Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Road, Galway, Rep of Ireland.
Tel +353 91 753161 Fax +353 91 751107 email: [email protected] website: www.gmit.ie
www.gmit.ie Insert IiBC Advert GMIT Alumni Association
full page colour We'd like to keep in touch with you in the future Innovation in so please send us your contact details. was used in the Benefits of the GMIT Alumni Association include:
Business Centre (IiBC) • Organisation of class reunions and professional Galway conferrings networking events. The Innovation in Business Centres (IiBC) at GMIT • Preferential membership rates for GMIT Library. Castlebarbooklet and GMIT 06 Galway are strategic resources • Special rates for GMIT Gym . for new start-up companies. • Health insurance - 10% discount with VHI and (inside front cover) Quinn Healthcare. The IiBC supports the development of new enterprises in the region by • 10% discount at Blacoe Jewellers Galway and providing incubation space and business development supports for the Claremorris. nurturing of new ideas and the commercialisation of applied research. • 10% discount on accommodation and leisure It is another step in GMIT’s innovative approach towards facilitating club membership at Ardilaun Hotel, Galway. learning and economic development in the regions. • Two-for-one admission at 67 OPW sites throughout the country. Supported by Enterprise Ireland, the Innovation in Business Centres also provide a Concept Desk facility to support entrepreneurs who have a good idea for a new business venture, which may in time develop into a project for the incubation space.
Business development supports available to new start-up companies cover such areas as Marketing, Sales, Finance, Legal, Intellectual Property, Export Development, Mentoring, Networking and access to Research competencies at the Institute.
The IiBC enables companies to work in a secure, innovative, entrepreneurial environment as they progress through the various stages of a new company start-up.
Contact the GMIT Alumni Association at George McCourt Maria Staunton [email protected], and complete the brief IiBC, Galway IiBC, Castlebar online application form at www.gmit.ie/alumni/ 091-742822 094-9027492 [email protected] [email protected]
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institute news
GMIT Governing Body The GMIT Governing Body was established under the and the professions. Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992. It comprises a The Governing Body manages and controls the affairs Chairman and 17 ordinary members, as well as the of the college including all its property. It performs the Director of the college. Members are appointed by the functions conferred on it by the Act and has all such Minister for Education, six of whom are drawn from the powers as necessary to carry out those functions, subject Vocational Education Committee(s), two from academic to policies determined by the Minister for Education. The staff, one non-academic, two from the student body, one ordinary members, with the exception of the two from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu), and five student representatives, are appointed for a period of from organisations in agriculture, business & industry, five years, with effect from 1st April 2005.
Back row, L-R: Jim Fennell, GMIT Financial Controller and Governing Body Secretary; Debbie Molloy, Outgoing President, GMIT Students Union; Hugh McBride, GMIT academic staff; Andrew D’Arcy, Head of Development, GMIT; Bernard O’Hara, GMIT Registrar; Dr Deirdre O’Keefe, Fáilte Ireland; Chris McLoughlin, GMIT staff; Cllr Teresa Maguire, Mayo Co Council; Brian Walsh, City of Galway VEC; Padraic Flesk, Incoming President, GMIT Students Union; Front row, L-R: Carmel Brennan, Galway Chamber; Donagh O’Donoghue, Ibec; Maria Heneghan, Teagasc; Marion Coy, Director GMIT; Rory O’Connor, Chairman, GMIT; Dr Íde Ni Fhaoláin, GMIT academic staff; and Seosamh MacDonncha, Co Galway VEC. (Missing from photo: Brendán O’Collerán, City of Galway VEC, Joe Beirne, Institution of Engineers Ireland; Joe Cunningham, Ictu; Fidelma Healy-Eames, Co Galway VEC; and Pat McMahon, Co Clare VEC).
L-R: Mayor of Galway catering industry, as well as promoters City Niall O'Brolcháin; of transnational mobility projects and Lucy Shale, UK; short-term placement trainees. Isabelle Frechede, GMIT is the only Irish third-level France; Christian Goethals, Belgium; college involved in the project. Beit Finne, Norway; The DVD/website will provide Darja Stiherl, Slovenia; audio-communicative scenes with a Paul Midha, UK; variety of situations, which relate to Acosta Garcia, Spain; the demands observed in service in Stuart Jauncey, Head of Hotel School, GMIT; the catering industry. . Anne Brindley, Project The web-based and DVD language Co-ordinator, GMIT; training package will be available to and Mary MacCague, all vocational training organisations, Acting Head of hotel groups and SMEs in the catering Humanities, GMIT. Eurocatering language training project industry. An important new language-training collaborating on devising and GMIT project co-ordinator Anne project for transnational placement producing a web-based and DVD Brindley says: "There is a strong trainees in the catering industry is to language-training package for trainee demand for this training package as be developed in GMIT over the next catering students. there is greater mobility now more two years, with funding of almost The package will address the than ever between third-level €400,000 from the EU Leonardo da shortfall in the provision of language vocational training institutes and the Vinci programme. and cultural preparation for catering industry in the EU. GMIT is A project team made up of placement students, based on the delighted to be involved in this personnel from GMIT and six other needs identified through surveys project." countries - Belgium, England, France, submitted by Small and Medium Norway, Slovenia and Spain, are Enterprises (SMEs) and trainees in the
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institute news
GMIT first to run Building Energy Rating (BER) training
GMIT is currently rolling out its Building Energy Rating (BER) training programme for assessors across the country. The programme trains participants to analyse the energy efficiency rating of building, in line a new EU Directive. The Institute is the first third- level college to offer the BER assessor training in Ireland, in consultation with sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Its first round of training (of 60 assessors) took place in December 2006 in Dublin, Galway, and Cork. The second round is ongoing since training nationally to ensure energy research having established L-R: Duncan February in Galway, Dublin and consistent assessments and itself on the national and Stewart, Cork. The first Dublin event in this informed advice for the customer. international stages in areas such Dr Tom Roche, BER Programme round was launched in March in The Institute has been innovative as renewable energy technologies, Developer, GMIT, Dublin’s Cultivate Centre by About and dynamic in its rapid response to biofuels, green building design, and Ray Clarke, the House and EcoEye Presenter this training need by: developing waste management, and design for Researcher, GMIT. Duncan Stewart. the first certified programme environment. We have over twelve The EU Energy Performance of nationally; allowing exemption to postgraduate researchers working Buildings Directive (EPBD) obliges parts of the module based on in the field currently. Furthermore, that the energy performance of certified prior experience, the Mechanical Engineering dwellings be provided to the specifically for energy consultants; Department has just launched a purchaser or tenant, so that launching a registration web site specialisation in its undergraduate owners/tenants know the exact www.buildingenergyauditing.com; B. Eng Degree in Mechanical energy efficiency and likely using high-quality energy Engineering on Energy Systems ". running costs of the dwelling. It practitioners as trainers; and added Dr Roche. also encourages designers to offering training at many distributed Duncan Stewart, launching the include new energy saving features centres nationally to ensure an even Dublin programme, said: “It is in building design. spread of highly qualified assessors. critical that the problems of our GMIT sees it as essential that GMIT’s Dr Thomas Roche, BER excessive and increasing CO2 experienced energy practitioners Programme Developer, says: “The emissions and our over- are used to train the Auditors in high demand for our programme is dependence on imported fossil building energy assessment very encouraging and is testament fuels be addressed. The role of the because of the nuances and to GMIT's high-quality standards in building energy assessor both as complexity in the assessment of education and its dynamic an energy auditor and as an energy dwellings using the DEAP response to meeting national and efficiency advisor is critical and a methodology. To this end, GMIT is regional needs. first step to addressing these employing experienced energy “The Institute has a strong problems.” assessment practitioners to deliver history in environmental and
Another first as GMIT offers woodwork teaching degree
A new woodwork teaching degree Technology and Design & and HETAC, is a major - the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Communication Graphics to achievement for GMIT and meets Design & Technology Education, is Leaving Cert (Hons) standard. a key objective of Michael now available at GMIT Letterfrack. These subjects are replacing the Hannon, Head of Centre GMIT is the first of the ITs to offer existing Construction Studies and Letterfrack, on his appointment a woodwork teaching degree. Technical Drawing subjects from two years ago when he mobilised Students who complete the four- 2007 and 2008. The new course, a team of experts to develop this year (Hons) programme will be approved by the Dept of teaching degree. qualified to teach Architectural Education, the Teaching Council
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institute news
Full occupancy in Innovation Centre
Pictured outside the GMIT. The second centre is located GMIT Innovation in at GMIT's Castlebar campus and is Business Centre managed by Maria Staunton. The (IiBC) at the Dublin centre accommodates seven Road campus: Minister for incubation units and two applied Enterprise, Trade and research units, which complement Employment the research activity at the Micheál Martin, with Castlebar campus. George McCourt, The centre reached a milestone Manager, IiBC. recently when one of its client companies, InTime Media, was awarded funding for an Innovation Partnership Programme from Enterprise Ireland. InTime Media is an interactive media start-up focussed on delivering new functionality to the latest mobile phones so that users can interact directly, via their phones, with television. The innovation partnership research programme, the first for GMIT Castlebar, will assist InTime Media in the development of its mobile phone technology. A post graduate researcher and a research officer will shortly be appointed to work for the research team under the supervision of GMIT. The purpose of the Innovation Partnership Programme is to The Innovation in Business Centre promoters and 18 employees). enable research projects through (IiBC) at the Dublin Road campus Three student projects are in place collaboration with third-level has had a very successful year since with incubation clients. The centre colleges such as GMIT Castlebar. its official opening in January 2006. recently commenced a Midlands & This results in mutually beneficial There is 100% occupancy: three West Enterprise Programme with co-operation and interaction in High Potential Start ups (HPSUs) in Athlone IT. Ten new start-up new product and process 2006 - Novate Medical, EFAST and businesses will participate on this development for companies such ATFM Solutions. Three research programme in GMIT. as InTime Media. projects are also in place with The IiBC is managed by George Bernard O’Hara, Acting Head of incubation clients. McCourt who holds a B. Eng degree Centre, GMIT Castlebar, said it is a A total of 37 new jobs were in Computer Systems and an MBA. major development for the created since the IiBC opened (19 He has 18 years experience with US campus. "It links academic At the opening of the and European multinationals in the programmes with research, Innovation in computer, electronics, plastics and innovation and enterprise." he said. Business Centre multimedia industries including The two IiBCs are part of the (IiBC) at the nine years experience at senior GMIT Strategic Plan 2004–2009 to Castlebar campus, manager and plant manger level. boost economic and cultural L-R: Enterprise Ireland’s Seamus Bree, Prior to his appointment as innovation and integrate research, Director Marion Coy, Manager of IiBC, GMIT, he teaching and regional Minister for established Midland Precision Tool development. The innovation Enterprise, Trade and & Die Ltd, from a green field centres will drive the new Employment situation. The company won the enterprise model of market-led and Micheál Martin, and the former Head of National Enterprise Award in 2002. knowledge-based industrial Centre, GMIT The IiBC at the Dublin Road development. Castlebar, now CEO campus is one of two industry of County Mayo VEC, support centres established by Dr Katie Sweeney
