ATU Galway is hosting an event on its Dublin Road campus today to mark International Men’s Day.

Talks on the theme of Positive Male Role Models – beginning at 1PM – will include author Máirtín Óg McDonagh; poet Stephen Murphy, and local business owner Kevin Nugent.

Free haircuts will also be offered to students by City barbers Nelki’s and ‘The Sanctuary’ from 12-3PM.

The Students’ Union and the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee have organised the event in partnership with Galway City Council’s ‘Healthy Ireland’ initiative.

Meanwhile the HSE is encouraging men to set simple, realistic and practical tactics to improve their health.

While the overall health of men has improved in recent years, their life expectancy is still significantly lower than women’s.

Dr Noel Richardson, Director of the National Centre for Men’s Health says men need to learn their health is wealth.