As the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG ) prepares to change its name to "Ollscoil na Gaillmhe - University of Galway", the Galway Advertiser was on the streets of the city asking residents their thoughts on the transition.
The change, which was announced in April of this year, sees the university's title change to "Ollscoil Na Gaillmhe - University of Galway", for what will be the fourth name change the university has had since its establishment as "Queen's College Galway" in 1845. Once introduced the bilingual title of the university - Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway - will be used on all official documentation.
Speaking on the approved transition in April, president of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said, "The decision to rename our university is something to which we have given a lot of thought and it is a decision which is being taken following detailed assessment of the issues and comprehensive consultation and internal discussion. We are extremely grateful to everyone who engaged in that work.
“This university has been in Galway and of Galway since the mid-19th century. Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, University of Galway, gives a clearer sense of who we are as an institution and of being of our place. Galway is a place of industry and creativity, of citizenship and debate.
“The university is proud of the role it has played in Galway's journey to become a global city. City and university have grown together and our new name encapsulates that history and is a promise for the future."
Residents however, were not as overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the upcoming change. Those who were included Brendan Holland, owner of long established Galway shop, Holland's Newsagents. Brendan championed the change, saying "I think it's great. The name is a unique selling point which is very important to protect. I think it's a great thing."
Passersby, Mary and Tess Barrett, were similarly for the change and "in favour of it" saying, "it's good representation for Galway."
However, not everyone has been sold on the decision to change from NUIG.
One former student named Sinéad who works in the city centre said: "I don't see the point in it, I just think that it's much easier to say NUIG and I'm used to calling it that. What's the point of changing it, especially to something so much longer."
Fergal, a resident in the city who also attended NUIG said: "I just feel like the change: is unnecessary, people will still call it NUIG."
Molly, who works in the city centre said, "Jesus, people won't know if they're coming or going, between GMIT, ATU and now NUIG."
Another recent graduate who asked to remain nameless, stated that the name change, "doesn't make a difference. People are still going to call it NUIG."
Two interviewees raised concerns about degrees and asked if they would have to get them changed or converted to reflect the new name. One woman who had attended NUIG in the mid 2010s said, "I personally don't care so much, but it University of Galway does sound cleaner than the full title of NUIG. The comma between Ireland and Galway used to drive me mad."
The general consensus from the public appears to be one of nonchalant acceptance in most cases and confusion over necessity for others. One Galwegian, who asked not to be named asked, "How much is this going to cost? I just think that at the moment there are bigger issues. The money should be going to build affordable accommodation or go into research projects or something more useful."
For those who remember the University's name change in 1997, seeing it transition from University College Galway to National University of Ireland, Galway, the conversation must feel like a case of déjà vu.