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institute news
IOT Library Strategy At the launch of the IoT Excellent prospects for Libraries Strategy The first ever Institutes of Statement in GMIT, L-R: graduates - survey Technology Libraries Strategy Marion Coy, Director, Statement was formally launched GMIT, Margaret Over 90% of GMIT graduates in GMIT in 2006, by GMIT Director Waldron, Acting Institute Librarian, are in further studies or Marion Coy. The five-year guiding GMIT, and Jim Foran, employed, according to the strategy, drawn up by librarians in Institute Librarian, IT latest GMIT Graduate Survey. the State’s IoTs, consists of an Sligo. The report, compiled by the agreed mission statement, set of Institute's Careers Office, values, objectives and specific for inter-lending of stock. surveyed 2,142 graduates, of goals. Libraries play a vital role in A new IOT Libraries Partner which there was a 74% Learning in the IOTs. Reader Card was also unveiled. The response rate. 69% were In the past 35 years IOT libraries card is given to the student by their engaged in further study and have responded to the constant home institute and is accepted by 25% were in full-time change in learning methodologies, any IOT for accessing an agreed employment. technology and in higher range of services. Starting salaries are shifting education provision generally. The GMIT also launched its own upwards with 47% earning in scale and level of cooperation has Library Strategy Plan 2006-2011 in excess of €24,000. 66% are resulted in important collaborative September 2006. It outlines the working in counties Galway, initiatives such as the An Chéim main focus for the library and is Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo while project, which saw the Millennium closely aligned to the GMIT library management system 15% of graduates are working Strategic Plan: student centred, installed in all IOT libraries and the in counties Dublin, Kildare, staff centred, research-lead and Partners Agreement, which allows Meath, Kilkenny, Wicklow and regionally focused. Carlow. Science4Summer GMIT ran its first summer school Student completion for children “Science4Summer” rates higher than last year. The pilot programme national average was a great success and will run again this year for three weeks A national study on from Monday 9th July. The completion rates for students programme is supported by the taking courses in IOTs shows Marine Institute’s Explorers 12 to 14 year olds (advanced). the GMIT completion rate is Programme, which promotes GMIT Science4Summer was marine awareness in primary set up by GMIT Commercial the highest of all the IOTs, schools in Galway and Fisheries researcher Nóirín Burke. rising from 58.6% to 81.3% in surrounding areas. Brochures have been distributed six years, 6% higher than the The week-long course runs to schools in the Galway area national average of 75%. from Monday to Friday, 10am to and are also available from local The report, prepared by the 2pm in GMIT’s Dublin Road libraries, as well as Leisureland Circa Group for the IOT Council campus. The programme and Atlantaquaria in Galway city. of Directors and DIT, looks at includes classes and practical For further information completion rates for students experiments and fieldtrips on tel. 087-1301974 (m) or taking full time IOT zoology and marine biology and [email protected] or programmes between 1999 is pitched at three levels: eight [email protected] and 2004. GMIT certificate to 12 year olds (beginners), eight and diploma completions to 12 year olds (advanced) and have risen 24 percentage points above previously reported OECD sector figures to 74%, and degree-level completion in the Institute jumped to 89.6% in 2004, 13 percentage points above the OECD sector mean.
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institute news
Líonra and FÁS promote entrepreneurship Western (BMW) Region, by the know-how to run or improve a training potential entrepreneurs business based in the BMW to set up successful businesses region, and capable of thriving in and for existing entrepreneurs to national and global markets. At raise their skills levels, was the same time successful launched in GMIT last year by the participants can secure a Minister for Enterprise Trade and recognised academic qualification. Employment, Micheál Martin. Completion of the programme At the launch of the Líonra programme: The programme, the Higher secures participants a recognised Minister Micheal Martin, Marion Coy, Certificate in Business in academic qualification. The two- Director, GMIT and Paul Hannigan, Enterprise Development, is a year programme is funded by FÁS Director of Letterkenny IT. blend of practical learning, hands- and is designed by Líonra, a A unique programme to promote on experience and one-to-one collaborative higher-education the conditions for an enterprise mentoring by established network of all the third-level culture in the Border Midland and business people, giving learners colleges in the BMW region.
GMIT takes enterprise programme to communities The School of Business, GMIT, has The programme in Galway has ordinator, and Maureen Melvin, successfully rolled out the new 28 participants. The programme in School of Business, GMIT, recently enterprise development Ballinasloe, delivered in ran a series of short courses on programme in Galway, Ballinasloe, conjunction with Athlone IT, has 22 enterprise development for Tuam and the off-shore islands. registered. The Tuam programme, islanders in conjunction with The Higher Certificate in supported by the Western Traveller Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann/The Business in Enterprise and Inter-cultural Development, Irish Islands Federation. The Development is a two-year part- Tuam and Tuam Chamber of organisation represents islanders time programme for mature Commerce, has 35 registered on 33 islands, with populations applicants including owners and participants. ranging from just one person to managers of small businesses, Martin Ward, Manager, The under 800. those with a business idea, the Western Traveller and Inter-cultural Thirty-three islanders farming community and people Development said the organisation participated in the weekend working full-time or part-time in is delighted to be associated with courses which took place in existing enterprise. this initiative. “A lot can be gained Galway, Bantry and Gweedore. The programme is being for Tuam in relation to integration Discussions are ongoing between supported by the FÁS Training in in our community from running the the School of Business and Employment programme, which Higher Certificate in Business in Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann aims to increase the knowledge, Enterprise Development here in regarding the provision of more skills and competencies of the Irish our centre in Tuam.” enterprise programmes. workforce. Ivan Mc Phillips, Programme Co-
Allergan graduates As part of GMIT's strategy to support regional development, a unique science course was delivered Back row, L-R: Jeffery Moran, Conor O'Neill, to employees of Allergan Pharmaceuticals. The Rita Chambers, Walter Higher Certificate in Science (Good Manufacturing Cox, Catherine Munnelly, Practice & Technology) was delivered at the GMIT Michael Goggins, Martin Castlebar campus over two years at times that suited O'Grady, Anthony the employees; Friday afternoons with some Canning. Front row, L-R: Noirin Saturdays. Modules included the core science Holland, Stella O'Malley, subjects and pharmaceutical science. Students also Nicola Harcourt, completed a project. Many of the graduates of this Margaret Reilly, Lena course are now studying for a Bachelor degree in McManus, Margaret Pharmaceutical Technology, which is also being Sweeney delivered part time at GMIT-Castlebar. Further information: Seamus Lennon, Science Dept, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway. Tel: 091 742081.
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appointments
Higher Education Authority The Teaching Council IRCSET Science lecturer Kathleen Lough Assistant Registrar Michael Hannon Senior lecturer in the School of has been appointed to the HEA for has been appointed to the Science, Dr Pauline King, has been a five-year term. The Statutory Assessment Panel of the Teaching appointed to the Irish Research Authority is responsible for Council, a statutory independent Council for Science, Engineering planning and developing higher body replacing the Teacher and Technology (IRCSET), which education and research in Ireland. Registration Council. His role is to strives to stimulate internationally As well as its core role in allocating review all programme submissions recognisable excellence in research. funding to the various institutions, for teacher-recognition status that the HEA's brief covers a very broad have a technology bias. The TC Dr King’s appointment is for four canvas: it is responsible for policy, provides an important forum for years. Membership includes senior strategic planning, equality of presenting the views of the academic and industry figures. opportunity, and quality assurance teaching profession on all aspects in higher education. of teaching.
Kathleen Lough Michael Hannon Dr Pauline King
GMIT Schools Liaison Officer Dr Teresa Hanley was appointed GMIT Counsellors, attends national and Schools Liaison Officer in January 2005. regional conferences and fairs, and Her role is to further develop GMIT’s co-ordinates ‘GMIT Taster Programmes’ relationship with second-level students, which give secondary-level students a career guidance counsellors and chance to sample GMIT programmes in teachers in schools in the region. Dr areas such as: Engineering, Maths & Hanley visits schools, giving Computing, Business & Technology, presentations on GMIT programmes Humanities, Science, and Hotel & and activities in all its campuses. She Catering Management Studies. Dr Teresa Hanley, Schools also co-ordinates visits to the Institute email: [email protected] Liaison Officer, GMIT from schools and Career Guidance tel. (091) 742186/(087) 9162932.
GMIT Hotel School Placement Officer GMIT graduate and lecturer Mary Healy are in prestigious establishments in has been appointed Placement Officer well-known worldwide hotel groups. All to the GMIT School of Hotel & Catering courses now have compulsory work Management Studies. The School has placements and are fully quality long recognised the value of practical assured. By investigating best practice learning through work experience. across the globe, the Hotel School has Students can now get placements developed flexible methods of throughout Ireland, the UK, France, assessing placements. The Placement Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the Officer also organises the popular US. Further opportunities are currently annual Graduate Recruitment Fair. Mary Healy, Hotel School being sourced in countries such as email: [email protected] or telephone Placement Officer, GMIT Dubai & Canada. The work placements the Hotel School: (091) 742343/22209.
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interview
Shaping the future An interview with the Director - Marion Coy by Lorna Siggins, The Irish Times If Marion Coy’s office at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) can boast the best balcony in any Irish third-level institution, the incumbent also has a vision to match. "We're living longer, getting more confident, but our timelines are shorter," she says. "Yet in an organisation like this, people have to be able to think together, and to think much further ahead."
