News & Events

University of Galway’s Shannon College of Hotel Management has celebrated the achievements of its 2026 graduating class – marking 75 years of world-class hospitality education.  Since its founding in 1951, almost 3,000 students have graduated from Shannon College, progressing into leadership roles across global hospitality and business sectors.   A special celebration is planned for later this year to mark the 75th anniversary of Shannon College of Hotel Management.   Graduates were recognised during the conferring ceremony with a range of scholarships, prizes and industry-sponsored awards, reflecting academic excellence and talent. A total of 27 prizes and scholarships to the value of over €30,000 were presented, including the distinguished Banfi Scholarship, the Guinness Storehouse Scholarship and the Shannon College of Hotel Management Alumni Prize.  A unique part of the Shannon College experience is the Class Patron Programme, which pairs each class with a senior hospitality leader for mentorship and career guidance.    The 2026 Class Patron is Shannon College graduate John Burke, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Armada in Spanish Point and co-owner of Fiddle + Bow collection, in Doolin. Named Clare Person of the Year in 2018, he is recognised for his leadership in sustainable business and advocacy for regional development and youth mental health. He became the first Clare man to summit Mount Everest in 2017, raising funds for youth wellness charity Elevate.       Delivering the keynote address at the Graduation Ball in Dromoland Castle, following the on-campus ceremony, Mr Burke said: “You are stepping into a journey full of opportunity. Every experience along the way – the learning, the effort and even the challenges – shapes you to grow, thrive and create a career full of meaning and success.”    Shannon College’s graduate employment record is supported by strong industry partnerships and an international network of work placement opportunities. This year’s class completed final placements in leading hotels and hospitality organisations in Los Angeles, London, Ireland, Australia, France, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and the Seychelles.    Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway said: “Shannon College of Hotel Management continues to stand as a springboard for leadership and talent within Ireland’s hospitality sector and far beyond. Today, we proudly celebrate the hard work, professionalism and ambition of the Class of 2026, supported throughout their journey by our dedicated faculty and industry partners. Our graduates step out today ready to make their mark, and I wish each of them every success as they begin the next chapter of their careers.”  Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College of Hotel Management, said: “The John Burke Class that graduated today reflects the ambition, professionalism and global outlook that define Shannon College of Hotel Management. The graduates have demonstrated not only academic excellence but a deep commitment to leadership and service within our industry. As they join the worldwide network of Shannon alumni, they step into a community that opens doors across continents and cultures – a powerful reminder that their careers will extend far beyond any single destination. We are immensely proud of their achievements and confident that they will shape the future of hospitality on a truly global stage.”  Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, said: “The Class of 2026 has shown exceptional commitment during their time at Shannon College of Hotel Management. Their ability to learn, adapt and support one another has prepared this group to contribute meaningfully to the hospitality sector both nationally and internationally. I am confident they will carry forward the values of openness, excellence and belonging, and I look forward to seeing all that they will achieve.”    Ends   

