September University celebrates significant philanthropic gift for new Library & Learning Commons

University of Galway has announced a significant philanthropic gift from Deirdre and Irial Finan, in support of the construction of the University’s new Library and Learning Commons.

In recognition of the Finan’s generosity, the University has renamed the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room as the Deirdre and Irial Finan Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

The dedicated space is a key facility and service in the University Library, safeguarding unique manuscripts, rare books and cultural collections, while opening access to students, researchers and the wider community.

Irial Finan graduated from the University in 1977, and together with his wife Deirdre, they have championed education and culture through their philanthropy and engagement with University of Galway, both in Ireland and the US.

Their commitment reflects a belief in nurturing learning and scholarship for generations to come.

 Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “We are deeply grateful to Deirdre and Irial for their vision and generosity. Their philanthropy will strengthen the University’s mission to preserve knowledge, inspire discovery and make our collections accessible to all. Our new Library and Leaning Commons is a once-in-a-generation project that requires the support and commitment of alumni and friends of the University, we are grateful for Irial and Deirdre’s early support.”

University of Galway Librarian Monica Crump said: “We are delighted and honoured that Deirdre and Irial Finan have allowed us to name our Archives and Special Collections Reading Room in acknowledgement of their support for our new Library and Learning Commons. As an archivist, Deirdre understands very well the importance of our reading room in providing a space where students, researchers and the wider public can engage with heritage, culture and history through our archives and special collections.  As the reading room preserves and provides access to our past, Deirdre and Irial's generous support enables the future, through more collaborative, more creative and more digital learning experiences for our students in the Library and Learning Commons."

University of Galway’s new Library and Learning Commons is currently under construction in the centre of the Galway city campus and will be a central hub for collaboration, research and community.

The project is being supported by Government with a €15 million capital grant through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF) and the Higher Education Authority.

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

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