One recent development that control by the Department of mother of three, she believes "one facilitating this has been the Education did not allow for full pot" does not "fit all" in terms of Institutes of Technology Act 2006. potential to be achieved. The individual needs - and in terms of Under the new legislation, a range recent OECD report on Irish third- educational models. She also of responsibilities relating to the level education supported this in believes one should study subjects governance, funding and recommending greater autonomy. one feels a passion for. Originally operations of the State's 14 Marking publication of the from Glenamaddy, Co Galway, she institutes of technology have been legislation in early 2006, Minister took History and English at NUI, transferred from the Department of for Education Mary Hanafin said it Galway (then UCG), and thought Education and Science to the would allow for a "cohesive" about teaching and journalism Higher Education Authority (HEA). approach to the strategic before opting for the former. The HEA already holds development of higher education, responsibility for the seven "drawing on the diverse strengths People are not holding universities. of all of our universities and institutes." Marion Coy hopes it will their hands out for grants create a better environment, but here. What they want, and "In the US they are regrets that "regional " was omitted are entitled to, is better fascinated at the idea that from the legislation's title. infrastructure, like roads, we [GMIT] can have "We're too small a country, and we're not going to get anywhere broadband, and general apprentices studying at one unless we view the region as a access which can provide a end and PhDs at another.” entity," she explains. "Nothing will happen immediately as a result of counterbalance to Dublin. this, but it will create the The legislation aims to extend conditions for a more flexible In 2002, she succeeded Dr Gay significant new managerial and response to the challenges coming Corr, then retiring, as Director of academic autonomy to the our way. It will create a coherence, GMIT. She is responsible for the institutes - as in the 13 originally it will facilitate decision- making, education and welfare of 9,000 established as regional technical and will enable us to work towards students on four campuses in colleges, along with Dublin meeting our national objectives." Galway, Letterfrack and Castlebar, Institute of Technology. The The GMIT Director is committed and the direction that GMIT takes background to the Act was a belief to diversity in education. As a during her ten-year tenure.
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interview
"In the US they are fascinated at good at implementing, and yet the Institutes of Technology Act will the idea that we can have way we deal with the west coast is allow for the operational freedom apprentices studying at one end going to be very significant for the to develop new courses, which may and PhDs at another, " she says. " future of the island," she says. push this figure even higher. She Their system is so boxed in and would like to see establishment of they have huge problems with a new centre for studying digital GMIT's student completion social cohesion as a result." and social networking and the She has been watching the rate is now six per cent impact of same. "We need to create progress of US senator Barack higher than the national an opportunity to look beyond the Obama, one of the Democratic gadgets, if you like." average, rising from 58.6 per Party's "possibles" for presidential "You take the iPod - what a nomination. Obama, the son of a cent to 81.3 per cent in brilliant name - which is all- Kenyan and US mixed marriage, six years. pervasive and which creates a was raised in Indonesia and Hawaii, cocoon from reality. One can studied political science and imagine some difficulties arising if worked for a non-profit "People are not holding their people think that a digital world organisation in Chicago, before hands out for grants here. What would be preferable to that reality. pursuing law at Harvard. He they want, and are entitled to, is At the same time, the digital world lectured in constitutional law at the better infrastructure, like roads, also provides spaces for people to University of Chicago from 1993 broadband, and general access re-engage with others." until his federal election. which can provide a Institutes of Technology (or RTCs) "I've been monitoring his path counterbalance to Dublin. This is created a new landscape in since 2003, and it is the nearest not just about the western rail education 20 to 30 years ago, she thing to watching a rising star," corridor. When you look at the notes. Their "three pillars" involved Marion Coy says. "It doesn't matter pressure on Dublin airport, for promoting the economic if he doesn't become US president, instance, you can see the development of the country, but he has created the climate for enormous potential of Shannon as developing the regions in which someone like him to run for that a base for developing hubs." they were located, and dealing with office." GMIT's student completion rate issues of socio-economic is now six per cent higher than the "Similarly, if you come here to disadvantage. Marion Coy believes national average, rising from 58.6 GMIT to take a two-year certificate the institutes will continue to per cent to 81.3 per cent in six and you then discover the reshape that landscape, and she years. Marion Coy believes the confidence, passion and sense of intends to remain true to that remit. your own capacity, there are places you can go, and things you can do here that you might never have Director of Galway-Mayo of Business Studies & Humanities thought of before," she says. Institute of Technology (GMIT) in 1998 and succeeded Dr Gay "When one looks at social since 2002, Marion Coy cut her Corr as Director in 2002. cohesion and economic development, underlying all that is educational teeth teaching at As Director of GMIT, Marion the business of individual second-level in Dublin before oversees a community of almost development - and creating the joining GMIT as a lecturer in 9,000 students and 1,000 staff in opportunities for that." Communications in the early five schools - Business, The Director's holistic approach to 1980s. The Institute was then Engineering, Hotel & Catering education extends to GMIT's place know as the Regional Technical Management, Humanities, and within the city environment. She would like to see the institute College or ‘RTC’. Science & Computing, spread working with Galway City and In 1993 she set up a new over four campuses - two in Galway County Councils to develop Department of Humanities and Galway, one in Castlebar and community facilities in what she successfully lobbied for the Letterfrack, and a link with describes as something of a cultural establishment of an arts-based Mountbellew College. "black hole" on the east side. campus in the city, Cluain She has three children and In terms of the region, she is firmly committed to bridging the Mhuire. Under her guidance RTC lives near Tuam with her east-west economic divide, and has Galway became one of the first husband Joe, who teaches delivered numerous papers at Irish colleges to offer theology second-level English in conferences on same. "We are very courses. She was appointed Head Glenamaddy, her hometown. good at planning and not very
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awards & achievements
Business students win Newstalk competition
L - R: Denis O'Brien; Cathal Flanagan, team captain, Headford; Eoin Tighe, Tuam; Conor Moran, Salthill; Dermot Healy, Renmore
A team from the School of was set up to foster a spirit of Moran and coach Carmel Brennan Business won the inaugural enterprise in IT colleges. will travel to the Caribbean where Newstalk 106-108 fm Student The winning team are all final- they will shadow 'real time' Enterprise Competition, seeing off year students on the Bachelor of decision makers in the Digicel 259 teams and some 1,000 Business (Hons) programme in Group. The prize includes a three- students from all over Ireland. The GMIT's Dublin road campus, month internship for each of the competition, run in association Galway. For their prize, the GMIT four winners from GMIT. with The Irish Times and campus.ie, team and their mentor Shane
President presents awards to Letterfrack students
Pictured after the presentation of the Student of the Year awards, L-R: Director Marion Coy, Martin McAleese and President Mary McAleese with students Noel Whelan, Ennis; David Duffy, Kells; Nigel Paxton, Cartron Hill, Sligo; and Alan Flannery, Castlebar. The President of Ireland, Mary respective programmes - Furniture mark the opening of the new McAleese, officially opened the Production and Furniture Design & gallery, and was presented with a new Furniture Gallery in Letterfrack Manufacture. The President specially made cake from the in 2006 and presented six addressed a large gathering and School of Hotel & Catering delighted students with their paid tribute to students and staff in Management to mark her birthday Student of the Year awards. The the Letterfrack campus. She on the day. students got top marks in their unveiled a wooden plaque to
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awards & achievements
GMIT Scholarships
Back row, L-R: Ada Farrar, SU President, Castlebar campus; Mark Bevans, Birr, Co. Offaly (Hurling); Mark Regan, Co. Clare (Hurling), Castlebar campus; Eoin Concannon, Renmore, Galway City (Gaelic Football); Padraic Flesk, SU Vice-President, Galway; Donal Shine, Drum, Co. Roscommon (Gaelic Football); Gearoid O Leidhinn, Salthill, Galway (Soccer); Wayne Murphy, Cultural Award, Castlebar campus; Debbie Molloy, SU President, Galway; Paul Conroy, Renmore, Galway City (Soccer); and Aidan Campbell, Swinford, Co. Mayo (Gaelic Football). Front row, L-R: Lorraine O’ Connor, Co Clare, (Gaelic Football), Castlebar campus; Dara Reid, Castlebar campus (Handball); Marion Coy, Director GMIT; Martina Conroy, Killimor, Co. Galway (Camogie); and Paul McGinley, Killybegs, Co. Donegal Recipients of the GMIT Sports & Cultural Scholarships 2006, from counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Clare, (Gaelic Football). Donegal and Offaly.
Back row, L-R: Jamie Wilson, Castlecomer, Kilkenny; Teresa Nolan, Clarinbridge, Co Galway; Michelle Finnegan, Ballycostello, Dunmore, Co. Galway; Iarla Fitzpatrick, Convent Road, Claremorris, Co Mayo; Grainne Feeney, Killarainy, Moycullen, Co Galway; Laura Cunningham, Clareview Park, Ballybane, Galway. Front row, L-R: Brian Kelliher, Killarney, Co. Kerry; Lorna Halligan, Loughill, Ardagh, Co Longford; Marion Coy, Director GMIT; Katherine Egerton, Duntaheen, Fermoy, Co Cork; and Patrick Moore, Ballyshannon, Carbury, Co Kildare.
Recipients of the GMIT Academic Scholarships 2006, from counties Galway, Mayo, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny and Longford.
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awards & achievements
Top award for Hotel Management students L-R: Student Robert Spillane, Killarney; Gerry O’Neill, GMIT Tutor; student Tara Kennedy, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary; Gregory Alken, Febvre & Co; Douglas Jordan, Chairman of IHI, presenting the trophy to Deirdre Bourke, GMIT Captain, Caherdavin Park, Co. Limerick; student Helen Cormack, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary; Seán O’Malley, Fáilte Ireland; and student Mark McNamara from Westport, Co. Mayo.
Hotel & Catering Management historic Château de la Marquetterie environment and created by HOTS, students scored top marks in the and Vineyards in Reims, North East company leader in hospitality Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) France, courtesy of wine importers business management simulation Business Management Game 2007, Febvre. software. Each team's business in association with Champagne Ten teams in total spent two dealt with real-life issues including Taittinger and Fáilte Ireland. The days devising a strategy, planning interaction with competitors and overall prize was a three-day and managing a fictitious the wider business environment, tutored trip for the team and its hospitality business operated in a while managing a number of tutor to Champagne Taittinger's simulated dynamic business internal business issues put to them.
Údarás scholarships
Grúpa macléinn Gaeltachta, atá sa chéad bhliain den dhéantar an cúrsa.Taobh leis an Aire, ag seasamh sa lár ar cúrsa céime BA (Gnó & Cumarsáid) i GMIT. Bhronn an An t- chlé, tá Rónán Mac Gearailt (Comhordanóir an Chúrsa) Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, Éamon Ó agus ar dheis tá Stiúrthóir an GMIT, Marion Coy agus Cuív scoláireachtaí, urraithe ag Údarás na Gaeltachta, ar Príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta, Pádraig Ó na micléinn de bharr a dtorthaí Ardteiste. Is tré Ghaeilge a hAoláin.
Engineering students win national challenge Fourth-year construction students won the National Student Challenge 2007, seeing off LIT, DIT, WIT, IT Finals of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Carlow and IT Tralee. The GMIT team, who are studying towards the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Construction Management, and other finalists were presented with a realistic construction scenario on the morning of the final and given four hours to prepare a report and make a presentation to a panel of industry and academic experts. L-R: Students Ronald Regan, Moygownagh, Ballina, Co. Mayo; James Mannion, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe; Seamus McWilliams, Athenry; and Brian Holmes, Mulranny, Co. Mayo, talking to Limerick City Cllr and competition judge John Ryan .
