articles

A Chairde, Welcome to this summer edition of Cois Coiribe, University of Galway’s alumni magazine.

Reflecting on Ireland’s first half-century of educational scholarship and teaching-inspired research   In this Cois Coiribe article, Prof Tony Hall traces the historic roots of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI), from its inaugural ‘First Meeting of Scholars’, held in Galway in April 1976, through to key events and milestones leading to the 50-year commemorative event hosted by University of Galway, bringing the association back to its place of origin. Starting in 1970s Galway, the ESAI would become one of Ireland’s most important organisations for educational research and scholarship, north and south.    

Cois Coiribe sits down with Aislinn Ó hEocha, Executive Artistic Director of Baboró International Arts Festival for Children as the festival reaches its landmark 30th anniversary. From a childhood shaped by Galway’s vibrant arts scene to leading one of the world’s most respected children’s festivals, Aislinn reflects on her remarkable journey, Baboró’s expansion over the past 30 years, and what children can expect to experience.     

Explore Branar, a Galway theatre company dedicated to creating artistic engagements and experiences for children, from local DEIS schools to the Sydney Opera House. We were delighted to connect with University of Galway alumnus Marc Mac Lochlainn, Founding Artistic Director, and the wider team.     

Cois Coiribe was honoured to reconnect with alumna Maureen Kennelly, CEO of Druid. In this article, we explore the enduring relationship between Druid and University of Galway. From knowledge exchange to the impact of the Druid Academy in nurturing the next generation of creative talent, Maureen delves into her experience as a student of the arts at the University, and how it helped shaped her journey in the world of theatre and the arts.    

Bríd Seoige sits down with John Crumlish, CEO of the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF), to explore the journey that took him from student life in Galway to leading one of Ireland’s flagship cultural events. Reflecting on his early days at UCG (now University of Galway), his introduction to Macnas and the Festival, and the creative energy of Galway in the late ’80s, he traces the key moments that shaped his path.  John shares insights into the Festival’s role in Galway’s growth as a cultural capital, its partnership with University of Galway, and the challenges of funding and infrastructure. At the heart of it all is a clear belief: creative industries enrich society, and the University is a development agency, helping to anchor a west coast ecosystem where talent can study, create, and build careers locally.     

Prof Florian Schneider, Director of University of Galway’s Institute for Creativity, connected with Cois Coiribe to shed light on the recent expansion of the University’s creative offerings. In this article, he explores creative thought, cross-discipline approaches to creativity, and what the future may hold for creative process.     

Prof Rebecca Braun connected with Cois Coiribe to discuss arts at University of Galway, and what the future holds. Read below to find out what the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies has to say about critical change in a new-age world.    

How can research be used to enable equity across the lifecourse? What methods and approaches can we use to enable equity and promote rights and justice across the lifecourse? How can research contribute to social solidarity in relation to policies and practices that affect people across the lifecourse? These are some questions driving Professor Caroline McGregor, Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS). In this Cois Coiribe interview, she reflects on leading a University of Galway research institute and why understanding the core or arc of human lives, from birth to old age, has never mattered more.    

What happens when artists, researchers, and communities come together to explore emerging technologies? In November 2025, the Centre for Creative Technologies hosted a three-day workshop that moved between design thinking at the University’s IdeasLab, rapid prototypes in its creativity lab, and an immersive art practice walk through the Burren led by the Burren College of Art. This blend of perspectives and methods captures the Centre’s ethos as a collaborative hub connecting the University with the communities it supports, where experimentation and shared motivation drive more inclusive ways of engaging.    

Sa gcomhrá seo, labhraíonn Bríd Seoige leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga, Séamas Ó Concheanainn, faoi na dualgais neamhspleácha a bhaineann lena oifig nua. Déanann sé cur síos freisin ar an tionchar mór a bhí ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe air féin, áit ar fhoghlaim sé faoi cheannaireacht agus faoi fhorbairt pobail trí ghréasán na gcampas Gaeltachta.