University

25 years, 3,500 students and a 629-enrolment count per annum. University of Galway’s Access Centre celebrates encouraging routes to education for a quarter of a century. The Access Programmes were established in 1999, with the aim to provide a supportive, educational environment that prepares students academically and personally for a full-time undergraduate degree at third level. A critical milestone, this 25-year achievement sets the precedent for many more life-changing years to come. 

As someone who spent many years teaching political science and sociology in NUI Galway, I feel a close bond with the university, an affection that stays with me to this day as I recall so many wonderful years of teaching and research there, as well as the lifelong friendships forged.