Agus muid ag teannadh i dtreo dheireadh na bliana, léirítear in eagrán an gheimhridh seo de Cois Coiribe, New Horizons pobal Ollscoil na Gaillimhe atá ag breathnú chun cinn le muinín agus le cuspóir. Is mór iad na hathruithe atá tarlaithe le bliain anuas san Ollscoil féin agus sa tír go deimhin. Cuirimid ár mbuíochas ó chroí in iúl do Mhícheál D. Ó hUigínn, alumnus agus iarUachtarán na hÉireann, as an gcion eisceachtúil atá déanta aige, agus tréaslaímid ó chroí le Catherine Connolly, alumna agus Uachtarán nua-insealbhaithe na hÉireann. Is léiriú é go bhfuil beirt Cheann Stáit i ndiaidh a chéile tagtha as an Ollscoil seo ar thiomantas buan na Gaillimhe don tseirbhís phoiblí, don smaointeoireacht neamhspleách agus don cheannaireacht phobail.

As 2025 draws to a close, this winter edition of Cois Coiribe, New Horizons, captures a University of Galway community looking forward with confidence and purpose. It has been a year of significant transition for both the University and the nation. We extend our deep gratitude to Michael D. Higgins, alumnus and former President of Ireland, for his exceptional service, and we warmly congratulate Catherine Connolly, alumna and newly inaugurated President of Ireland. To have two successive Heads of State emerge from our University speaks to Galway’s enduring commitment to public service, independent thinking, and civic leadership. 

Across the edition, the concept of New Horizons is reflected in our research, leadership, philanthropy, innovation, and alumni impact. Collectively, these stories reveal a University adapting to new opportunities with intent and creativity. 

An interview with University of Galway’s recently appointed President, Professor David J. Burn, highlights his vision for research excellence, global engagement, and an enriched student experience, setting a purposeful direction for the years ahead. A tribute to Michael D. Higgins, featuring a Message for Cois Coiribe and an article by an tOllamh Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, reminds us that intellectual curiosity and cultural imagination continue to evolve and expand throughout a lifetime. 

Our alumni features continue this sense of momentum. Pat McLoughlin reflects on leading through change at Chanelle Pharma; Maurice McQuillan discusses widening impact through the Lifes2Good Foundation; and Dominic Feeney, CEO of CBE, highlights how alumni philanthropy is shaping the future of the Learning Commons. Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director of TG4, demonstrates how new cultural and linguistic horizons grow from strong foundations in Gaeilge and creative media. 

The astrophysics and space research section brings this edition’s theme into sharp focus with Dr Aaron Golden outlining Galway’s growing international role in astrophysics. The discovery of new planet WISPIT 2b, told by Dr Christian Ginski and PhD student Chloe Lawlor, shows how breakthroughs emerge when students and experts collaborate with shared purpose.

Our alumni, including Dr Catarina Alves de Oliveira, Dr Éamonn Harvey, and Dr Deborah Malone, are contributing to the global space sector in ways that bring Galway’s influence to the fore on an international stage, while Dr Liz Coleman and Dr Damien Martin tells us of the role of Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station in Ireland’s contribution to climate and atmospheric research globally. 

Across every article, a single message stands out: that the University of Galway community is not merely observing new horizons, it is actively creating them. This edition reflects a University stepping confidently into its next era, strengthened by the achievements and generosity of those who carry its values far beyond campus. We are ‘Of Galway, For Galway.’ 

As we move into 2026, I hope these pages inspire you to explore your own new horizons, and to stay connected with a community that continues to imagine and shape the future. 

Le gach dea-ghuí don bhliain atá romhainn. 

Bríd Seoige

Head of Content, Content Unit

University of Galway