The contribution of the late Dr Chris Coughlan to Galway was marked this week by the unveiling of a plaque in his memory at a ceremony at the Computer & Communications Museum of Ireland (CCMI ) which he cofounded.
Dr Coughlan was a co-founder of the museum at NUI Galway and chairperson of the board of directors until his untimely passing last April.
The memorial plaque was unveilled by Mayor of Galway Councillor Neill McNelis and Chris’s daughter Sinead at a gathering of his family, friends, fellow museum board members and museum volunteers.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Galway city Neill Mc Nelis paid tribute to Chris Coughlan describing him as a visionary who tirelessly contributed to the development and improvement of Galway City by his involvement in civic and technology organisations, many of which be founded or cofounded.
Museum co-founder and Curator Brendan Smith recalled that during the early days of the museum, Chris’s visionary approach ensured he foresaw that Galway City will have “not just a Computer & Communications Museum but a national one at that,” and his tireless enthusiam combined with his determined leadership steered this vision to fruition.
Chris was proud of his Corkonian heritage but Galway became his adoptive home.
The plaque is inscribed with: ‘Chun leasa na Gaillimhe a chuaigh caillteanas Chorcai’ – Galway’s benefit Cork’s loss.
