Political figures and distinguished academic experts gathered at Boston College to explore past, present and future contributions of the US to peacebuilding and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. The conference, ‘Peace, Prosperity, and Future Relations: The U.S. and Ireland North and South’, also focused on the unique relationship between the United States and both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. A collaboration between the Boston College Irish Institute, University of Galway, and Queen's University Belfast, the event featured discussions from key political and governmental figures, as well as renowned academics of Irish and Northern Irish politics and history. 2025 marks the 180th anniversary since the Queen’s Colleges in Belfast, Galway and Cork were founded in 1845. The conference examined critical issues such as the role of the US in fostering peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, the ongoing political developments in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the shifting dynamics of US-Ireland relations in light of changing political landscapes. Topics ranged from the historical contributions of US diplomacy to the future of US involvement in Northern Ireland’s peace process. Professor Niall Ó Dochartaigh, Professor of Political Science at University of Galway, a 2024-25 Fulbright fellow researching US civil society peace-making efforts during the Troubles at NYU, said: “At a time of huge uncertainty about the role of the United States on the International stage, the country's contribution to the ending of the Northern Ireland conflict demonstrates the potential for the US to play a positive and significant role in peacemaking when it takes a balanced and principled approach and sustains engagement over the long-term.” Notable speakers included U.S. Representative Richard E. Neal, an advocate for Irish-American relations, Simon Coveney, former Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mark Durkan, former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Lee Reynolds, former Director of Policy for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin. The conference, which represents a benchmark in the Boston College-University of Galway-Queen’s University Belfast partnership launch in 2024, also featured a number of distinguished academics including Dr Helen Maher, University of Galway Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Professor Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway; David Quigley, Boston College; Professor Mary Murphy; Boston College Irish Institute; and Dr Peter McLoughlin from Queen's University Belfast. Ends

Graduates from five continents return to Ireland for conferring ceremony University of Galway’s Shannon College of Hotel Management welcomed more than 70 graduates from around the world today for its 2025 graduation ceremony.  Representing some of the top hospitality organisations on five continents, each graduate in attendance has already secured employment, continuing the College’s unbroken 100% employment record since its founding in 1951.   Graduates traveled from the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, China, the US, United Arab Emirates, Seychelles and beyond, showcasing the global reach of Shannon College’s alumni network. This year’s graduates join an esteemed alumni network holding leadership positions in hospitality organisations worldwide, from Michelin-starred restaurants to five-star hotels and global tourism hubs.    The event also celebrated student excellence, with over €30,000 in scholarships and prizes awarded, including the prestigious Banfi Scholarship, valued at $10,000, jointly awarded to Grace O’Toole and Megan O’Sullivan for their dedication and active participation while studying at Shannon College.   Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway said: “On behalf of University of Galway and our colleagues in Shannon College of Hotel Management, we send a huge congratulations to the class of 2025. The celebrations they enjoy today are a testament to their determination and desire to succeed and achieve. This year’s graduates of Shannon College follow a long line of alumni with reputations for providing the best in hospitality management with careers around the world. We wish everyone graduating today a great success in the future – wherever their journey takes them.”   Delivering the keynote address, David Fitzgerald, General Manager of Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa and Patron of Shannon College, shared insights from a distinguished career in hospitality. His leadership spans decades, including overseeing operations at Tipperary and Cork racecourses as Director of Woodlands Catering since 2004 and serving on the Board of Original Irish Hotels.               Sharing advice with students, David Fitzgerald said: “Graduation is funny word; it signifies the end of the last five years of your life but more importantly, it signifies the beginning of a whole life of adventure – as much or a little as you want. Remember, wherever your adventures take you, ‘Bloom where you are planted’, as St Francis de Sales said.”             Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College of Hotel Management said: “We are immensely proud of the David Fitzgerald Class of 2020–2025 as they graduate from Shannon College of Hotel Management. Their journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and excellence, and today marks the beginning of an exciting global career path. With 100% employment secured, our graduates are now stepping into leadership roles in world-renowned hotels and hospitality businesses across continents—from Europe to North America, the Middle East to Asia. As they join our prestigious alumni network, they carry with them not only the skills and knowledge gained at Shannon but also a deep-rooted commitment to excellence that will shape the future of hospitality worldwide. We congratulate them on this incredible achievement and look forward to seeing them thrive on the global stage.”   Ends

Initiative aims to promote race equality throughout the University community   University of Galway has announced the Nelson Mandela Fund to promote a culture of race equality and to support scholarships for students.    The initiative was unveiled as part of celebrations and events at the University to mark Race Equality Week. The fund is being established to help fund more than a dozen new scholarship places and to support the University’s actions as a global leader for impactful and inclusive teaching, research and innovation, staff and student experience and passion for culture and creativity. The late Nelson Mandela was hosted at the University in 2003 when he was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws. In his address at the conferring, the Nobel prize winner said: “Let us together hope and work for a world in which there will be peace and on the basis of that peace the building of a more prosperous life for all the people of the world.” Launching the Nelson Mandela Fund, Galway City Labour Party Councillor Helen Ogbu, said: “Nelson Mandela showed the world that true leadership is rooted in empathy and understanding. The University of Galway is dedicated to embedding his legacy throughout our community, recognizing that while strides have been made toward a fair and equal society, racial inequalities still persist in higher education and beyond. By embracing equity—ensuring every individual receives the support they need—we can dismantle systemic barriers and foster diverse leadership. The Nelson Mandela Fund is a vital step in answering Mandela’s call, advancing not only equality but also the benefits of equity that empower communities and build a more just society" Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway, said: “The Nelson Mandela Fund is founded by University of Galway to promote Mandela's legacy of courage and persistence in combating race inequalities and oppression during apartheid and promoting non-racism, non-sexism, peace, and reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa. Mandela was a beacon of hope, a symbol of unwavering strength and compassion in the face of unimaginable adversity and a global inspiration to all who envision an equal society. Through this fund, named in his honour, our aim is to enable, empower and embed a culture of race equality throughout University of Galway and our communities.”  Owen Ward, EDI Programme Manager for Race Equality, University of Galway, said: “The Nelson Mandela Fund will contribute towards a range of Scholars at Risk and University of Sanctuary scholarships to promote a culture of welcome and inclusion for Irish Travellers, International Protection Applicants, refugees and other immigrant groups experiencing exclusion. This is another concrete action by University of Galway to advance race equality within the university and wider society”. A series of other key events are planned as part of Race Equality Week at the University, including: The inaugural Nelson Mandela Leadership Award will be presented by the South African Ambassador to Ireland, Mrs Nicolette Schreiber. The award will recognise a student and/or staff member for their significant contribution to advancing race equality. A panel discussion will be held with University of Sanctuary Scholars who will discuss the transformative effect the scholarship has made to their lives. The Wear Red Day 2025 campaign takes place on Friday 21st March when the Immigrant Council of Ireland are asking everyone to Wear Red to send out a strong message that, as a community, we welcome diversity, celebrate it, and take a stand against racism in all forms. The Irish Centre for Human Rights Annual Distinguished Lecture takes place. Israel-Palestine: The Relevance of International Law will be delivered by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. During the week, panel discussions, workshops and cultural exhibitions take place with opportunities for staff, students and the public to learn more about race equality. For more about Race Equality Week visit: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/equalityanddiversity/ Ends