In pictures: Donegal students honoured with Gaeilge recognition awards in Galway

The University of Galway has presented Special Gaeilge Recognition Awards to students who achieved a distinction in Higher Level Irish in their Junior Cycle examination. Please click on the arrows to go through the award winners

Over 400 students from 64 schools across Donegal, Clare, Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon and Galway attended a special event on campus to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

Clíodhna Ní Mhaoilchiaráin from Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, with Professor Becky Whay, Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway

These students are among the 8.3% of students nationwide who achieved a distinction in the higher level T2 Irish paper, or the 8.8% of students who achieved a distinction in the higher level T1 paper in the 2025 Junior Cycle examinations.

University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Becky Whay said: “It is our privilege to celebrate these students’ outstanding achievements in their higher-level Irish Junior Cycle examinations last year, and to present them with these special recognition awards. The Irish language is incredibly important to us here in University of Galway and we are very proud of these accomplished young people who are joining us at this special event this evening.”

Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, University of Galway’s Irish Language Officer, welcomed the students, their teachers and families to the celebratory event, saying: “It’s wonderful be able to recognise the achievements of all the students. They should be very proud of what they have accomplished and mindful of the opportunities that the Irish language will bring in the years ahead. It is truly uplifting to see the next generation with such exceptional ability, ensuring that the Irish language goes from strength to strength. Comhghairdeas libh go léir.”

The importance of thriving Irish-speaking communities in the Gaeltacht and beyond is recognised in the University’s first Irish language strategy, A Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-2025.

These communities have been recognised annually over the past four years at this event with the University fulfilling its role in leading higher education in the Irish language and showing Irish speakers respect, as is set out in the Strategy.

Established in 1845, University of Galway is one of the top 2% of universities in the world. We are a bilingual university, comprised of four colleges, 18 schools and six research institutes, with more than 19,700 students, including around 3,000 international students. We have been accredited with an Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Award, and 14 out of our 18 schools hold individual Athena SWAN Awards.