The University of Galway has made public that Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh will relinquish his presidential duties at the commencement of the forthcoming academic term. The announcement was made during the University’s Governing Authority’s regular meeting on Wednesday, where he stated it was an opportune moment, with the University planning a new strategy for 2025-2030. Prof Ó hÓgartaigh expressed gratitude for the support and amicability he received during his tenure, wishing ongoing triumph for the university’s students, alumni, researchers, academics, and professional staff, who collectively maintain the university’s high European and global status.
Professor Ó hÓgartaigh acknowledged the current challenges faced by the sector, expressing hope for the fulfilment of the forthcoming investment visions. As the 13th president, he took on the role at the University of Galway in January 2018. Before that, he served as UCD’s Accounting Professor and Business School Dean, overseeing its schools in Dublin and its foreign programmes in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
A distinguished alumnus of University College Galway[Now – University of Galway], Prof Ó hÓgartaigh earned a first-class honour and stood first in his graduating class. Following his initial training with Arthur Andersen as a Chartered Accountant, he pursued a PhD in Accounting at the University of Leeds. His notable achievements include being a former Fulbright scholar at Northeastern University (Boston, USA), serving as Audit Committee Chair at the past Department of Marine, Communications and Natural Resources, and having membership on the Audit Committee at the Department of Finance. Apart from that, he acted as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Avolon, one of the globe’s most significant aircraft leasing firms, also chairing its Audit Committee. He served on the non-statutory board of Saolta Hospital Group and chaired its Strategy Committee.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the Chairperson of the governing board, expressed her gratitude to Professor Ó hÓgartaigh for his dedication, accomplishments and guided leadership during his period as President. She wished him success in his future endeavours.
During his presidency, and amidst the uncharted trials brought on by the pandemic, Professor Ó hÓgartaigh navigated the University with thoughtfulness and a nurturing attitude. His leadership was consistently guided by values such as respect, transparency, outstanding performance and preservation.
As an advocate, his particular focus was on student assistance and funding. As he steps down, the university is in a robust position for future progression, Geoghegan-Quinn noted.