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awards & achievements
Best in electronics David Maher from Renmore, Galway City, winner of the Dept of Education medal in the National Skills Competition (Electronics category). David is pictured receiving his medal from the Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin, with Frank McCurry, Head of Dept of Electronic Engineering, GMIT. David is a third- year student in the B. Eng in Computer and Electronic Engineering programme at GMIT. Last year, he won first prize in the Intel Excellence in Electronics competition.
Graduate is top chef L-R: GMIT Head of at National Skills Dept of Hotel & Catering competition Operations Robert A graduate of the Professional Dagger, Cian Cookery course Cian Mulholland Mulholland, has won Top Chef in the National (winner), Ciaran Skills Competition. Cian competed Gantly and Peter Laffey, both against the most talented students lecturers and from Irish catering colleges. Cian is GMIT graduates. employed in Ross Lewis' Chapter One award-winning restaurant. Martin Clancy represented the college as a judge for the week- long competition.
L-R: Katharine Artists lauded at West (winner of opening of City museum Toradh Award), Three Fine Art graduates of GMIT Máiréad Harley, Michelle Lynch, and a GMIT Ceramics Lecturer Gerardine Quinn, were presented with Bank of Lecturer, and Aoife Ireland Awards totalling €10,000 Geary, in front of at the official opening of the New Aoife's installation Galway City Museum in June. 'Ualach Dosheachanta/ Graduate Michelle Lynch from Imminence '06’. Mountnugent, Co Cavan, won first prize of €2,500 for her sculptural installation “The Wall”. Aoife Geary from Carna, Connemara, won second prize of €1,500 for her installation “Ualach Dosheachanta /Imminence ‘06”, built from planks of wood from currachs and derelict cottages around Carna (pictured). Máiréad Harley from Bruckless, Co Donegal, won third another GMIT student, Fiona Award for an artist in mid-career prize of €1,000 for her work “Lace Moore, from Ballinalsoe. GMIT was also presented. Katharine – Light & Shadow”. Bank of Ireland also purchased a painting by West, Lecturer in Ceramics, GMIT, purchased a large painting by Fiona. The Bank of Ireland Toradh won this award of €5,000.
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awards & achievements
Innovation Awards 2007 L-R: Andrew D’Arcy, Fourth year Business student in Head of Development; Castlebar Jennifer McDonnell won Brian Mulhern, Acting the GMIT Innovation Award 2007 Head of Business and for her business idea of a unique Technology; Damian Keane, 2nd runner-up; child safety device. She received a Jennifer McDonnell, cheque for €2,000 from AIB, a Dell overall award winner; laptop and a specially designed John Kelly, 3rd runner- logo from Snap Printing, Castlebar. up; Maria Staunton, IiBC Manager, Castlebar campus; and Bernard Second prize went to electronics O’Hara, Registrar and student Damian Keane, who won a Acting Head of Centre, NEC laptop, and third prize to GMIT Castlebar. graduate John Kelly, who won a mobile phone from CNC Cellular.
ISA Ireland awards for Physics students
Physics students take Two Physics students won top Damien was nominated for the top awards at the awards at the Instrumentation, Gerard Dullea award because of his annual ISA Ireland Systems and Automation Society outstanding achievement in the Awards, L-R: Damian (ISA) Ireland Awards. BSc Honours Degree in Physics & Howard from Ennis Road, Limerick and Conor Fahy from Enniscrone, Co Instrumentation. He achieved an Conor Fahy from Sligo, won the top Technician average mark of 80% for his theory Enniscrone, Co Sligo Award and Damian Howard from subjects and a mark of 87% for his Ennis Road, Limerick, won the Ger laboratory work. Damien also Dullea Award. completed a highly complex Conor was nominated for the project developing systems to Technician award because of his measure stress by examining achievement on the Certificate interference of light through Course in Physics & optical fibers. He is currently Instrumentation at GMIT. He pursuing a post-graduate course in gained an average mark of 91.6% - Waste Power Engineering in the highest ever standard achieved Queen's University Belfast. for this certificate.
Letterfrack student is top cabinetmaker GMIT Letterfrack took the overall prize and beat off stiff competition in students, L-R: a tightly fought final. Stephen Richardson, Patrick and two fellow students studying on the Patrick J. Murphy (winner) and Furniture Design and Manufacture programme - Sean Sean Costello Costello, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo and Stephen Richardson, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, each obtained marks high enough in the preliminary stage of the competition to place them as one of eight finalists from all over Ireland. The 22-hour competition entailed making a free- standing solid wood storage cabinet. This year the National Skills Competition celebrates its 50th anniversary and every second year a WorldSkills Competition takes place with one planned Letterfrack student Patrick J. Murphy has won the 2007 for November in Shizuoka, Japan. National Skills Competition in Cabinetmaking. Patrick is now eligible for selection for an Irish team Patrick,from Ballindive, Ardrahan in County Galway, being drawn together to compete.
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student union news
Students Union elections
This year’s GMIT Student Union elections had an impressive turnout, with over 1700 voting, generating huge interest amongst the student body. Padraic Flesk was elected GMIT SU President. Warren McElhone, a final-year student in the School of Hotel & Catering Studies, came a close second.
Incoming Students Union President Padraic Flesk
will take up office in June. During final year of a BA in Personnel Incoming President Padraic Flesk his time as a student in GMIT, he Management. was extremely active in the GAA Outgoing SU President Debbie Molloy club as well as the SU. Four candidates ran for the position of Vice-President, all Padraig completed a BA in Outgoing SU President Debbie fourth year Business Studies Theology and Business in May Molloy, a graduate of the GMIT students. The winner was 2006 and has spent the last year Business Studies Degree Donegal’s Patrick Bonner who serving as SU Vice-President. He programme, is currently in the was elected on the first count.
Final year students celebrate graduation day.
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interview
and accountancy positions in Ireland and Portugal for over ten years. When he came back to GMIT in 1993 he took charge of function areas of Finance, IT, and Human Resources Services, as well as Buildings & Estates pending the appointment of a Head of Development. His own student experience(s) helped shape his approach: "I recall vividly my time in class, the experience of acquiring knowledge, the interactions and the debates. All of this was facilitated by a dedicated academic staff - some of whom are my colleagues today, such as Bernard O'Hara, GMIT Registrar, and Dennis Murphy, Lecturer in Economics.” “While on many fronts I advocate changes, I wouldn't want to see that ethos of quality teaching and academic support provided by lecturers to students lost. And it won't be, as long as we maintain the same relationship between lecturers and students." The biggest physical change in shaping the future of GMIT was the expansion of the building itself, to create a learning environment for students. The construction of a dramatic exterior of giant green copper sheets and canopy covered walkway to the new entrance on the Dublin road announced its new direction. Two major acquirements were a new state-of-the-art library Responding to change and an open-access IT centre for students to use as learning An interview with Jim Fennell, Financial Director supports, reflecting the college's by Barbara KcKeon vision of modern education. Another area of radical change When RTC graduate Jim Fennell returned to his Alma Mater in was that of student 1993 to take up the position of Secretary & Financial Director of accommodation - the lack of it, the GMIT, it felt like he was stepping back in time. price of it and the quality of it, according to Fennell. Two superb, purpose-built student villages were "When I walked back into the anybody expected the economy built by private developers at building 11 years after being a would be as buoyant as it Glásan on Ballybane Road, and student here what struck me from subsequently became. The Gleann na Rí in Renmore, and a the student perspective was that direction of the college was number of smaller complexes. The not a lot had changed. Even the changing but I could see from a Castlebar campus also has similar colour of the walls was the same." student’s perspective that things accommodation. “At that time (1993) it was hadn't changed at all." "I think students living together projected that the college would Fennell, from near Kilrush, as a community fosters a better grow considerably in the coming Co Clare, graduated in Business learning environment," says years looking at the demographic Studies in 1982. He worked in the Fennell, whose daughter Niamh is trends. However, I don't think private sector in various financial
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interview
following in her father's footsteps concerns regarding change but that Galway County Council for £1.5m doing her first year in business resistance can be overcome if you (punt). The campus is now home to studies, and her student can convince people of the merits of the Department of Art and Design, accommodation in Glásan is, as the change, and if they can see that catering for creative arts, film and Fennell describes it, another world it is for the greater good of the television. Future plans include from what he experienced as a students. A lot of information and music studies. student in the 80s living in a consultation has to take place to Back in the late 80s the Institute draughty flat on Prospect Hill. reassure people". he explains. "But had formed a partnership "Student life is about going to we also need to be flexible and agreement with Connemara West college and having a good time and adaptable for changes we haven't Plc to deliver programmes in coming out with a qualification, but even anticipated," he concludes. furniture design and production at in the end it is about getting a good its centre in Letterfrack. The range of job," says Fennell, who not only It costs programmes has since been found the desired good job but also expanded along with the furniture one million euro met his wife, Siobhan MacMahon, at college itself, now called GMIT college. The couple live in Siobhan's a week to Letterfrack. home town of Kinvara in south run the college Also a partnership agreement was County Galway. established with the Mountbellew His job is varied and involved. Agricultural College in East Galway. Under his wing are human resources Since its establishment in the The first year of the Agri-business and all that entails, recruitment, early 70s, Galway Regional Technical course is delivered there and industrial relations, as well as College (RTC) has changed research activities are also carried finances, IT services and capital dramatically, and is in many ways a out in the Mountbellew centre. expenditure for purchases of microcosm of the State. Today the Asked if GMIT is producing equipment and such. He is also Institute has two campuses in graduates to fill the country's secretary to the Governing Body, Galway city and one each in economic needs at the expense of and is responsible for the legal Castlebar, Letterfrack and its academic and intellectual needs, affairs. He also fulfils certain roles for Mountbellew. GMIT is run on Fennell disputes this. "The reality is the Institute in a wider context, such Department of Education & Science the State invests vast amounts of as being a director of An Cheim, monies (now Higher Education money in education - education which provides MIS services to all Authority monies) amounting to being the second biggest spender of the institutes of technology €45m per year, with another €5m Exchequer funds. The reason countrywide, and on various from other sources. It costs one governments spend so much money interview boards pertaining to the million euro a week to run the on education is not only is there a college's needs. college. social need but there is clearly an Castlebar campus was opened in economic need that has to be "People can have genuine 1994 in response to demand from sustained. And it would be foolish to concerns regarding change an action group in Mayo and the ignore that. then-government keeping its by- but that resistance can be “I hear the arguments, are we election promise. Fennell and former dealing with the academic needs of overcome if you can college Director Gay Corr went to the individual or are we dealing with convince people of the merits Castlebar scouting for suitable sites the economic needs of the country? of the change, and if they and were offered an army barracks I would love to think we are meeting can see that it is for the or the old St Mary's hospital. St the needs of both - the individual greater good...” Mary's was chosen and a 50-year and the economic needs of the lease was acquired on the west wing government that pays for it. I don't of the hospital and all the grounds. think they are mutually exclusive. "It's my job to create the Within four months the building Our range of programmes reflect environment so others can get on was refurbished, staff recruited and this.” with their jobs. It's important for the the first 100 students admitted. The "You cannot provide third-level Institute to establish its priorities Castlebar campus today offers education without allowing the and to make a strong case for these courses in General and Psychiatric individual to develop, and you priorities as this makes the job of Nursing, Business Studies, IT, and certainly can't deliver third-level securing the finance much easier." Outdoor Education, and caters for education to the individual without The biggest challenge facing almost 1,000 full and part-time having government money." GMIT and any organisation, students. Having said that, Jim concludes according to Fennell, is the need to The Cluain Mhuire campus on with a quote from Spencer develop an ability to respond to Monivea Road was established in “Education has for its object the change: "People can have genuine 1997 when it was bought from formation of character.”
