September Minister Harris formally unveils University of Galway

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. today officially launched University of Galway. 

The renaming of the University marks a new chapter in its history stretching back to 1845, and follows the change being approved by the Governing Authority of the University in April. 

Speaking at the launch event on-campus, Minister Harris said: "I'm pleased to be here today to share with you an important day for the university. Today you are rebranding as University of Galway, which delivers a very clear sense of this magnificent institution's place and identity.

"Galway is noted rightly as a place of industry and creativity, of community and debate and this is very much reflective of the university too.

"I believe this rebrand speaks to both the city and the institution's shared history but also looks to the future in helping to further raise the university's profile abroad."

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Chair of the Governing Authority of University of Galway, said: “It is a privilege to be chair of Údarás na hOllscoile at a time when the University takes such an important step in its long history. I am delighted to see the new name which takes pride in its place and I’m more delighted to see it come to life on campus and herald in the next chapter for our community of students, scholars and staff.”

President of the University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “We have given the decision to embark on a new chapter in our heritage long and detailed consideration. In discussions over the last year or so I have often remarked how we are in, of and for our place. We believe passionately in our new name, as it simply reflects who we are, our essence and our identity, and our place in Ireland and in the world. 

“Our new name and brand builds on our values – Respect, Openness, Sustainability, Excellence. It encapsulates that sense of growing together, building on our strong traditions to shape together our promise for the future, for the public good.”

Deputy President of University of Galway, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, said: “When we consulted widely on the name change, two things became absolutely clear. Firstly, that we take pride in our bilingual essence, and secondly that we are an international university located in Galway and the West of Ireland. Our new name is as clear and simple a statement as we can make of that identity.”

Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway 

To coincide with the new name, a new logo has been created. It carries the bilingual name of the institution: Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway. 

When referring to our new name, we will be Ollscoil na Gaillimhe when using the Irish language and University of Galway in all other communications. 

Along with our bilingual identity, the logo design incorporates a number of modern and traditional elements that are important aspects of our ethos, including a representation of the Quadrangle, the oldest part of the campus and symbolic of our heritage; 1845, the year in which the University was founded; and the vibrant new brand colour which plays on maroon, synonymous with Galway. 

Ends