that the Aula Maxima in the Quadrangle – the iconic auditorium which I am truly honoured is now to be associated with me as the ‘Michael D. Higgins Auditorium’ – always be open and accessible to the public, to those who live in Galway, to visitors, to the university staff and students, and to visitors and tourists. Therefore, it is a source of pleasure to hear that it is a space that will be utilised not just for university related occasions, but that it will also be used for other public occasions such as, for example, the Galway Arts Festival.”   Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “It is an honour and privilege to be in my role on the day when University of Galway announces the donation of President Higgins’ Presidential Archive. Our University holds a special place in our hearts and minds for President Higgins. The donation affords us an opportunity to reflect, but also to look ahead. As we become the custodian of such a treasured collection of papers, we hold a unique gift - the chance to inspire the minds of students and researchers.” Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian, said: “President Higgins is a true scholar with a passion for books and the importance of reading.  His archive and books enable us to witness his scholarship in action, with well-thumbed and annotated books linking directly to his work as President and the topics in his speeches. It is an absolute privilege that he has chosen to donate his Presidential archive and a selection from his book collection to the University of Galway Library and we are proud to be the custodians of his legacy, which will inspire future generations of students and scholars”. Catriona Cannon, Head of Heritage Collections and Digitisation at University of Galway Library, said: “President Michael D Higgins has been an active, vibrant presence in the social, cultural and political life of Galway since his years as a student at the University of Galway. His impact on University life and on the city is evident across our existing holdings and it is our privilege to now add his personal papers from his time as President of Ireland. We look forward to engaging our staff and students with his inspiring legacy for years to come.” Ahead of the celebratory event, two panels were installed inside the newly named ‘The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium’, one of which is biographical and was composed with the support of Dr John Cunningham, retired lecturer in History at University of Galway. The second features a photograph of President Higgins as an activist with text from his poem ‘Of Saturdays Made Holy‘ dedicated to Mary McPartlan, a former staff member of the University and good friend of President Higgins. About the archive - The Michael D. Higgins Collection Spanning two full presidential terms, President Higgins’ archive offers an extraordinary window into the life and work of Ireland’s ninth President with a rich array of material representing personal papers from his time in office. It includes meticulously edited speech drafts bearing his handwritten annotations and his personal correspondence with a wide and diverse network of individuals. The collection runs to more than 150 archival boxes and is to be catalogued by Archivist Kieran Hoare. The official records of President Higgins’s terms of office will remain with the State and be transferred to the National Archives. The Michael D. Higgins Collection at University of Galway sits alongside two other notable Presidential archives preserved by the University Library: the papers of former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, as well as a number of collections relating to Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland. It also adds to existing collections held at the Library, in which President Higgins features frequently, highlighting his enduring relationship with the University, his passionate advocacy for the arts, his influential role in national commemorations during the Decade of Centenaries, and his steadfast dedication to human rights and equality. These archives form a compelling narrative of leadership, intellectual rigour, cultural stewardship and visionary public service. As well as his archive collection, President Higgins is in the process of transferring a selection of book collection to the University. Special Collections Librarian, Marie Boran, notes that this includes books presented to him during his Presidency, as well as many titles acquired by the President for his own personal research, including heavily annotated volumes which informed his thinking during his time as a lecturer at the University through to his Presidency. Once catalogued, both the archive and books will be accessible for research by members of the public in the Library’s Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. Michael D. Higgins’ Presidential Archive at the University of Galway follows on from papers which the President has already donated from his time in public life to the Irish Labour History Society in Dublin’s Beggars Bush and to the National Library of Ireland, relating to his work in the Labour Party and the Houses of the Oireachtas respectively. It is the President’s wish, shared by all of the institutions, that scholars will have easy access to all three archives and that there will be an open and collaborative approach between all three organisations. Ends  

BioInnovate Ireland, based at University of Galway, hosted its annual symposium, bringing together more than 250 health technology innovators, clinicians, entrepreneurs, legal experts and industry leaders. The event explored vital role of building a team of advisors and directors to drive startup success in health tech innovation, while also featuring a showcase of the cutting-edge solutions being developed by this year’s fellows for unmet patient needs. The theme of the symposium was ‘From Bench to Boardroom: Governance Strategies for Health Tech Leaders’. The event was co-hosted by the Ian Quinn Centre for Health Technology Innovation, which is co-located at BioInnovate on the University of Galway campus. The Centre aims to translate health technology projects to successful spin-out companies by providing co-working space, mentorship, and global connections. Professor Martin O’Halloran, Director of BioInnovate Ireland, said: “As a growing number of our alumni companies grow and scale, having the structures and processes in place to manage that scaling becomes more and more important. These companies must be empowered with the frameworks and leadership practices that underpin successful health technology ventures. This year’s symposium reflects BioInnovate’s commitment to supporting our companies transitioning from start-ups to scale-ups." Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “BioInnovate Ireland is a flagship example of our University’s innovation ecosystem in action - bringing together academia, healthcare and industry to address real clinical needs. We are proud to support a programme that not only delivers tangible health solutions, but also builds national capacity in medtech leadership.” Among those taking part in the symposium were Dr Elizabeth McGloughlin, co-founder of Tympany Medical; serial medtech entrepreneur Professor Paul Gilson; and Marie Gavin, Partner at law firm RDJ, all of whom explored governance, including the value of effective boards, the role of strong chairpersons, and practical strategies for navigating early-stage growth and investment. Other speakers included Caroline Spillane, chief executive of the Institute of Directors Ireland; Lorna Smyth from Diligent; and Ruairí Cosgrove from PwC. The event also hosted a panel discussion and innovation showcase, with pitches from this year’s BioInnovate fellows, who have spent the last ten months understanding specific unmet healthcare challenges, including hypertension, nephrology and interventional oncology. The solutions being developed have the potential to help millions of patients through exciting first-in-class medical devices and connected health solutions.  BioInnovate is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–2027. Ends