Surgeons, journalists, and cancer scientists among the winners of the 2019 NUIG alumni awards

NUI Galway has announced the list of winners of the 2019 alumni awards which will be presented next month, and the list includes exceptional individual from the fields of medicine, science, law, journalism, and more.

The NUI Galway Alumni Awards recognise individual excellence and achievements among the University’s more than 100,000 graduates worldwide.

Now in their 20th year, past recipients of the awards include President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, broadcasters, Seán O’Rourke and Gráinne Seoige, public figures such as Pat Rabbitte, Eamon Gilmore and Máire Whelan, and sports figures such as rugby international, Ciarán FitzGerald and Olympic medalist Olive Loughnane.

President of NUIG Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh praised the recipients of the the 2019 awards for the “positive impact” they’ve had in the world, adding that he looks forward to seeing them back at their alma mater to receive their award.

“It is the mission of universities to make the world a better place through our teaching, research and impact,” he said.

“Our Alumni Awards programme recognises alumni who make a positive difference in the world and who are leaders in their chosen fields. Through their endeavours our mission is made manifest.”

“I’m particularly pleased this year that we can honour a diverse group of alumni who have made a positive impact in the world, and for the world, both nationally and internationally.”

The 20th annual NUI Galway Alumni Awards will be presented at a Gala Banquet on Saturday, April 13.

The full list of winners for 2019 is:

Alumni Award for Arts, Literature and Celtic Studies – Sponsored by Deloitte

• Journalist & RTÉ London correspondent, Fiona Mitchell – BA 1993

Alumni Award for Business and Commerce – Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

• Aviation entrepreneur, Dómhnal Slattery – BComm 1988

Alumni Award for Law, Public Policy and Government – Sponsored by Ronan Daly Jermyn

• Senior counsel and jurist, Grainne McMorrow – BA 1980, LLB 1983 

Alumni Award for Engineering, Science and Technology – Sponsored by Merc Partners

• Cancer scientist, Dr John Lyons – BSc 1979

Alumni Award for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences – Sponsored by Medtronic

• Surgeon and clinical educator, Dr Ronan Waldron – MB BCh BAO 1976, MMedSc 1984

Gradam Alumni don Gaeilge – Urraithe ag OÉ Gaillimh

• Journalist and broadcaster, Póilín Ní Chiaráin – BA 1965

Alumni Award for Contribution to Sport – Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

• Sports medicine pioneer, Dr Mick Molloy – MB BCh BAO 1968