All About Cork: MTU marks milestone of new executive and faculties

Munster Technological University (MTU) recently marked a milestone with the establishment of its new university executive and five new university faculties.

The intent of the executive is to shape MTU as a centre of educational excellence, managing the day-to-day running of the university. Its establishment marks a significant step in MTU’s transformation programme, merging six campuses into one university.

Five senior leaders recruited over the summer will join the six senior leaders appointed last year to make up MTU’s new university executive.

The new executive comprises five vice-presidents, five deans, and a chief corporate officer, and they will support MTU’s president, Professor Maggie Cusack, in driving research and innovation, academic excellence, and strategic growth across the university.

James Lawless, minister for further and higher education, said he welcomed the appointment of the full senior executive team.

“This is a milestone in the development of MTU and will enhance its capacity to provide quality education and skilled graduates in and for the southwest,” he said.

“I wish to congratulate each of the newly appointed team, and I am confident that all of them will make a positive contribution to MTU in the years ahead.”

Professor Maggie Cusack said the appointments reflected the high calibre of talent at MTU.

“Working together, the team will lead our new faculties and executive functions, ensuring MTU remains a university of choice for current and future generations of students and lifelong learners,” she said.

“All members of the new university executive will work across our six campuses in Cork and Kerry to deliver an exceptional educational experience, support industry collaboration and enhance our offering.”

MTU’s five newly created faculties are the Faculty of Creative, Performing Arts and Media; the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; the Faculty of Business; the Faculty of Science and Informatics; and the Faculty of Engineering.

The members of the new university executive are: Professor Maggie Cusack, president; Simon Jennings, chief corporate officer; Professor Christine Cross, vice-president, academic affairs, and registrar; Paul Gallagher, vice-president, finance and operations; Professor Hugh McGlynn, vice-president, research and innovation; Tim Daly, vice-president, engagement and international; Pio Fenton, vice-president, people and culture; Professor Alistair Payne, dean, Faculty of Creative, Performing Arts and Media; Mary Galvin, dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Noel Murray, dean, Faculty of Business; Brendan O’Connell, dean, Faculty of Science and Informatics; and Seán McSweeney, dean, Faculty of Engineering.

Centre to hold walk-in clinic

On the morning of Thursday, October 30, an outreach worker from the Cuanlee Refuge will hold a walk-in clinic in the Ballincollig Family Resource Centre on Station Road, P31AE86.

Cuanlee Refuge provides safe and secure crisis accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

Cuanlee is a purpose-built refuge for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

Since opening its doors in March 1978, Cuanlee has provided support, information, and shelter 365 days of the year.

It helps women who wish to move on and live independently, free from violence.

Its professional staff support women and children during their stay in the refuge.

The clinic takes place on the last Thursday of every month and runs from 10am-1pm.

For more information, please contact info@cuanleerefuge.org or 087 3859743.

Field of Dreams success

Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams has thanked supporters after this year’s successful harvest festival.

Debbie Kelleher, care co-ordinator with Field of Dreams, said: “Thank you so much to everybody for attending our Pick A Pumpkin Harvest Festival this year. It was a joy for us to see so many of you here over both weekends.”

Ms Kelleher offered the charity’s congratulations to Sineád Healy, who won the Guess the Weight competition.

“The pumpkin weighed 9,525g, and she guessed 9,524g,” she said. “Thanks to our amazing staff and our dedicated volunteers that supported our fundraising event again this year.”

Ms Kelleher added that without the generosity and enthusiasm of the people of Cork, Field of Dreams would not be able to do its work.

Progress on 2B bus route

The introduction of a new bus route — the 2B — to serve Ballincollig’s Castle Road, Carriganarra Road, and Maglin area took another step forward last week with the Section 38 approval by Cork City Council to install a bus stop in Greenfields.

The new bus route will serve estates along Ballincollig’s back road, providing a service every 15 minutes to Cork City via Curraheen, Marymount, CUH and the Western Road.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch said the new service would be the culmination of recent work.

“In recent months, new bus stops have been installed at Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin, with others to follow soon on Flynn’s Road, at Hazel Grove/Oaklands, at Castleknock and on the Carriganarra Road (Maglin Vale).

“These are to facilitate operation of the new 2B bus route, which is due to be operational by late 2026/early 2027,” he said.

“The Maglin and Heathfield areas have seen major development in recent years, with more to follow. We can see that with the recent planning application lodged by O’Flynn Construction for over 1,000 new homes in the area.

“That sort of development requires major infrastructural investment, and this new bus route will provide a vital public transport link for existing estates and new ones alike.”

Step Up for Cork ARC

Cork ARC Cancer Support House is asking the public to step up and put the focus on Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November.

By taking part in its fundraiser, Step Up for Cork ARC, every step you take can help raise awareness and funds vital for those affected by cancer.

Set your own personal or team step goal from 5,000 a day to 150,000 in a month — whatever feels right for you. Then ask your family, friends, or colleagues to sponsor your journey.

The Wilton-based charity offers the example of 150,000 steps at one cent per step can add up to €1,500 raised.

All funds will go towards supporting Cork ARC’s free cancer support services, and your efforts will also shine a light on lung cancer, one of Ireland’s most common cancers.

Cork ARC is collaborating with the Irish Lung Cancer Community (ILCC), a patient-led advocacy group providing support, raising awareness, and driving research to improve lung cancer outcomes in Ireland and beyond.

See https://tinyurl.com/yc4exymj.

Ballincollig GAA lottery

The numbers drawn in the Ballincollig GAA Club lottery, held on Thursday, October 2, were 14, 15, 16 and 31. There was no winner of the €17,200 jackpot, but there were three consolation prize winners for club supporters, with €100 going to Pat Conway, €50 to Alison Harvey, and €50 to Margot Crowley.

Ballincollig GAA Club has migrated its lottery to its club platform ClubZap. The new system mirrors the previous one and is played with 36 numbers, and all existing players with remaining credit have been moved across with their same numbers, plus their remaining credits.

See ballincolliggaa.clubzap.com.