More than 180 new doctors were among the 400-plus students who took centre stage at the University of Galway Summer conferring ceremonies last week.

The day marked a significant academic milestone for the students and their families, as they were awarded their degrees during the ceremonies, including 92 who were conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The largest cohort to graduate last Thursday was the 187 doctors who received their Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree.

During the conferring ceremony, 12 graduates were awarded a total of 15 Final Medical Medals by the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

One graduate, Dr Anmol Mahesh from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, received five medals in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “At University of Galway, we take great pride in being part of each student’s journey, supporting their growth and celebrating their success.

“Graduation is not just an end, but the beginning of what our students can and will go on to achieve, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their chosen fields.”

Pictured: Grads celebrate: More than 180 doctors graduated from University of Galway last week with an Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree. Photo: Martina Regan.

Clifden Library has become the second branch library in County Galway to roll out the My Open Library initiative – dramatically increasing public access to services with extended self-service hours, Galway County Council has confirmed.

The new service, which has also been in operation at Ballinasloe Library since 2020, allows registered users to access the library from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year – even outside of regular staffed times.

As a result, weekly access hours have almost tripled, rising from 34 and a half to 98.

Located in the centre of Clifden, the library now offers a wide range of self-service functions during unstaffed hours, including borrowing and returning books, using computers and Wi-Fi, printing and scanning documents, and accessing study space.

The MOL programme is part of a national strategy to modernise public libraries, promote digital inclusion, and foster community engagement. It is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of the Gaeltacht, in partnership with local authorities.

At the launch event, attended by local representatives, library staff, and community members, Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, remarked: “The opening of My Open Library in Clifden marks a major milestone in our commitment to providing inclusive, accessible, and modern library services. It empowers our community with greater flexibility and fosters a culture of learning and connection.”

County and City Librarian Elizabeth Keane also welcomed the development, thanking national and local funders.

“This investment is not just in bricks and mortar—it’s in people, potential, and the future of rural communities like Clifden,” she said.

To register for My Open Library access, contact Clifden Library on (091) 509 616.

Pictured: Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Cllr. Martina Kinane is joined by officials and elected members of Galway County Council – along with Clifden Library staff and members of the local community – at the launch of the My Open Library (MOL) initiative at Clifden Library.

A broad range of organisations working for the community in Galway met recently to discuss new methods of working together to increase their impact for all in Galway City, including the development of shared civic space in Galway City Centre.

The event brought together a broad range of stakeholders who share an interest in the future of community collaboration in Galway and was hosted by Galway Volunteer Centre with support and funding from Community Foundation Ireland.

The core purpose of the Convention was to bring diverse Galway voices together to foster collaboration and address local challenges and move beyond isolated efforts towards shared understanding and action.

Attendees included leaders and volunteers from local charities, community and nonprofit groups, with local government represented by Galway City councillors including Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane, and City Council staff from various departments.

Key state agencies were present including members of An Garda Síochána and GRETB.  The business sector was also represented by Galway Chamber of Commerce.

The discussion highlighted many potential actions to develop greater collaboration across sectors, including the development of a portal for residents of Galway City to access services, the establishment of a working group to secure a physical space for community activities in the city centre, and the development of opportunities for organisations to learn more about each other and identify future collaborative projects.

“In a short period of time, the attendees identified that there was huge desire for working together more and combining expertise and resources,” said Donncha Foley, Development Manager with Galway Volunteer Centre.

“There was a profound interest in putting in creating a better environment for collaboration, not just for the organisations present, but also for everyone living in Galway City.”

A report of the event has been created and can be viewed at https://bit.ly/gvccollaboration

Since 2006, Galway Volunteer Centre has been supporting members of the public to find suitable volunteer roles in Galway City and County through a list of volunteer opportunities, updated daily, advertised on behalf of non-profits and community organisations in Galway. GVC also provides Garda Vetting, and runs the Community Volunteers, and Galway Street Ambassadors programmes.

For more information on Volunteer Galway, go to www.volunteergalway.ie, phone 091 581727 or visit 27 William Street West, Galway.

Pictured at the Collaborative Café were (from left) Cllr Eibhlin Seoighthe; Roddy Rowan and Denise Charlton of Community Foundation Ireland; Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane; Cllrs Helen Obgu and Niall Mc Nelis, and Donncha Foley of the Galway Volunteer Centre.