In the News..

New undergraduate degree in Global Luxury and Experience Management launched to coincide with celebrations Shannon College of Hotel Management has today marked 75 years of hospitality education with a milestone anniversary celebration and the launch of a new undergraduate degree - Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) in Global Luxury and Experience Management. The event was centred around the launch of a new ambitious vision for the future of Shannon College, including an outline of plans for a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art learning building. Founded in 1951 by Dr Brendan O’Regan, Shannon College of Hotel Management has grown from an ambitious idea in the Shannon region to become a world-renowned school as part of University of Galway which has a distinctive place in Irish and global hospitality education. The 75th anniversary event brought together alumni, students, staff, friends of Shannon College, members of the community and industry partners to reflect on its long-standing contribution to the national and international hospitality sector, while also looking ahead to the future of hospitality education. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “It is a privilege to be part of a 75th anniversary celebration which so clearly shows the strength of the bond between students, staff, graduates and the region, while also demonstrating the impact of the Shannon College globally. We look forward to greater successes in hospitality education as ambitions for the future become a reality.”  Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College of Hotel Management, said: “Over the past 75 years, Shannon College has adapted to changing times while holding firmly to its defining values. This approach has helped generations of graduates build successful careers. The new degree programme launched today - Bachelor of Business Studies in Global Luxury and Experience Management - will continue to build on that legacy, while opening new pathways for students into dynamic and growing global industries.” Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said: “The launch of the new BBS in Global Luxury and Experience Management degree programme reflects our commitment to developing future leaders with the skills and insights to thrive in an increasingly experiential-focused hospitality landscape.” Shannon College’s new BBS in Global Luxury and Experience Management combines business knowledge with specialist capability in luxury markets, digital engagement, service excellence and international brand environments. It has been designed to equip graduates for roles that require the ability to design, deliver and manage high-value customer experiences in a wide range of settings. The 75th anniversary celebrations included conversations, billed as Down Memory Lane, with graduates including Daniel McLoughlin, founder of RockSalt; former Deputy Head of School Kate O’Connell; and current third-year student, Erin Brady. Graduates of Shannon College Nicky Logue, General Manager Intercontinental Hotel Dublin, Ruth Scanlon, Marketing Director Reignwood UK, and Christine Murphy, Founder of Urban Aran, also took part in the event, reflecting on their careers and the opportunities presented by the new degree. The celebrations also included the launch of a Shannon College 75th Anniversary Commemorative Whiskey, produced in collaboration with Co Clare Whiskey Bonder JJ Corry. The Shannon College brand is carried across the world by a global alumni community of more than 3,000 graduates in senior roles including chief executive officers of international hotel groups, leaders of global hospitality brands, chairs of major tourism destinations, and presidents and chairpersons of national and international hospitality organisations. Its practice-led approach combines academic study, professional training, immersion in language, international experience and close industry engagement, helping generations of graduates build careers across hotels, tourism, luxury hospitality, financial services, destination management, events, enterprise and other sectors. Shannon College has maintained a 100% employment record for undergraduate programmes since 1951, reflecting the enduring strength of the Shannon education and the values of professionalism, integrity, service excellence and warmth that continue to define the “Shannon Family”. Ends  

