News & Events

University of Galway’s Access Centre is hosting its annual information evening, this year focusing on the needs of mature students and adult learners who may be considering full-time or part-time studies. The information evening will take place on Wednesday January 15th from 6.30pm-9pm in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS Building), Upper Newcastle Road, University of Galway. The in-person event is designed particularly for those aged 23 or over who want to find out more about study options at University of Galway. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss opportunities with current mature students and course experts to help them decide which options best suit their personal circumstances and professional development needs.             Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Student Officer at University of Galway’s Access Centre, said: “We have seen over the years that mature students bring an enthusiasm and a motivation to learn that enriches our campus community, and we are dedicated to providing them with the necessary information to help them choose the best educational option for their needs.” Members of the Access Centre will be available to answer questions on pre-university courses in terms of Access/Foundation courses, and staff from Disability Support Services, who have expertise in supporting students who may have a long-term health condition (physical or mental), or a specific learning difficulty, will also be on hand to give guidance to prospective students. The University’s Career Development Centre will provide information on exploring career pathways and how to plan education and a career journey.              Nuala McGuinn, Director at the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, University of Galway, said: “We are seeing many technological advancements which are reshaping workforce development across industry. These changes are impacting how people learn, work, and build their skills. Whether you are looking for a short-term micro-credential or a flexible, part-time course - undergraduate or postgraduate - our staff are on hand to explore options with you.” Registration for this event is essential. Please register here or email maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie Further information is available at https://universityofgalway.ie/mature/. Ends

University of Galway has announced the 2024 Tarpey Scholarship recipients – Mental Health Nursing student Meghan Murphy and Medicine student Rayna Cox. The scholarship honours the enduring legacy of the late Hazel and Tanya Tarpey – two remarkable sisters whose lives inspired countless healthcare workers during their treatment for a rare genetic autoimmune disease. The Tarpey family established the scholarship in memory of the sisters to support the development of future healthcare professionals. It is awarded to outstanding students committed to enhancing their professional skills through additional studies, beyond the regular curriculum. In addition to the scholarship, the Tarpey family provides a Tarpey Bursary. This private award, first introduced in 2022, is given annually to two additional students from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway who face financial challenges and might otherwise struggle to continue their studies.             Tim and Mary Tarpey, parents of Hazel and Tanya, said: “It is a pleasure to give back to the medical community who did so much. We look forward to this event every year to meet the new recipients and reconnect with the friends and healthcare workers who cared so diligently for Hazel and Tanya. This scholarship and bursary ensure that their memory lives on, supporting the future of compassionate healthcare professionals.”             Professor Tim O’Brien, Established Professor of Medicine at University of Galway and Consultant Physician in Endocrinology at HSE West and North-West, and who treated Hazel and Tanya during their time in the hospital said: “The Tarpey Scholarship and Bursary embody the Tarpey family’s extraordinary commitment to supporting students and advancing healthcare. Hazel and Tanya’s legacy lives on through this generosity, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is equipped to make a meaningful difference in their communities.”             Meghan Murphy, a Bachelor of Nursing Science (Mental Health) student from Mervue, Galway, and recipient of the 2024 Tarpey Scholarship, said: “I am honoured to receive this scholarship in memory of the exceptional Tarpey sisters. This award is a testament to their enduring legacy and inspires me to continue striving for excellence in my studies and future career.”             Rayna Cox, a fourth-year Medicine student from Trinidad and Tabago and recipient of the 2024 Tarpey Scholarship, said: “This scholarship is a powerful encouragement to continue advancing my clinical and academic aspirations. I am deeply grateful to the Tarpey family for their support, which motivates me to contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare.” The Tarpey family’s contribution ensures that students at University of Galway have the opportunity to excel in their fields while carrying forward the legacy of Hazel and Tanya’s inspiring lives. Ends

More than 40 families of children with additional needs have been given a unique opportunity to enjoy the magic of Christmas with a special visit to a Sensory Friendly Santa’s Grotto. The two-day event was facilitated by staff and students from the School of Psychology at University of Galway, who took on the important roles of elves and Santa’s helpers. The annual Sensory Friendly Santa's Grotto has been a highlight of the year at University of Galway since 2017 and has grown to a two-day weekend event, giving 40 children with additional needs and their families the opportunity to visit Santa. The organisers hope to build on that, by setting a goal to create a freely available "How to Guide” on running similar inclusive and accessible Santa's Grotto events. The aim is that it will encourage other businesses and organisations across Ireland to provide this unique opportunity for more families of children with additional needs to experience the magic of meeting Santa. Dr Ciara Gunning from the School of Psychology coordinates the event with a team of volunteer staff and students from the PhD and MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and the BSc Psychology program at University of Galway. The team transform rooms into a winter wonderland to ensure children and their families have a magical visit. Children receive individualised, sensory-friendly gifts from Santa and have photos taken, creating special Christmas memories. Dr Ciara Gunning, Lecturer in Applied Behaviour Analysis, School of Psychology, University of Galway, said: “Visiting Santa is a very special part of every child's Christmas, but it can be difficult for children with additional needs to visit Santa Grottos in busy shopping centres with lots of noise, bright lights and queues. The Sensory Friendly Santa's Grotto at University of Galway provides a unique, magical Christmas experience for children with additional needs and their families. For some families attending, this is the first time that they have had a chance to visit Santa.” “The event is set up to be accessible and inclusive with some tweaks to the Grotto and the environment. Santa and the team connect with the families attending in advance to support each child to enjoy their visit at their own pace and in their own way. It is truly a team effort with our Santa, elves and helpers working very hard behind the scenes - making real life magic. "A huge credit goes to all those who volunteer - our staff and students at the School of Psychology. We are also so grateful to our incredibly generous sponsors from Galway and across Ireland, as well as the School of Psychology and College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies for supporting the event.” The event coordinators continued their annual tradition to collect for COPE's Christmas appeal with visitors and volunteers donating items for Christmas hampers for those in need.  Businesses from Galway and around Ireland sponsored the 2024 event and their generosity plays a critical role in making the magic of the event happen. Sponsors include, Liberty IT, Galway Camera Shop, Little Lane Coffee Company, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, 56 Central, Cregal Art, The White Gables, The Galmont, Magpie Bakery, Esquires Coffee, Gourmet Tart, The Salthill Hotel, Prátaí, Irish Socksciety, Ground and Co, Déanta Studio, Dunnes Stores, Peter Murphy Electrical, Galway Bay Hotel, Citylink, Smyths Toys Superstores, Art & Hobby, Aplomb, Supermac’s, Cava Bodega, Sheridans Cheesemongers and Lidl. Ends