Galway Chamber, National University of Ireland, Galway and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology have announced details of The Paddy Ryan Memorial Lecture to honour the memory of the late Paddy Ryan which will take place on Wednesday, 5 September, 2007 at Áras Moyola, NUI Galway at 8.00 p.m.

Declan Kelly, International businessman and President and CEO of Financial Dynamics in the United States, has been announced as the guest speaker and will deliver a lecture entitled, Business 2007 – How the lessons of the past will shape the realities of the future. Following the lecture, Mr Kelly will be presented with a specially commissioned medal designed by the artist and sculptor, Padraic Reaney.

Patrick Denis Ryan was born in March 1920 at 18 Shop Street, Galway. An alderman, former Mayor of Galway, honorary member of Galway Chamber, honorary graduate of NUI Galway, Chairman of Galway Race Committee, Oyster Festival, Rotary Club, Tidy Towns and the Amicable Society, Dr Paddy Ryan lived an exemplary life of public service and will be remembered by many as the man who welcomed US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy to Galway in 1963.

Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway said: "The University is very proud to be associated with The Inaugural Paddy Ryan Memorial Lecture, which honours a lifetime of public service that serves as a beacon of the highest ethical standards."

Speaking on behalf of Galway Chamber, Dr. Chris Coughlan, said: "Galway Chamber is proud to institute this inaugural Paddy Ryan Memorial Lecture in recognition of the life long contribution and service of our former President Paddy Ryan and his family to Galway's business, civic and community life."

The event will alternate between NUI Galway and GMIT on an annual basis and is kindly sponsored by APC. Attendance will be free and open to members of the public.