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retirements
representation in drawing and painting, he nevertheless embraced experimentation. He believed some academic and modernist teaching methodologies could be successfully employed alongside postmodernist approaches. His teaching methods provided a thorough foundation and a clear path for ongoing creative development. Lochlann encouraged students to critically examine the works valued by our culture, and made no secret of his disdain for pretentious, derivative or contrived work. When he taught Foundation Studies, he emphasised the importance of analytical drawing in developing the students’ powers of observation. He also emphasised the importance of gaining an
Lochlann Hoare with his understanding of the underlying former student structure of objects, both natural international jeweller Slim Lochlann Hoare - an outstanding educator and manufactured, and would Barrett, at the Cluain discuss perspective and anatomy Mhuire Show in June. Lochlann Hoare retired in 2006 and asked that there be no fuss, as happily as he would no gifts, no social evening, leaving his friends and colleagues in a contemporary issues. quandary. He set up the Sculpture Gerardine Quinn, GMIT lecturer and artist, felt compelled to programme 17 years ago. His write a tribute to an outstanding educator. dynamism ensured it would thrive, and today it is a vital, exciting For over thirty years, Lochlann has He taught with passion and programme ranging from object been an inspirational teacher. He conviction and led stimulating making to installations and live art made a major contribution to the seminars. Students greatly valued performances. Lochlann exhibited development of the Art & Design his tutorials; these were energising, his own installations throughout Dept. He kept abreast of challenging and motivating. He the eighties – the Galway Arts developments in art education was respected by students through Festival (1981 and 1983), UCG internationally and was the decades, and his insights were Gallery (1984), Spanish Arch Gallery knowledgeable on the strengths of always relevant. He encouraged (1988) and EV+A Limerick (1989). each third-level art institution in debate and questioning and always It is probably just as well that he Ireland and many in Great Britain. managed to get shy students is leaving as the modular mode of He was an external examiner for involved. Seeing their developing teaching and learning is the Dept of Education in the early confidence heartened him. He introduced. Lochlann’s unique form eighties, and later was external frequently enlivened discussions by of student and tutor interaction, examiner at DIT. He was a visiting recalling his own days at Art which was not book-ended by any lecturer at the National College of College in London in the heady particular framework, would Art & Design, Dublin and a sixties, and relayed many undoubtedly be compromised. frequent visiting lecturer on the Art anecdotes. Many of you will want to send Teachers Diploma course at He cared not for praise, and him a good-will message; Limerick School of Art & Design. He remained faithful to his deeply held I recommend you address it to developed a special relationship convictions concerning art Cluain Mhuire, c/o Reception. My with the University of Ulster where education. He held that art practice colleagues and I will miss that big his Foundation Course in Galway had intrinsic academic and personality; I will miss him as a was seen as a model. educational value. He was not shy colleague and friend with whom Lochlann took a genuine interest about being critical of some I worked closely and shared an in each individual student. He current approaches to visual art office for many years. All at the Art encouraged them to see the education and voiced his criticisms & Design Dept wish him a happy potential for creative expression in with gusto! Though he lamented retirement with his family. their own lives and backgrounds. the devaluing of traditional skills of
18 GMIT annual 2006
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clubs & societies
Somehow, the Olympic spirit never quite agreed with me! On the cultural front, the original college theatre was a Mecca for various cultural societies not least those in the drama side of things, while the Archaeological, Historical & Folklore Society, founded by Eddie Fox, as well as the Speakers’ Club initiated by Michael Lally hosted internationally renowned conferences there. Other societies in my time included Cumann Gaelach founded in 1973, while one of the strangest was the Equestrian Society under Chef d’Equip Fintan Coogan at the wheel of car and horse box, with students hanging out of each! Staff, too, were catered for in my time, with the Bridge Club formed in 1974 keeping heads down, while Clubs and Societies in the early years the Golf Club singularly (for some by Peadar O’Dowd, former lecturer and myself in particular) failed to do so, founded as it was after a When the Regional Technical was not just the problem, however, ‘lacklustre’ outing to Roscommon College Galway opened on 18 because it was not possible for me in 1973. September, 1972, sporting and to manage all four teams while at With the appointment of Jennifer cultural activities initially found the same time lecture in the Foley and later Frank Ryan as rather bumpy berths on this ship normal way. physical education teachers at the we call the GMIT today. At first, this The answer, as usual, was rather end of the seventies, my post of rather plain-looking educational simple. Delegation. So it came to responsibility disappeared in the vessel ploughed somewhat aimlessly in pass that Donncadha Ó hEallaithe wake of this great ship and I was the winds of change with no became manager to the hurlers, consigned to the joys of a deck playing field to test the sporting Peter Clarke controlled the rugby chair in its various lecture halls with mettle of its students. Worse still team, Bernard O’Hara managed the memories to burn. there was no captain at the helm to Gaelic footballers, while dapper drive extra-curricular activities. Liam Hanratty ensured his soccer Destiny always has a date contingent did not let the side Clubs and Societies 2007 however, and 15 November, 1974 down. A whisper in a manager’s by Ruth Merrigan, SU Administrator was the day a Post of Responsibility ear noting the success of another for Clubs and Societies landed on worked miracles, of course, and In my nine years working in GMIT I my desk. I took command with trophies in all four codes decorated never knew that the very first some trepidation. The pitch Gay Corr’s office resulting from this manager of Clubs, Societies and problem was first to be tackled and dreadful subterfuge. Activities was the one and only Mr. duly solved when, quite by Indoor sports also demanded Peadar O’ Dowd. Peadar, on behalf accident you understand, young attention, especially when the of our students past and present, ornamental trees were somehow Higher Education Sports the Students Union extends a harvested with the acre or so of Federation came into being and sincere thank you. hay in front of the building, and a table tennis, basketball, volleyball, Extra-curricular activities at GMIT space for a playing pitch badminton were initially farmed have progressed nicely since 1972. miraculously appeared. out to various outside halls, before Over the years, GMIT students, Although the student population our own sportshall finally opened whilst not always as successful in initially only numbered in the low in 1978. Many successes were competition as we might have hundreds, fierce warriors with recorded in these sports also not hoped, have been renowned for hurley sticks or rugby caps already least because we were the largest their extraordinary dedication to vied with leathered-toed Gaelic regional college at the time, while our clubs and societies. We are footballers or soccer players for losing offered the option of proud of all students who have possession of that rather sacred walking home from away fixtures participated in any club or society sward. Pitch time co-ordination in order to get fitter still. during their time at the Institute.