Exercise science researchers at University of Galway have revealed how careful consideration of the timing and intensity of training will benefit muscle health. The study examined the effects of exercise on muscle, and in particular whether shorter bursts of very intensive exercise or longer periods of less intensive exercise were more effective at improving muscle health. Dr Enda Murphy, an exercise scientist working at CÚRAM – the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices based at University of Galway, led the international collaboration, with scientists from Dublin City University and Toulouse University in France. In order to fully assess the impact of exercise on muscle health, the researchers took muscle biopsy samples from participants before and after exercise. They also took very precise measures of metabolic health, including “insulin sensitivity” – a measure of how well insulin can control the flow of glucose and other fuels around the body. This made it possible to analyse very precisely the effects of exercise on metabolism within the muscle itself. Dr Enda Murphy said: “The findings were interesting and unexpected. There were much bigger improvements in muscle function after the short, intensive exercise bouts compared to the longer bout of less intensive exercise, even though the overall workload with the short intensive bout was much lower. “Our analysis also showed improvements in insulin sensitivity – which relates to how effectively the body’s cells respond to insulin in order to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and regulate blood sugar levels.” The research involved young, healthy, active men involved in training or exercising at least twice a week. In order to assess how their bodies responded to the exercise, they were assessed 24 hours after sprint intervals (7x30 second high intensity sprints over 40 minutes), cycling over 1 hour (continuous moderate intensity), and while not exercising. The full research can be read in the American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism. Dr Cedric Moro, part of the research team based in the Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC) INSERM/Toulouse University France, said: “Whether the findings apply to other groups such as women, older people or those with chronic medical conditions like obesity, needs further study. However, the fact that we were able to quantify very precisely the changes in insulin sensitivity, as well as the changes in muscle at a molecular and microscopic level with the biopsy samples makes us confident that what we are seeing is real.” Professor Francis Finucane, part of the research team and Consultant Endocrinologist, Galway University Hospitals and University of Galway, said: “This study shows the power of collaboration between specialists in metabolism, muscle function and exercise science. We know that exercise is really important for metabolic health, and making exercise interventions as effective as possible will help our patients with obesity and related disorders. This study is a small but important step on that journey.” Ends

University of Galway hosts unique event for 5th year students studying Drama, Film and Theatre Studies University of Galway hosted a pioneering exploration day to support the first students in Ireland to study the new Leaving Certificate subject Drama, Film and Theatre Studies. More than 70 fifth year students and teachers from Clifden Community School, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Galway Community College, Galway Educate Together Secondary School and Merlin College took part in the event. These five schools are among the first nationwide to deliver the newly introduced Leaving Certificate subject, which commenced in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of creative arts education in Ireland. The exploration day was co-designed by secondary school teachers and academic staff from the University’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, ensuring close alignment with the new curriculum and the needs of students encountering the subject for the first time. Students engaged directly with key elements of the curriculum, including theatre and film interpretation and creativity in practice, through a programme of hands-on workshops, interactive analysis sessions, technical training delivered by university experts and performances and screenings by University of Galway students. A highlight of the day was a guest talk from Fran Keaveney, of Creative Ireland’s Creative Careers initiative, offering insights into career pathways in the creative industries and demonstrating how their studies can translate into future opportunities. Fran Keaveney said: “I was extremely impressed by the Exploration Day at University of Galway. It gave students and teachers valuable insight into theatre, film and the wide range of careers in the sector. The students were engaged, curious and eager to learn, and it would be great to see more initiatives like this supporting those considering creative career paths.” The Drama, Film and Theatre Studies Exploration Day highlights University of Galway’s commitment to early engagement with schools and to building strong collaborations with educators and creative sector partners. Darren McDonagh, Drama, Film and Theatre Studies teacher in Merlin College, Galway, said: “This was a highly valuable event for both students and teachers, bringing theory and practice together in a meaningful way. It clearly highlighted the subject’s potential, from the Creativity in Practice project to future study and career pathways, while also giving students the chance to connect with like-minded peers. We look forward to continued collaboration with University of Galway as the subject develops.” By introducing students to an on-campus learning environment, the initiative highlights pathways from school to higher education and careers in the creative arts. Dr Seán Crosson, Head of Discipline in the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at University of Galway, said: "Our exploration day reflects our strong commitment to working with schools and showcasing clear pathways into film, creative arts and teaching. This is further supported by our Creative Europe-funded Film Corner Clubs project, which is providing innovative resources to support the teaching of the Drama, Film and Theatre Studies Leaving Certificate subject.” Dr Ian Walsh, Head of Discipline Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway, said: 'It was wonderful to meet students of the new Leaving Certificate subject in Drama, Film and Theatre and to share some of our expertise with such an enthusiastic and creative cohort as well as show them around our state-of-the art facilities in the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance.” Students interested in studying in this area at University of Galway can choose from a range of undergraduate programmes that offer pathways into the creative industries and to teaching in Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, including: Bachelor of Arts (Film & Digital Media) (GY127); Performance and Screen Studies (within GY101); and Bachelor of Arts (Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies) (GY118). Further information, including how to apply, is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/ba-degrees/ Ends