Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT ) has awarded Honorary Fellowships to three outstanding individuals for their contribution to their communities and to regional development in the west.
Donogh O’Donoghue, Galway city, Matt Molloy, Ballaghadereen, Co Roscommon and Westport, Co Mayo, and Michael O’Neill, Tully, Renvyle, were presented with their Hononary Fellowships by GMIT President Dr Fergal Barry at the recent GMIT Conferring Ceremonies in Galway and Mayo.
Donagh O’Donoghue, a prominent member of the Galway business community for many decades, was honoured for his significant contribution to education, business and regional development; Michael O’Neill, founding Director of Connemara West, was honoured for his dedication to the betterment of his community and the region of Northwest Connemara through his involvement in education and promotion of culture and sport; and internationally acclaimed musician Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, was honoured for his significant contribution to Irish music and culture.
Speaking at the Conferring of the Honorary Fellowship Awards, GMIT President, Dr Fergal Barry, said: “Fellowships are the greatest honour that an Institute of Technology can bestow. Dr Donagh O’Donoghue, Michael O Neill and Matt Molloy are truly wonderful role models for our students and graduates to emulate in the areas of business, community and culture respectively.”
Donagh O’Donoghue served as a member of the GMIT Governing Body from 1993 to 2015, volunteering a considerable amount of his time and energy to the development and growth of the Institute. A prominent member of the Galway Business Community in a career that has spanned five decades, he became group managing director of Thomas McDonagh & Sons Ltd in 1975, an office he held until his retirement in 2000. During his stewardship he demonstrated considerable business acumen through the expansion of the company and diversification of its business units.
Dr O’Donoghue also served as Director of James McMahon Ltd, Techrete Ltd, Shannon Ferries, Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, Trinity Bank and Chair of Bord na Móna. Donagh also served two terms as regional chair of IBEC and was its National Vice President.
Michael O’Neill, secretary and founding member of Connemara West, has an unparalleled record and legacy in community activism. He has held the position of Secretary of Muintir Tíre Community Council, Chairman of the Galway County Federation of Community Councils, Founding Director and Treasurer of Tullycross Credit Union, Founding Director & Secretary of Connemara West Development, and Director of Kilkenny Design Workshops, as well as being an elected Member of Galway County Council from 1991 to 1998.
Michael was the Principal of Eagles Nest Primary School in Renvyle for 37 years up to his retirement in 1998. He held the post of Chairman of Galway County Vocational Education Committee and later took on the role of Education Training and Development Services Manager with Connemara West where he works to this day. As secretary and founding director of Connemara West, he has played a pivotal role in acquiring and developing the buildings which accommodate GMIT’s Letterfrack campus, a now recognised National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology.
GMIT Letterfrack’s Dermot O’Donovan paid tribute to Mr O’Neill, saying: “Michael has worked tirelessly and selflessly to promote the sustainable development of the North West Connemara area. He was a key driver of nurturing the educational partnership between GMIT and Connemara West that has seen almost 2,000 students graduating from the campus. He was also instrumental, as a Director of Connemara West, in the development of a range of community development projects including Renvyle Thatched Cottages, an Teach Ceoil and more recently the commencement of the Clúid Housing Project in Letterfrack.”
Matt Molloy is probably best known for his membership of the Chieftains, recording 35 different albums and guest appearances on another 24 recordings with various artists. The Chieftains brought Irish music to a world stage and recorded an eclectic mix from China to Nashville. They have also recorded with international performers from different music genres such as James Galway, Van Morrison, Mike Oldfield, Rolling Stones and Carols Nunez, a Galician piper.