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clubs & societies
We must bear in mind that Rugby Team, promoting Women’s opened an ultra-modern Fitness securing a trophy will not alone Rugby on campus and preparing Centre. The fitness centre has gone ensure a successful club or society; for the first ever GMIT Tag Rugby from strength to strength thanks to it is the camaraderie that is most League. the excellent fully trained staff, the important. Many a romance In recent times the profile of our Manager Eimear Glennon and blossomed thanks to the GMIT Clubs, Societies and Activities has Instructor Ray O’ Neill. With over Clubs and Societies. I have yet to changed. This is due to the changing 550 members currently, it is a buy a hat, but I am hopeful! demographics of our students and facility that we are very proud of In September 1997, we secured a also in having to ‘keep up with the and we are committed to GAA Development Officer, the times’. Along with the traditional maintaining the existing high superb Damian Curley. Since activities such as GAA, Soccer and standards. Damian’s arrival the organisation Rugby, we now offer Cricket, Whilst the facilities available for and development of Gaelic Games Juggling, Kickboxing, Sub-Aqua, sporting activity are not fulfiling on campus has improved Yoga, and Dodgeball – don’t ask! On our needs at present, we know that significantly. In September 2006 the cultural side we have Debating, the Institute, through the purchase the IRFU provided us with a full- Film, Heritage, International & of land at Murrough, is striving to time Rugby Development Officer Excursion and Modern Dance to improve these inadequacies. We on campus – James Wakley. James, mention but a few. look forward to having first-class a Welshman, is currently working In January 2000 the SU, with facilities in the very near future. on improving the standards of our financial support from the Institute,
GMIT Cricket Club GMIT Cricket Club was set up limited time playing on proper “The rivalry is big time. We have three years ago and has really cricket fields and have had to played them a number of times taken off in the last year. compensate by playing indoor indoors. Unfortunately they have Club captain Farhan Afzal says: cricket. Although not ideal, had the upper hand on us but last “After a good bit of training we indoor cricket has provided some year we beat them when it really got a team together and decided exciting times for both the mattered. That was when we to go and play in the Cricket colleges in Galway and in played each other for the only intervarsity competition in Cork February the two clubs jointly time outdoors at the Galway Club last June. Our first game was held an Indoor Cricket intervarsity in Claregalway so that was great.” against Queens Belfast and they attended by third-level It is wins like this that have have a very good side with a lot institutions from all around the given the team great confidence of their players playing in the top country. GMIT reached the semi- as they look forward to this year’s league in Northern Ireland. This final despite missing three top outdoor intervarsity to be held in was compared to our guys who players. Belfast this June.. Afzal has aimed were very inexperienced, but we This joint venture between for at least a semi-final berth, did well and put up a good show GMIT and NUIG demonstrated a which for a team with limited and just lost out.” huge bond between the two facilities would be an amazing After the Queens game, the teams but Afzal states this achievement. team went into their crunch tie alliance stays purely off the field. © GalwayFirst, March 07 with UCD to see who would Members of the progress to the Shield Final. After GMIT Cricket Club setting a target of 224 runs GMIT at the 2006 Student seemed set for victory but an Achievement amazing comeback from the men Awards, with outgoing GMIT SU from Dublin secured an unlikely President Debbie draw and unfortunately due to Molloy. their superior run rate GMIT progressed out of the group. For their first competitive outing it was a remarkable performance for GMIT and this year the club has gained momentum. Cricket is a slave to the weather and Galway’s traditional monsoon season between September and May means that the club gets
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life after college
Collins to open his account as Galway’s newly appointed captain. While Collins always hoped of one day being handed the mantle of captain, he still must have been surprised to have been chosen by Loughnane and the management team, given that he is only a young man of 23 years of age. “I was shocked really,”says Collins. “He (Loughnane) came to me at training one evening and said would I be captain. Of course, I accepted and later in the training session he informed the rest of squad. It was fantastic to get it. Now hopefully, I can lead Galway to the Liam McCarthy. “I had always hoped that some day I would get the captaincy, but because of my age, I didn’t think it would be this soon. I suppose though by getting it, I must have shown that I had leadership qualities. So it’s great.” That said, Collins has always being recognised as a player who takes the initiative. Having established himself in the Galway senior side in 2005, the Liam Mellows wing-back played an intricate part in guiding the Tribesmen to an All-Ireland appearance against Cork. David Collins Unfortunately, the day ended in defeat, and one of the abiding GMIT graduate and Captain of the Galway Senior Hurling team memories of the aftermath was a talks to Stephen Glennon, Connacht Tribune. dejected Collins ambling slowly For GMIT graduate David Collins, opener against Antrim would be a down the semi-lit tunnel being named captain of the Galway low-key affair, but given this was underneath Croke Park. A senior hurling team for 2007 is also former Clare supremo Ger silhouette, head bowed. nothing less than a dream come Loughnane’s first game in charge, “I’m absolutely heartbroken,”said true. Like every young aspiring there was plenty of significance Collins, as he hugged the cold wall underage hurler, Collins had attached to the contest. outside the losers dressing-room at dreamed of one day leading his Indeed, over 5,000 hardy souls the time. “But I have the U-21 (All- county out onto the field of battle, braved the elements on that and perhaps taking them to the Sunday afternoon to bear witness. hallowed turf of Croke Park and It was a far cry from two years later, with the maroon and white previously, when less than than flags flying proudly from the four 1,000 die-hards turned out in the corners of Ireland’s modern day summer climes of July for an coliseum, up the celestial steps of important All-Ireland qualifier clash the Hogan Stand. between the same two sides. On Sunday, February 18 of this That league opener against year, at the tender age of 23, Antrim in February proved a Collins became one of the successful outing for Galway, with youngest Galwaymen ever to Collins leading the Tribesmen to a captain his county’s senior hurlers. facile 3-25 to 0-12 victory. A win to On any other occasion, a league his credit, it was a beautiful way for
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Ireland final) next week to look David Collins forward to, so hopefully we can presented with a GMIT bring a Cup home in that.”Even in Student Achievement Award 2006 , following All-Ireland defeat, Collins was his selection as "Senior looking for the next challenge. That Hurler of the Year". L-R: statement alone summed up David Debbie Molloy, GMIT Collins and the maturity of the Outgoing Students Liam Mellows man. The Westerners Union President, Marian Byrnes, AIB, subsequently claimed that U-21 and Marion Coy, accolade, defeating a highly rated Director GMIT. Kilkenny outfit by 1-15 to 1-14. Collins played his part, as he had done with the seniors all year, and was later named as the 2005 Young Player of the Year. A natural leader, Collins though believes his five years at GMIT, where he studied Digital and leadership qualities, without a While success eluded GMIT Software Systems, was the ideal shadow of a doubt. The set-up in during Collins’ tenure, he says he place for him to hone his talents, GMIT was very good, and it was an couldn’t imagine going to any and nurture those leadership skills. ideal place to prove that you did other college bar GMIT. “I made “I have to say GMIT was great for have leadership qualities.” great friends there and I would say that,”states Collins. “In college, you Unfortunately, Collins and GMIT I am still in touch with 80 to 90 are not only working with a group, were never to taste success in his percent of the lads on the teams I but you also have to stand up and time there. played with at GMIT. make presentations throughout “They are either ringing you or the year. That is one of the great texting you, wishing you well or advantages of going to an IT I had always hoped that sometimes even slagging you, college like GMIT. You would be on hoping you get beaten by a bit of a high after giving a some day I would get the Tipperary or someone else,”laughs presentation, it is actually a captaincy, but because of Collins. “I think though that was fantastic feeling. my age, I didn’t think it one of the best thing about being “That is something you wouldn’t would be this soon. in college in GMIT. You felt like you always get to do in a university, belonged there, and that was all where you maybe just attend down to the friends you made. lectures for 14 hours a week. In In his first year, 2001, Collins “Then you had Damien Curley, who GMIT, we would have about 39 to captained GMIT to the fresher’s is the main man there. Damien is 40 hours a week, and then you semi-final, but cruelly lost by two the GAA Development Officer. He would be hurling on top of that. It points to UCD. Collins continues: “I has been the one keeping things meant there were a lot of 7 o’clock suppose we were unlucky not to going, and only for him, it wouldn’t starts,”chuckles the Hewlett have won a Fitzgibbon the second have been the same.” Packard software technician. “It year I was there. We had a good No doubt, Collins’ GMIT epoch could be pretty intensive.” team, with Eugene Cloonan served him well. He talks about the That aside, the Galway city native (Athenry and Galway), Damien importance of a good work ethic, enjoyed his time immensely at the Hayes (Portumna and Galway), be it at hurling, college or career, college. “It was good craic and the Brian Duff from Tipperary, and noting it is only through hard work hurling kept me going. The college Kilkenny’s James Ryall, who now that you achieve your goals. “My brings you on so much in your has three All-Ireland medals to his goal for the year is to hopefully hurling. When you are a young lad, name. captain Galway to an All-Ireland. If you are getting to play some of the “We reached the quarter-final you have a dream, you have to top hurlers in the country, through that year and were beaten by work at it. The Galway lads are such competitions as the Waterford IT. We lost by four working very hard at that at the Fitzgibbon Cup. points. We were up by four points moment, and I think we will. I think “You would be going out and at half-time and ended up losing we will bring Liam McCarthy back marking Eoin Kelly (Tipperary) and by four. I was playing half-back and to Galway.” Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny), and you I was marking Shefflin in the first had to raise the standard of your half. He then moved into full- If they do, GMIT will certainly play. So your hurling had to forward and he ended up scoring have played its part. improve. It also helped to build something like 1-5.”
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international
Egyptians complete training at Mountbellew New exchange agreement with Ohio L-R: Brendan College Heneghan, CAO, Teagasc; Senator Michael Kitt, A new educational exchange Mohamed Rashad agreement has been established to Abdelgayed Ali allow students at the Castlebar Mohamed, Agricultural campus to study in Ohio and Engineer, CA 17 International, France; Cleveland students to study in and Tom Burke, Head Castlebar for one semester, from of Centre, January 2007. Mountbellew Baldwin-Wallace College is a Agricultural College. private liberal arts Methodist- related college with over 4,700 enrolled students. GMIT Castlebar also has an exchange agreement with Western Carolina University.
Thirteen Egyptian agricultural engineers completed a four-week intensive study programme at GMIT Mountbellew delivered by the Agricultural College, GMIT Director Marion Coy with GMIT and Teagasc. The programme was arranged through the French agency the President of Nanchang CA17. Mountbellew Principle Tom Burke said the visit was an important step in University, Professor Dr Zhou the advancement of partnership delivery of training for international groups. Wenbin. Nanchang University Mahidol University, Bangkok GMIT has signed a major educational exchange agreement The Director of GMIT and the Mahidol is the oldest university Dean of the Mahidol University in Thailand and the Dean visited with China’s Nanchang University. International College (MUIC) GMIT in October to discuss the It is the third largest university in signed a collaborative nature of the exchanges in more China in terms of student agreement during the NAFSA detail. numbers, with some 85,000 conference in Montreal last year. registered students. The college was founded in 1940 and offers a range of liberal arts, sciences and engineering programmes. Wuxi South Ocean College The agreement between the GMIT has signed an agreement with WSOC whereby students will be two educational institutions is a recruited for a joint programme leading to the Bachelor of Business in very positive step for GMIT. It Hotel & Catering Management. fulfils a key element in the GMIT The Chinese students will spend two years in WSOC developing their English language skills and studying other modules before transferring to Strategic Plan 2004-2009, to Galway for semester three onwards. develop and support international The programme has commenced and the first students will arrive in student mobility. Galway in August 2008.
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Lesotho Taoiseach. During the visit the Saudi Government agreed with the Minister for Education & Science Mary Hanafin that the King Abdullah scholarship scheme would be extended to include the IT sector in Ireland. Four institutes have submitted a list of suitable programmes to the Saudi Government.
Norway
The Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mr Truls Hanevold, with GMIT Director Marion Coy L-R: GMIT Director Marion Coy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mannete Malethole Ramaili, and Des Foley, Head of School of Science.
GMIT received a visit from the They discussed the economic Ambassador of the Kingdom of development of Lesotho and Lesotho, Mannete Malethole potential ties with GMIT. The Ramaili. Mrs Ramaili had an ambassador also attended one informal meeting with the Institute of the many induction sessions Director Marion Coy delivered to the Institute’s 1700 and senior management. first year students.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ireland, H.E. Mr Truls Hanevold, met with the Director of GMIT, Marion Coy, and senior management in February to learn about the Institute’s remit and in particular its research and innovation activities. Mr Hanevold spoke with Dr Martin Robinson about GMIT’s commercial fisheries development project (ARE SHELLTEC) and with George McCourt, IiBC Manager, about activity in the Innovation in Business Centres. While in Galway he also visited the Marine Institute. The Ambassador hopes that the information and experiences shared in the areas of innovation, commercialisation, and technology A seven-man delegation (above) right), Governor of GOTEVOT. The transfer supported by targeted from the General Organisation for heads of a possible co-operation R&D, will act to encourage similar Technical Education and Vocational agreement were initialled. The activity within Norway and, Training (GOTEVOT) in Saudi Arabia delegation also visited DIT, WIT and significantly, in strengthening visited GMIT in December to AIT. cross-country collaboration. Mr discuss possible links with GMIT In January, the Director took part Hanevold strongly believes that and other Institutes of Technology. in the Enterprise Ireland trade Norway and Ireland could benefit The delegation was led by His mission to Saudi Arabia and the greatly from a sharing of Highness, Dr. Ali Ghafis (centre- United Arab Emirates led by An innovation knowledge.
