University of Galway President stepping down from role

The President of the University of Galway is stepping down from the role, citing a desire to pursue other interests.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh has overseen activities at the institution for the last six-and-a-half years.

He will remain in the post until the start of the new academic year.

Prof Ó hÓgartaigh said he came to his decision after “long and careful consideration”.

He explained that he felt the time was right for his departure, given the development of a new five-year strategy for the university and the appointment of a new governing authority, Údarás na hOllscoile in 2025.

During his time in office the University changed its official name, as part of rebranding exercise.

He also charted the college activities during the Covid-19 pandemic and oversaw the response to a 2021 cyberattack on the internal IT system at the university.

The chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, Máire Geoghegan Quinn, said his tenure had been typified by a considerate and caring approach and that Prof Ó hÓgartaigh left the university “positioned strongly for the future”.