A new digital archive of Threshold, one of Northern Ireland’s longest-running literary periodicals of the 20th century, has been digitised and made available online from University of Galway Library Archives. The new digital archive includes more than 3,000 pages of all published issues of the journal, including special themed issues on topics ranging from W.B. Yeats to Irish-America to literature during the Troubles. The archive also includes a selection of wider letters, pamphlets and advertisements from the journal’s archive. First published in 1957 by its founding editor, Mary O'Malley of the Lyric Players Theatre, Belfast, the journal provided an outlet for leading and emerging writers across poetry and fiction, as well as topical essays, reviews, and criticism for over thirty years. Its final issue was published in 1990. The Threshold digital archive will be formally launched during the Cúirt International Festival of Literature alongside an exhibition of original issues, photographs and correspondence relating to publication and from the wider Lyric Theatre/O'Malley archive. It can be viewed at https://digital.library.universityofgalway.ie/p/ms/categories?collection=629 Catriona Cannon, Head of Heritage Collections and Digitisation at University of Galway Library, said: "Threshold holds a special place in the literary history of Ireland, offering a platform for some of the most influential Irish voices of the 20th century over its thirty-three year run. We're excited to share this invaluable resource with a global audience online. By preserving over 3,000 pages of poetry, fiction, and essays, we ensure future generations can continue to engage with the journal's rich cultural legacy.” Conor O’Malley, son of Pearse and Mary O'Malley, said: “We are delighted that the full content of Threshold will now be accessible online to researchers from whole of Ireland and beyond. University of Galway Library is to be warmly congratulated on its initiative and vision.” University of Galway Archivist Dr Barry Houlihan said: “The new digital archive of Threshold opens up a hugely significant part of our literary heritage and an important journal of new writing since it was founded in 1957. Through its online archive Threshold will find a new global readership today.” Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer of the Lyric Theatre, said: “University of Galway Library Archives are providing a wonderful resource for students and enthusiasts of Irish theatre and literature with this welcome online presence of Threshold. It is an astonishing source of inspiration and another reason to celebrate the long-reaching and all-embracing vision of Lyric Theatre founder Mary O’Malley.” The Threshold archive launch events coincide with other activity at University of Galway as part to Cúirt International Festival of Literature, including those featuring students and staff, such as: University of Galway MA Showcase https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/ma-showcase/ Writing masterclasses, in association with Faber Academy, including one with Eimear McBride, author of A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, The Lesser Bohemians, Strange Hotel and The City Changes Its Face https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/fiction-masterclass/ As part of Arts in Action - University Translator-in-Residence Astrid Huisman and Keith Payne in conversation with Lorna Shaughnessy https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/arts-in-action-on-translation-with-keith-payne-and-the-university-translator-in-residence/ As part of Arts in Action - University of Galway Writer-in-Residence, Molly Hennigan: Visual and Literary Histories of Incarceration https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/university-of-galway-writer-in-residence-visual-and-literary-histories-of-incarceration/ Launch of the 33rd edition of ROPES Literary Journal by the MA in Literature and Publishing class https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/ropes-launch-5/ The Threshold journal archive lies within the wider Lyric Theatre/O’Malley archive at University of Galway Library, which documents and preserves a richly detailed history of theatre production, design, art, and music at the Lyric since its foundation. Overt the course of more than three decades, Threshold welcomed contributors and guest editors including Seamus Heaney, Mary Beckett, Kate O'Brien, Gerald Dawe, John Hewitt, John Montague, among others. Volume 1 of Threshold was introduced with the following foreword: “The History of Irish periodicals is not encouraging. Despite high literary standards and imaginative presentation of general topics, few have survived. No one, however, would deny the value of their contribution to creative writing and objective criticism.” The launch event on Friday April 11th at 4pm will include a panel discussion about the story and history of Threshold, its writers, editors and publications and on the future of literary periodicals. Speakers include Conor O’Malley, Dr Barry Houlihan, and Jimmy Fay, moderated by Lindsay-Ann Reid and introduced by Monica Crump. Ends

New appoint aims to address critical medical workforce shortages University of Galway has announced the appointment of Professor Robert Scully as Ireland’s first Established Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine. The landmark appointment aims to strengthen medical training and tackle critical doctor shortages across the West and North West of Ireland. Professor Scully brings extensive experience as an academic GP, medical educator, rural physician and a long-standing advocate for rural healthcare. His appointment comes as University of Galway prepares to launch an innovative four-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme, designed to attract a diverse range of graduates and deliver high-quality accelerated medical training with a strong focus on rural and regional healthcare needs. Professor Scully, who played a key role in ScotGEM’s development, said: “The University of Galway’s GEM programme offers a transformative opportunity to address the critical need for more medical graduates, and particularly those from diverse backgrounds, including rural and remote areas. The graduates of this programme will be equipped to pursue any medical career, but by immersing them in the West and North West, we can improve recruitment and retention and ensure that underserved communities receive the high-quality care they deserve." Influenced by established international models, including the Scottish Graduate Entry Medical Programme (ScotGEM), University of Galway’s Graduate Entry Medicine will focus on immersive rural placements and community-based training. The new initiative is particularly timely, as Ireland faces significant deficits in the medical workforce, especially in rural areas. With a growing and ageing population, patients often wait several days for GP appointments, a situation compounded by shortages in rural and remote healthcare systems. The University’s Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme is uniquely tailored to address these challenges. Students will gain experience in general practices, and integrated care hubs and regional (model 3) hospitals that provide acute services such as 24/7 surgery, acute medicine, and critical care, but are not tertiary hospitals - fostering a strong commitment to social accountability and healthcare improvement.             Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Consultant Stroke Physician with Health Services Executive Ireland, said: “I welcome the appointment of Professor Scully and the leadership experience he will bring to the GEM programme. Alongside plans for a new Medical School, this appointment, and the introduction of the new programme reflects University of Galway’s strategic emphasis on innovation in medical training. These developments will help meet the urgent need for healthcare professionals and modernise medical education to align with Ireland’s evolving healthcare landscape.” University of Galway has medical academies in Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar and Ballinasloe, and is uniquely positioned to address regional healthcare deficits. With 48 places available annually, the GEM programme will support Ireland’s Sláintecare model for a safe, high-quality health service. Dr Michelle Canavan, Professor of Older Adult Health at University of Galway and Consultant Geriatrician at University Hospital Galway, leads the academic programme on integrated care delivery with a focus on interprofessional learning.             Dr Canavan said: “The delivery of healthcare is changing, with an increased emphasis on developing generalist and specialist care at community-level close to where people live, often termed the ‘left-shift’ in healthcare which is especially important for this region. By expanding graduate-entry training opportunities and focusing on rural and remote healthcare, we aim to build a sustainable medical workforce equipped to meet, and champion, the needs of communities across the country."             Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer HSE West and North West, said: “I am very pleased to see the GEM programme progressing and warmly welcome Professor Scully to the role. This programme is an example of the strong partnership that exists between University of Galway and health services in the West and North West, working together to meet the needs of the communities that we serve.”             Professor Pat Nash, Regional Clinical Director HSE West and North West, said: “This new graduate entry programme is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue a career in medicine. The focus on rural and remote medicine is very important and will go some way to address the shortage of doctors in rural areas across the West and North West.” A graduate of University of Galway, Professor Scully holds degrees from the Universities of Warwick, Edinburgh and Dundee. He has extensive experience in rural and remote general practice and rural medical education, having contributed to the expansion of GP training and curriculum development in Ireland. His appointment underscores the University’s commitment to excellence in rural medical education and healthcare delivery. Ends

Gathering to address challenges companies face in leadership, cybersecurity and AI The University of Galway Business Summit 2025 returns for a third year to showcase how business leaders can navigate the future of work with a focus on leadership, cybersecurity and AI. The event is organised by J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, in partnership with Galway Chamber, itag and European Digital Innovation Hub Networks. The keynote address will be delivered by Harry Hughes, chief executive officer of Portwest. Other speakers include business leaders from national and international companies such as Deloitte, Centripetal, SecureAI, CybSafe, Medtronic, Davy and ISS World Services, as well as leading academics from University of Galway. Business Summit, Navigating Tomorrow: Leadership, Cybersecurity, and AI in the Future Work, takes place at the University on Friday, April 4th from 9am to 1.30pm, with more than 400 business leaders expected to attend. The event will provide exemplar company case studies and expertise on leadership, cybersecurity and AI and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, combined with current research insights on these topics. It will also provide practical advice on how businesses can be more innovative and how to respond to current and future challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other business leaders and share their own experiences and best practices. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “We are proud to host the University of Galway Business Summit for a third year. Engagement with industry and business both regionally and beyond has always been of critical importance to this University in how we innovate and respond to global challenges. As we launch our new University strategy, our strategic pillars will ensure the continued development of external engagement and relationships with business leaders and the business community to address the challenges in leadership, cybersecurity and AI being discussed at today’s Business Summit. Our overall mission is to provide impact for public good through our education, research and innovation activities. I would also like to thank those who have partnered with us and sponsored this year’s Business Summit for their continued support.” Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, University of Galway, said: "At the University of Galway Business Summit 2025, we will examine the critical role of leadership, cybersecurity, and AI in shaping the future of work. As technology continues to evolve, it’s essential for leaders to embrace change, leverage AI and guide their organisations through the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow." Harry Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Portwest, said: “Scaling a business in the West of Ireland presents unique opportunities and challenges. The University of Galway Business Summit provides an important platform to share insights on sustainable growth, global expansion, and the power of innovation. I look forward to discussing how businesses can leverage regional strengths to compete on the world stage.” The event is supported by Data 2 Sustain, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland and Nelipak. For more information and to register visit: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/thinkingbeyond/businesssummit/ Ends