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research
GMIT contributes to Graduate Researcher Education Programmes GMIT is collaborating on two new content and structures for the IRCHSS under the Graduate national initiatives to build delivery of high quality post- Research Education Programme improved education programmes graduate education across the (GREP). With over 40 researchers for postgraduate researchers in the participating institutes. The working within its SHELLTEC near future. alliance will provide support and Research Centre and the Marine The first will see GMIT partner training in coordination, and Freshwater Research Centre, with 12 other Institutes of benchmarking, training and GMIT looks forward to the Irish Technology to form an ‘Institute of dissemination of research best Marine Graduate School delivering Technology Research Alliance’ to practice. This project is lead by its first education programmes in develop jointly accredited Institute of Technology, Sligo and 2008. This project commenced in professional qualifications in was funded by the Higher January and GMIT is represented research practice for staff and Education Authority under its on the project Steering Group by students, both undergraduate and Strategic Innovation Fund. Dr. Elizabeth Gosling. postgraduate. While each Institute The second project will establish GMIT’s Head of Research, Dr. of Technology currently delivers the ‘Irish Marine Graduate School‘ John Lohan says both these broad-based and specialist to develop and deliver specialist initiatives will greatly increase the postgraduate training, this is the education programmes for Marine availability and enhance the quality first time that all the Institutes have researchers. GMIT partners with of training being made available to collaborated on such a sector-wide NUI Galway, UCC and TCD on this the 150-strong research initiative. This important project exploratory project, which was community currently active within will lead to improved course funded jointly by IRCSET and GMIT.
GMIT research activity GMIT recently completed an audit of its research • Design and Innovation activity which highlights rapid expansion. • Tourism, Culture and Humanities These strategic research themes reflect GMIT’s Figure 1(a) highlights the rapid growth in awarded research strengths and track record, have a regional funding over the past six years, which exceeded €5 relevance and impact, and complement the research million during the last academic year, 2005/06. activities of other higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland. Figure 1(b) highlights how these trends are also mirrored by the steady growth in the number of full- The Institute looks forward to extending the existing time postgraduate researchers and staff, which now critical mass of research in the three areas identified by exceeds 90. This excludes over 60 academic staff, continuing to implement research-friendly policies which brings the active research community to over and working with external collaborators and agencies 150 researchers. to build on existing research infrastructure.
A breakdown of the research activity is presented on Research projects will align with regional, national and the Institute Research Web site. The Institute focuses EU development policies, and deliver maximum on three strategic research themes: societal impact to the region. • Natural Resources and Sustainability
(Fig 1(a) Awarded research funding per academic year (99/00 - 05/06) (Fig 1(b) Growth in the base of full-time researchers (00 - 07)
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to set up a pilot system based on Plan to harvest compost power composting that can provide a low by Dick Ahlstrom, The Irish Times. level of heating in a tunnel. Allen Hopes are high of developing free energy by utilising heat given isn't limiting himself to this off by composting green waste. application however. "We want to see how far we can Something for nothing is nice if during composting, having once take this," he suggests. Towns and you can get it, but particularly measured the centre of a green cities produce large volumes of when it comes to a supply of compost heap at 60 degrees. green waste from trees, grass and energy. Researchers at Galway- "It can get that hot in the centre. hedging. Large scale composting Mayo Institute of Technology There is a lot of heat there but it is plants might be able to produce (GMIT) hope to achieve this being lost to the air. If you get the enough heat to partially warm an attractive financial equation by composting vessel right and the entire building. capturing unused energy given off ingredients right we could use that This represents a saving even if by decomposing organic material. heat for some useful purpose like the building gains 50 per cent of its Brendan Allen is a research heating a horticultural tunnel.” heat from composting. "If you scientist and project manager in could tap into that heat it will save the research section at GMIT. He The result will be on fossil fuel costs," says Allen. and his group recently received usable compost to improve soil The students got going on the €225,000 from the Department of and productivity, but also an research last month. "By the Agriculture and Food to develop extended growing season when summer we will know a lot about methods for maximising heat the composting process and how using difficult to heat tunnels output from green compost and to maintain heat levels." He from slurry and trapping this for believes that they will have a The ingredient mix could be space heating. working system to test by next important, he believes. The "We are using compost and winter, when the cost of heating a students will assess how critical the trying to optimise that heat at a tunnel using gas or electric green plant mix is and what might farm-based level and at a municipal becomes too high. be added to boost heat output. level," Allen explains. "We are The research is also supported He assumes that some form of heat coming up with technology to by Galway County Council and by exchanger based on piped maximise that heat and use it in Cáit Curran, a local organic circulating water will allow the heat horticultural tunnels." horticulturist. Most of the at the centre of the compost to be The large plastic and frame composting and prototype work taken out and put to productive greenhouse tunnels are in regular will take place at the Mountbellew use. "We are trying to get the use by farmers across the state. Agricultural College, a partner maximum heat without damaging They are typically heated using college with GMIT. Any laboratory the compost making process." electricity or gas, but are expensive work will be conducted in GMIT's The result will be usable compost to operate. Dublin Road campus. to improve soil and productivity, "The tunnels lose heat at a © 2007 The Irish Times phenomenal rate. They are too but also an extended growing expensive to heat during the season when using difficult to heat The project is led by GMIT’s Principal tunnels. Investigator, Dr Martin Robinson, who winter," says Allen. Yet they only joined the Institute from Trinity The initial designs for this two- have to be kept at between 17 and College Dublin in 2005. 23 degrees to be useful and a heat year research project will be used supply taken for free from the GMIT Research composting process could provide Scientist Brendan Allen the answer. with research students Two master's degree students Sonya Fitzgerald and Donal Chambers. are studying the composting process, how much heat is being produced and how it might be recovered. Green plant waste is being tested, with the students using standard wheelie bins to find the best mix of green materials to boost heat production. "We are also going to look at aerobic digestion of slurry," adds Allen. He knows significant heat is given off
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research
GMIT SHELLTEC Centre The chilling equipment used to maintain low water temperature in the systems produces a large The Enterprise Ireland funded Applied Research Enhancement amount of heat as a by-product. (ARE) SHELLTEC project at GMIT is examining the responses of Rather than venting this energy to various shellfish species to medium to long-term storage and the roof of GMIT for dispersal, it is subsequent transport, and using the knowledge gained to being passed through a heat develop innovative technologies that enhance the competitive exchanger to remove any odour ability of the Irish fishing industry. and moisture and used to heat the foyer at the old reception, near the Researchers in the Centre. The SHELLTEC team are GMIT SHELLTEC adapting the design of the systems Centre. to ensure that they use the minimum amount of energy possible, thus reducing operating costs, the environmental impact of the units and maximising the economic benefit that can be passed to industry. The SHELLTEC team also has a refrigerated vehicle to conduct research into transportation that is helping industry to improve the methods “Fishing is a vital source of fishermen to operate the unit. Until and protocols used to move production, employment and now they have been unable to store shellfish within Ireland and to revenue for most coastal shellfish on the island or to deliver European markets. communities in the region, and their products to the mainland for The project will continue for at innovative approaches to export when poor sea conditions least another one and half years, development are required to meet persist in autumn and winter but Enterprise Ireland is currently the challenges of current changes months. The holding system will reviewing a revised in the structure of coastal societies, give the co-operative the ability to implementation plan that will see the Irish economy and our natural supply fresh seafood throughout an expansion of activities well into environment.”says Dr Martin the vital tourist season on the 2009. Other sources of funding are Robinson, Principal Investigator island. Training courses for industry also being pursued to ensure the and Project Manager of SHELLTEC will be developed in collaboration sustainability of the facility and Centre, GMIT. with NUI, Galway and delivered to team. The SHELLTEC research team at other members of the industry this GMIT is operating four summer. The cost of attending experimental shellfish holding training events will be support by units that have been imported the Accel Innovate West network Dr Martin Robinson, Principal Investigator from Canada. These provide clean being co-ordinated by GMIT. and Project Manager, SHELLTEC Centre, GMIT. and stable environments that are chilled to maintain animal health and increase survival rate over longer periods than are possible with traditional, low-technology methods. This allows industry to match the supply of shellfish to seasonal variations in market demand, rather than sending products directly to the continent at low prices, which are dictated by European buyers. SHELLTEC has also joined forces with Bord Iascaigh Mhara to run a pilot programme to transfer a commercial one ton capacity unit to Comhar Caomhan Teo (fisherman’s co-operative), Inis Oirr, this summer and train the local
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GMIT Medical Technologies Centre (GMedTech) GMIT recently secured over The GMedTec team, L-R: Dr Carine Gachon, €1.2m funding, under the Dr Patrick Delassus (Group Enterprise Ireland Applied Leader), Dr P.J. McAllen, Research Enhancement Dr Magdalena Tyndyk, (ARE) Programme, which has John Kelly (GMedTech allowed it to establish a Centre Director), Dr Liam Morris, Medical Technologies Centre Florentina Ene and of Excellence, known as Gerard O'Donnell. GMedTech.
This funding represents the largest fund awarded to a single research project in the Institute’s history. The and developing specialised test and four post-graduate researchers. funding was provided under the systems to meet these needs. The It is intended that the Centre will National Development Plan, 2000- information gathered from the test employ up to ten personnel in the 2006 and part-financed by the systems is used to support device initial phase, including additional European Regional Development design and development decisions. post-graduates researchers, Plan. The ARE funding is supporting The Centre is also assisting the research engineers as well as the start-up and initial running Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC), technical and administrative period of GMedTech. in GMIT, to attract medical device support staff. The Centre is offering the start-ups as spin-offs from the The Centre is the culmination of regional and national medical medical device cluster in the region the research achievements of the device cluster an advanced product or arising from the GMedTech GMIT Medical Technology Research performance testing service, as research and development. Group over the last six years. The well as informed product design The GMedTec Centre is located Group, all stemming from the Dept and development support. on the Dublin Road campus in of Mechanical and Industrial GMedTech is actively engaging with Galway and employs a Centre Engineering, is led by Dr Patrick medical device companies; Director, John Kelly, a post-doctoral Delassus. identifying their product test needs; researcher, Dr. Magdalena Tyndyk,
Dolphin research The West Coast of Ireland is home variety of sounds in the course of of GMIT’s Marine Biodiversity to numerous species of whales, their various activities. These Research Group. dolphins and porpoises. GMIT include: ultrasonic echolocation John Cunningham says: "We are scientists from the Biology and signals; narrow band, frequency- extracting the whistle contours Physics/Instrumentation areas, modulated whistles; and burst and then determining how many along with The Shannon Dolphin pulse clicks. They use the distinct signature whistles there and Wildlife Trust, are working echolocation clicks to detect and are. This will provide an indication together to increase our recognise objects underwater from of how many dolphins were understanding of the behaviour the returning echoes – a biological present in the area over the and habitat needs of these version of sonar. Whistles and period. When correlated with mammals and in particular those burst pulse clicks are used mainly visual observation, we can get an of the resident population of for communication. estimate of the dolphin population bottlenose dolphins in the The current research in Physics and how it varies over time. Shannon Estuary. at GMIT focuses on these narrow- "It should even be possible in Whales and dolphins band, frequency-modulated some cases to visually match communicate, navigate and whistles, particularly on the so individual dolphins to their explore through sound rather than called signature whistles, which signature whistles. Abundance sight. Sound travels five times are thought to establish dolphin estimates are critical to the faster in water than it does in air identity. monitoring and protection of the and most of their time is spent The research is being conducted resident dolphin population in the underwater where vision is often by lecturer John Cunningham and Shannon Estuary.” very limited. post graduate Sabina Clarke, in Bottlenose dolphins use a conjunction with Joanne O’Brien
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feature From Letterfrack to
Farmleigh by Peadar O’Dowd Time marches on and in its march, progress inevitably is made. In this regard, Galway was not behind the door when the hands of time slipped into motion. Examples abound, not least that of Galway Cathedral whose lofty dome elevates today with the sound of hymn and prayer. Not so long ago, this spatial site housed the county and city jails whose singular embrace of stone and iron brought only despair, when even wood was deemed a luxury in the prison cell.
