28 August 2006: The former head of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Tomás Mac Con Iomaire, will be among the tutors of NUI Galway's Arts Diploma in Radio Skills. The course, taught entirely through Irish, will focus on radio production and presentation, and starts this September in An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway.

The one-year, full-time 'Dioplóma i Scileanna Raidió' is offered by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway's Irish-language college. During the year students will cover a broad range of subjects including journalism, broadcast skills, sound production, post-production, ethics, law, and communication skills.

In addition, the course has a strong emphasis on practical skills, and aims to prepare participants for a career in radio, either in front of the microphone as a presenter or behind the sound desk as a technician or producer. A key part of the Diploma will be a four-week work placement.

Tomás Mac Con Iomaire retired as ceannaire of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta at the end of January. He worked with the station since 1974 and held the post of ceannaire since the year 2000. At different times he also served as Head of News, Head of Programming, and Deputy Director.

Tutors from NUI Galway's Acadamh will include Norita Ní Chartúir, formerly of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, and Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill, former Irish language editor of the Irish Times who also worked as a journalist with Nuacht TG4.

Course fees and a weekly training allowance will be provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta. A limited number of places are still available. More information will be available at the Acadamh's Open Night for New Students in An Cheathrú Rua on September 6th or by contacting Norita Ní Chartúir on 091 595101.