University of Galway has marked the 50th anniversary of Druid with a special symposium, a new book being launched and an exhibition of materials from the Druid archive. Druid at 50: People, Place & Performance featured a mix of free public talks and discussions exploring Druid’s journey over the past five decades – from its roots in Galway to its status as one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies – and its vision for the future. University of Galway and Druid announced a 10-year strategic partnership in 2022, expanding academic links, student engagement, local and global events and the creative sector in the west. The University is the theatre company’s exclusive academic partner, with Druid offering internship opportunities and working to strengthen and enhance the success of University Creative Arts programmes. The Druid archive is also part of the University of Galway Library’s collections, offering students and researchers the opportunity to explore the company’s rich history. The anniversary symposium was organised by the Department of Drama and Theatre Studies, led by Druid Lecturer, Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín. The programme included a keynote conversation with Druid Artistic Director Garry Hynes and Set and Costume Designer Francis O’Connor, as well as artist and academic panels. A new exhibition from the Druid archive, which is hosted by the University of Galway Library, has been produced, looking back over 50 years of the company. The exhibition was officially opened by Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, along with Maureen Kennelly, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Druid and alumna of the University. It will run at the University of Galway Library through to February 2026. A display of Druid model boxes featured in the foyer of the O’Donoghue Centre as part of the anniversary symposium. The event also celebrated the publication of a new book, Druid Theatre 1975–2025: New Irish Plays, edited by Dr Barry Houlihan, Professor Patrick Lonergan and Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín. The 50th anniversary anthology collects six significant plays produced by Druid, including works by M.J. Molloy, Geraldine Aron, Tom Murphy, Vincent Woods, Martin McDonagh and Nancy Harris. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “Druid’s story is inseparable from that of Galway itself. It is a story of creativity, collaboration and world-class ambition rooted in the West of Ireland. As we celebrate 50 years of Druid, we also celebrate the spirit of innovation and community that has shaped both the theatre company and our University. Our partnership with Druid reflects our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of artists and cultural leaders. It is a privilege for University of Galway to honour Druid’s remarkable legacy and to look ahead to the next fifty years of inspiring performance and creativity." Monica Crump, University Librarian, said: “The Druid Archive offers a unique insight into the creative processes and cultural impact of one of Ireland’s most celebrated theatre companies. We are proud to make these materials available for research, learning and inspiration as we celebrate fifty years of Druid’s contribution to Irish and international theatre and to preserve them for future generations.” Garry Hynes, Druid’s Artistic Director added: “It is a great honour for Druid to be welcomed back to University of Galway for this symposium marking our 50th anniversary. In 1975, I co-founded Druid with two fellow university graduates, Marie Mullen and the late Mick Lally. 50 years later, this symposium offers us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what Druid has achieved in its first five decades and consider where we will go in our next five decades. On behalf of all the Druids, I wish to extend our gratitude to the President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, to the faculty members at the Department of Drama and Theatre Studies, the staff of University of Galway Library, and the wider academic community for making this symposium possible.” Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín, Druid Lecturer and organiser of the event, said: “We’re thrilled to bring together artists, academics, students, and audiences to share in the energy, creativity, and ambition that Druid have cultivated for half a century. It’s about honouring the company’s roots while also looking forward with excitement to the next fifty years of storytelling, collaboration, and imagination.” The anniversary celebration event also coincides with a showcase of the Jerome Hynes One-Act Play Award 2025, The Swallowed Men, a student led production that was also the proud recipient of the “Druid 50th Anniversary Award”. The showing is part of University of Galway’s Arts in Action programme. Ends

University of Galway and EY unveil new executive training  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless T.D. has today launched a new cybersecurity executive education programme at University of Galway.   Cybersecurity for Managers is a new cyber awareness initiative developed and delivered by the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics in collaboration with EY, with the first intake in early 2026.    The programme is designed for people in leadership roles with no specific background in cyber or IT security and is focused on managers, team leaders, project managers and members of staff with managerial responsibility.   Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless T.D. said: “Cyber threats are becoming more complex all the time, and it’s crucial that our leaders have the tools they need to stay ahead of the risks. This new programme is a strong example of how industry and education can work together to build the expertise required to strengthen our systems and support the people who rely on them. I’m really pleased to see this kind of practical, forward-thinking collaboration between the University of Galway and EY, and I look forward to the impact it will have across the healthcare sector and beyond.”  