Clockwise: Cube light Box: Kate Dunne and Ryan Connolly
Chair: Brian Cooney
Cutlery Canteens (before-after treatment): Maurice Molloy, Sarah O'Sullivan, Gillian Goodbody
Bathroom storage cabinet: Diarmuid Murphy
ways, found their way to this place and found a place from which they couldn’t escape….”. Time marches on, of course, because when President McAleese spoke these words, she was officially opening the new Furniture Gallery in the Galway- Mayo Institute of Technology Letterfrack campus. The transformation was complete. The Yet, wood plays a most important Perhaps President Mary house of detention had become a part in the rehabilitation of another McAleese on visiting Letterfrack in centre of industrial intuition and building with an equally June of this year best summed up endeavour. unwholesome past. Letterfrack the building’s sad history: In fact, ever since the industrial industrial school, whose Victorian “It stood for a kind of failure. school ceased to be, and facade set amid the isolation of a Actually, it stood for a failure of Connemara West, the local Connemara wilderness instilled an families, it stood for a failure of community-owned rural even more virulent form of fear. institutional imagination. It stood development company, purchased Here, too, captivity was the norm, also in some ways for a failure of the building in the 1970s, a but of the foulest kind, involving as humanity itself, because so many furniture design educational facility it did the incarceration of the young men whose lives were was established in the old building, young of mind. already blighted in many different where the sound of nail on wood,
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Concept generation: Alan Treacy
now denoted true learning not abject fear. Not surprisingly, this useful toil welcomed ambition and when the embryonic college came within the aegis of the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in 1987, with institute lecturer Jim O’Connor a driving force behind the merger, it received accreditation to offer diplomas and degrees in the world of its choice. Today, according to Michael Hannon, the Head of the Centre at Letterfrack, the aim of the facility is “to provide a dynamic educational environment to support students on a path of development towards creativity and expertise in furniture and wood-based technologies”. As Michael also reminds us, “Letterfrack is synonymous in the mind of the average Irish person with being a centre of excellence in furniture design, making, restoration and production and in this it is unique in Irish third level education. Currently there are six and fine art. Not surprisingly, and innovative exhibits include a stand- Bachelor of Science degrees on in keeping with this approach, alone but very practical chair (with offer in Letterfrack”. Today, GMIT GMIT Letterfrack has been only two legs!) by Alastair Creswell, Letterfrack is the only Irish institute honoured to showcase its students’ while Brian Murray’s ‘Rock Drawers’ offering a new woodwork teaching work in an exhibition entitled, are curved memory boxes intended degree – the Bachelor of Science ‘Furnishing the Details’ which runs for triplets to contain first locks of (Honours) in Design and in the Farmleigh Gallery from 5th hair and each toddler’s initial tooth. Technology Education. October to the 5th November, with Obviously, imagination and Since it opened in 1987, GMIT entry free to the public. creativity are very much at play and Letterfrack has made an indelible Opened recently by an tUasal encouraged in what initially was mark on Irish design and its Éamon Ó Cuiv, Minister for thought to be a rather isolated accomplishments in various fields Community Rural and Gaeltacht educational facility in Letterfrack have created a special rapport Affairs, this exciting exhibition deep in the heart of the West of between national and international displays furniture designed and Ireland. Certainly, this exhibition design-related industries, made by students and graduates of will inform east-coast dwellers that producing a standard of work that Letterfrack. Here in Farmleigh one there is far more to Connemara is unique. Our attention now turns can marvel at the innovation in than its awesome scenery and to the recently converted contemporary furniture design and ever-changing weather patterns as Farmleigh House exhibition centre admire the excellence in the eager students and dedicated staff in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, which making, restoration, production, from many corners of Europe has initiated a programme to research and technological skills of converge on a site, which now display the best in contemporary the exhibitors at first hand. offers so much hope for the future. Irish and international craft, design Exciting, and to put it mildly, © Galway Now
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events
Castlebar’s first artists
Castlebar campus celebrated the work of its first batch of L-R: Bernie Garvey-O’Mara, Crossmolina; Loretto Cooney, students to complete the part-time BA in Art & Design. The Abbeyshrule, Longford, Pauline Garavan, Castlebar; Eileen students’ work was unveiled at an exhibition in St Mary’s Murtagh, Swinford; Mary Flynn, Westport; Benita Stoney, Hall in June, attended by the artists, their families and Newport; Susan Quinn, Westport; Mary Smyth, Ballyhaunis; friends, invited guests of the college and Castlebar staff. David Slack, Ballina; William Burke, Ballina; Marliese The exhibition also ran at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Hertfelder, Ballyhaunis; and Rosemary Gallagher, Castlebar in July. The graduates attended lectures one Ballaghaderreen. evening a week for six years.
International foresters meet in GMIT
GMIT forestry lecturer An international conference “Small-scale and conference co- ordinator Sara Wall Forestry and Rural Development” took (centre left) with Junior place in GMIT last year, attended by the Agriculture Minister Minister of State at the Department of Mary Wallace (centre Agriculture and Food, Mary Wallace. The right) who addressed event was co-ordinated by GMIT Forestry the 2006 Forestry Conference in GMIT lecturer Sara Wall.
Over 50 papers were delivered during the five-day symposium by representatives from 23 countries including Europe, the US, Scandinavia, Africa and Australia. The GMIT-hosted conference was organised in collaboration with IUFRO and supported by Coford, Coillte, Teagasc , and the Western Forestry Co-op, Sligo.
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off the press
Recent publications by GMIT staff
Davitt Author: Bernard O'Hara. Published by Mayo County Council
A concise illustrated biography of one of the most loved and respected personalities in Irish history, written in the context of his time. Immortalised as ‘The Father of the Land League’, Michael Davitt (1846-1906) was also a respected international journalist, an author, a supporter of Home Rule, an MP, and a pioneer of the labour movement in Britain and Ireland. GMIT Registrar Bernard O’Hara's other publications include: Killasser: A History (ed.), The Evolution of Irish Industrial Relations Law and Practice, Mayo: Aspects of its Heritage (ed.), Michael Davitt Remembered, Archeological Heritage of Killasser, County Mayo, Regional Technical College Galway: The First 21 Years, and A Guide to County Mayo.
Galway Lawn Tennis Club - a History Author: Peadar O'Dowd. Published by Jaycee Printers, Galway.
A social history of the Galway Lawn Tennis Club and Galway city during the last century, covering the club's foundation and history to the present day through minutes and newspaper clippings as well as personal memoirs from some of the longer-serving members. Peadar O'Dowd, who retired from GMIT this year, was a senior lecturer in GMIT Business School and is the author of a number of books on heritage including The History of County Galway and Galway City in Old Photograph, both published by Gill & MacMillan. An Island Heart Author: Brian O'Rourke. Aisling Ltd Published by Wynkin de Worde. Author: Sean Harnett. A story about a troubled individual, a Published by Hag’s Head Press. man devoid of empathy and incapable of true relationships, who eventually Aisling Ltd is Seán Harnett's darkly satirical debut commits a terrible deed. novel. By turns a biting exposé of the culture of Brian O'Rourke is a lecturer in Irish corporate Ireland and a gripping psychological literature in GMIT. thriller, the book has been widely praised. Village His other publications include: The magazine called it “entirely convincing and Conscience of the Race (1980), engaging: an exciting tale written with flair and The Long Walk of a Queen (1985) and talent”, while The Irish Examiner hailed it as “the Blas Meala: A Sup from the Honey-Pot. book IT workers have been waiting for”. Seán Harnett is currently writing his second novel. He works in the GMIT Computer Services Department. More information at http://www.aislingltd.com
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36 GMIT annual 2006/2007 Insert IiBC Advert GMIT Alumni Association
full page colour We'd like to keep in touch with you in the future Innovation in so please send us your contact details. was used in the Benefits of the GMIT Alumni Association include:
Business Centre (IiBC) • Organisation of class reunions and professional Galway conferrings networking events. The Innovation in Business Centres (IiBC) at GMIT • Preferential membership rates for GMIT Library. Castlebarbooklet and GMIT 06 Galway are strategic resources • Special rates for GMIT Gym . for new start-up companies. • Health insurance - 10% discount with VHI and (inside front cover) Quinn Healthcare. The IiBC supports the development of new enterprises in the region by • 10% discount at Blacoe Jewellers Galway and providing incubation space and business development supports for the Claremorris. nurturing of new ideas and the commercialisation of applied research. • 10% discount on accommodation and leisure It is another step in GMIT’s innovative approach towards facilitating club membership at Ardilaun Hotel, Galway. learning and economic development in the regions. • Two-for-one admission at 67 OPW sites throughout the country. Supported by Enterprise Ireland, the Innovation in Business Centres also provide a Concept Desk facility to support entrepreneurs who have a good idea for a new business venture, which may in time develop into a project for the incubation space.
Business development supports available to new start-up companies cover such areas as Marketing, Sales, Finance, Legal, Intellectual Property, Export Development, Mentoring, Networking and access to Research competencies at the Institute.
The IiBC enables companies to work in a secure, innovative, entrepreneurial environment as they progress through the various stages of a new company start-up.
Contact the GMIT Alumni Association at George McCourt Maria Staunton [email protected], and complete the brief IiBC, Galway IiBC, Castlebar online application form at www.gmit.ie/alumni/ 091-742822 094-9027492 [email protected] [email protected] Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Road, Galway, Rep of Ireland.
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