Beidh Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ag tabhairt faoi thionscnamh náisiúnta a spreagfaidh daoine le spéis a chur in ábhair Eolaíochta, Teicneolaíochta, Innealtóireachta agus Matamaitice (ETIM), ar a dtugtar STEM go hidirnáisiúnta, trí Ghaeilge, agus a chothóidh deiseanna nua do phobail, scoileanna agus daoine gairmiúla. Bhronn Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland €268,000 tríd an gClár Discover ar an tionscadal STEM as Gaeilge a mhairfidh ar feadh dhá bhliain.  Tá an maoiniú á chur ar fáil le clár náisiúnta cumarsáide eolaíochta, imeachtaí poiblí agus tionscnamh oideachais a eagrú trí Ghaeilge, a chuirfidh le feiceálacht STEM agus a neartóidh conairí oideachais agus gairmeacha STEM do lucht labhartha na Gaeilge ar fud na tíre.  Beidh na tionscnaimh á n-eagrú thar thréimhse dhá bhliain, agus beidh pobail na Gaeilge, daoine gairmiúla i réimse STEM, agus foghlaimeoirí ar fud na tíre páirteach iontu. Seo a leanas cuid de na príomhthionscadail: Clár faisnéise a thabharfaidh léargas ar thaighde agus nuálaíocht STEM ar fud na hÉireann, léirithe i gcomhar le togra Science on Screen de chuid CÚRAM agus Ardán. Ceardlanna rannpháirtíochta digití agus litearthachta sonraí chun muinín a chothú i ndaoine le topaicí STEM a phlé agus a mhíniú i nGaeilge Leathnú ar scéim na dTimirí STEM as Gaeilge, ag nascadh taighdeoirí agus daoine gairmiúla le scoileanna agus pobail Imeachtaí STEM ar leith i gceantair Ghaeltachta Oícheanta Ólaíochta a eagrú in áiteanna nua ar fud na tíre Oiliúint speisialaithe a chuirfeadh leis an acmhainn go fadtéarmach i measc daoine gairmiúla atá ag obair i réimse STEM as Gaeilge Comórtas náisiúnta STEM do dhaltaí scoile  Tá sé mar aidhm ag na tionscnaimh seo ar fad le chéile an Ghaeilge a normalú i ndioscúrsa na heolaíochta agus cur le líon na ndaoine a bhíonn páirteach i STEM i bpobail ar fud na tíre.  Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Ollamh Becky Whay, Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe bródúil as an stádas dátheangach atá aici, agus táimid ar bís faoin tionscadal seo. Cuirimid romhainn tacú leis an nGaeilge i ngach disciplín. Tá deis ar leith ag an Ollscoil seo, a bhfuil Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge agus campais Ghaeltachta ina gcuid di, le naisc a chothú leis na comhlachtaí bithleighis, fuinnimh in-athnuaite, srl. sa Ghaeltacht. Trí chumhacht a thabhairt do mhic léinn, do chomhaltaí foirne agus do phobail dul i ngleic leis an eolaíocht trí mheán na Gaeilge, táimid ag cuidiú le conairí foghlama, nuálaíochta agus rannpháirtíochta an phobail a neartú ar fud na tíre.”   Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Ceannaire an Tionscadail, an Dr Fintan Hegarty ó Scoil na nEolaíochtaí Matamaitice agus Staitistice san Ollscoil: “Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge, agus tá sé tábhachtach go n-úsáidfimid í chun plé a dhéanamh ní hamháin ar ár n-oidhreacht, ach ar na ceisteanna a mbeidh tionchar acu ar a bhfuil i ndán dúinn amach anseo chomh maith. Baineann STEM linn ar fad – ní gá ach smaoineamh ar an dul chun cinn i ngnóthaí leighis le linn na paindéime agus ar a bhfuil á fhorbairt maidir leis an intleacht shaorga, mar shampla. Is é an aidhm atá againn spásanna a chruthú inar féidir linn díospóireacht shuimiúil, bunaithe ar eolas, a bheith againn faoi STEM, agus dearmad a dhéanamh gur trí Ghaeilge atáimid á phlé.”   Críoch

University of Galway will lead a national initiative to bring STEM to life through the Irish language, creating new opportunities for communities, schools, and professionals.  The two-year STEM as Gaeilge project has been awarded €268,000 by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland through the Discover Programme.    The funding will support a national programme of science communication, public events and educational initiatives delivered through Irish, increasing the visibility of STEM and strengthening pathways to STEM education and careers for Irish speakers nationwide.   Activities will roll out over two years, engaging with Irish-speaking communities, STEM professionals, and learners nationwide.  Key initiatives of the project include:  A documentary showcasing STEM research and innovation across Ireland, which will be produced through the Science on Screen initiative run by CÚRAM and Ardán  Delivery of workshops in digital engagement and data literacy to build confidence in discussing and interpreting STEM topics through Irish  Expansion of the STEM Ambassadors through Irish scheme, connecting researchers and professionals with schools and communities  Dedicated STEM events in Gaeltacht regions  Expansion of Oícheanta Ólaíochta (Pint of Science in Irish) to new locations nationwide  Specialist training to build long-term capacity among professionals working in STEM through Irish  A national STEM competition for school students   Together, these initiatives aim to normalise Irish in scientific discussion and increase participation in STEM across communities nationwide.   Professor Becky Whay, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, said: “University of Galway is proud of its bilingual status, and we are very excited about this project. Supporting the Irish language is important to use across all disciplines. The University is uniquely positioned, with Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge and our Gaeltacht campuses, to foster connections with the many biomedical and renewable energy companies in the Gaeltacht. By empowering students, staff and communities to engage with science through Irish, we are helping to strengthen pathways for learning, innovation and public participation across the country."   Project Lead Dr Fintan Hegarty from the University’s School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, said: “Irish is a living language, and it is important that we use it to discuss not only our heritage, but also the issues that shape our future. STEM affects us all - from medical advances during the pandemic to developments in artificial intelligence. Our aim is to create spaces where we can have informed and engaging conversations about STEM, and simply forget that we happen to be having them in Irish.”    Ends