Professor Becky Whay, Deputy President & Registrar of University of Galway, said: “Our University is deeply committed to driving collaboration with industry leaders such as EY which enable our academics to build impactful education. The cybersecurity education programme is a great symbol of this, and through it we are equipping managers with the tools they need to support their organisations in an increasingly digital world, and the opportunities and challenges that go with that.”  Professor Alma McCarthy, Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said: "In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber security is more critical than ever. It is essential that management teams across all sectors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address cyber challenges. University of Galway’s co-development of the cyber executive education programme with EY reflects our commitment to empowering leaders with practical, cutting-edge expertise for the future."   Puneet Kukreja, Technology Consulting Partner and Head of Cyber at EY Ireland, said: “Cybersecurity is now a national priority, central to resilience, trust, and economic stability and EY Ireland is proud to support the launch of the Cybersecurity for Managers programme at University of Galway.  EY’s Cyber Leaders Index published just last week shows that while 83% of organisations have strengthened their cyber defences in the past six months, only 39% provide regular training, and 48% rank AI and data security as a top priority even as 44% say funding remains constrained. Closing these gaps through education and awareness is key, and EY is helping build the leadership and skills to thrive securely in the AI era.” The cybersecurity programme will initially focus on the healthcare sector before being expanded to other sectors. It examines core concepts of cyber awareness including risk; understanding relevant threats, attack strategies and vulnerabilities; identity and access management; governance, policy, legislation and standards; human behaviours in cyber; metrics; cyber incident response and resilience.   The course marks the first stage in a new strategy led by the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway to develop a broader suite of Executive Education programmes. The second strand will be on Artificial Intelligence for SMEs, which is also due to come on stream in 2026.    The initiative builds upon the experiences of the academics and researchers associated with the MSc Cybersecurity Risk Management postgraduate degree and the MBA programme at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics.   The development of the University’s executive education programme in cyberawareness was also supported in the Oireachtas by Senator Gerard Craughwell.   Ends 

Youth Academy, the University of Galway’s flagship outreach programme for high ability pupils in primary and post-primary school, has renewed its partnership with Merit Medical. Merit Medical is a leading multi-national medical device company with significant operations in Galway, employing almost 1,000 people. Over the next five years, the University’s partnership with Merit Medical will enable further development of the Youth Academy programme, opening doors for young learners from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them through innovative activities and providing insights into future careers. Since its launch in 2012 with 64 participants, Youth Academy has grown to welcome more than 8,000 young people and their families to the University of Galway campus, providing opportunities for them to explore their passions, develop new skills and experience university life with like-minded peers. Youth Academy provides high-level, Saturday classes run over six weeks in the Spring and Autumn. Summer camps in science, engineering, computer science and arts are also delivered to primary and secondary school pupils by University of Galway researchers and educators who are committed to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.             Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “University of Galway is very proud of our collaborations with industry to grow and support the pipeline of future students and talent in the region. We are delighted to announce the continuation and strengthening of our partnership with Merit Medical, marking a significant philanthropic investment in the University’s Youth Academy. This renewed commitment will empower and enhance the programme that Merit Medical has supported since its inception, fuelling its growth and impact for young learners across the region.” Since 2019, Merit Medical has supported the expansion of the Youth Academy programme to include post-primary students for the first time, reach more students in the Galway region and beyond, and has supported full scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, broadening participation and equity of access.           Mark Butler, Executive Vice President, European Operations, Merit Medical, said: “We're delighted to renew Merit Medical's partnership with the Youth Academy and the University of Galway - a cornerstone of our local community and a place where young people can discover their potential. At Merit Medical we believe that investing in youth is investing in the future. By working together, we're helping to build confidence, opportunity, and connection - strengthening the community we're proud to be part of." A recent study of the long-term impact of Youth Academy participation revealed that it has a very positive influence on chosen Leaving Cert subjects and is a motivation to study at third level. The study identified that 87% of parents reported that participation had opened their child’s mind to new areas of study and possible careers. In addition, two thirds reported a positive or highly positive impact for female pupils in challenging gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Read more about Youth Academy here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/youthacademy/ Ends