Over 400 graduates at University of Galway received their degrees this week in the summer conferring ceremony.
Tuesday’s conferring ceremony was an especially emotional day for some graduates following a proud family history.
Continuing the line of academia through the University’s history books was Dr Caoimhe Newell from Moylough, Co Galway, who was conferred with an Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO).
Dr Newell is the great grand-daughter of Dr Martin Ó Tnuthail, President of the University (then University College Galway) from 1960-1975.
She celebrated her graduation with her uncles Dr Micheál Newell, lecturer with the School of Medicine and Professor John Newell, lecturer with the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.
Among those at the summer celebrations, more than 70 were conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
There were family celebrations also for mother and daughter Róisín Hill from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo and Aoife Hill from Letterkenny, Co Donegal conferred with their PhDs.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “On behalf of the entire community of University of Galway, I congratulate every one of our graduates.”
“Summer conferring always brings with it a sense of the immediacy of our graduates making a difference, as so many of them are setting off for careers in healthcare and in research.”
“It is inspiring to see our university so clearly demonstrating its role for the public good. I wish each and every graduate success as they embark on the next step on their journey of achievement.”
The largest cohort of students to graduate came through the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences were almost 180 future doctors received their Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree.
During the ceremony, University of Galway presented 15 Final Medical Medals to 11 graduates, with Dr Dominic Butler receiving four medals for his outstanding academic performance.
Every year the University presents the medals to graduates of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences who earned the highest grade in each subject area.
