Kevin Collins is rethinking how we see Cork. His popular video, The Urban Fabric, has drawn over 58,000 views on YouTube and prompted plenty of discussion online for its clear and accessible take on urban planning in Cork.

An Arts graduate, Kevin studied English and Geography at UCC with his interest in social geography shaping the content he creates today. His videos now blend research, storytelling and visual design to explore Cork’s architecture, history and the ways people interact with their city. Kevin reimagines some of the city’s most familiar streets to show what Cork could look like with better design and planning.

Cork native Saoirse McCabe (BA 2015; MSc 2016) represents luxury brands on the global stage from Los Angeles, but her story began at home, where she honed her work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the family business. She now works in a rapidly changing industry as the California and Nevada Market Manager for award-winning Martingale Cognac. Saoirse has led Martingale’s strategic rollout and high-profile placements across one of the world’s most competitive spirits markets.

With world leaders pledging to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, the spotlight turns to those working on the frontlines of marine conservation. We speak with Emma Armshaw, a graduate of UCC’s MSc in Marine Biology, to talk about her work with Fair Seas and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN Ireland) and how now more than ever, we must engage in ocean protection efforts.

From UCC Psychology to the PR spotlight!
Meet Cailean Coffey (BA ’19, MA ’20), who turned a passion for music journalism into a thriving career in music and events PR.
With a strong foundation in research, communication, and real-world experience gained during his time at UCC, Cailean now works behind the scenes on some of the biggest shows in the country.

Ailis Crowley is championing sustainability with her innovative business, FASH Forward. At the forefront of Ireland’s sustainability movement, FASH Forward is inspiring businesses to reimagine their role in a circular economy. By partnering with repair, upcycling, and zero-waste experts, Ailis delivers workshops that help businesses adopt sustainable practices and reduce waste.

As part of the Certificate in Social Citizenship with the id+ Project, Deirdre Lovett was one of 15 students in 2022/23 who completed a rewarding paid work placement. After a summer of hard work on her placement at The Kingsley, Deirdre went on to sign a permanent contract with the hotel. 

I studied dentistry, graduating in 1997. However, like most students, I had an insatiable curiosity for other subjects – and in the first two years on campus, occasionally attended other lectures – particularly Sociology, History, Politics and French … (shhhh – don’t tell the Fees Office!!!)

Nishi Bhopal MD is board certified in Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine, and Integrative Holistic Medicine. She graduated from the School of Medicine at UCC, completed her Psychiatric residency at Henry Ford Health System, and a fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School. 

Tá Caitríona Ní Chonaill ina hOifigeach Ilmheán le hOireachtas na Gaeilge, eagraíocht a eagraíonn raon leathan imeachtaí cultúir, ealaíne, siamsa i rith na bliana, go háirithe Oireachtas na Samhna, ar siúl um Shamhain gach bliain.

Back on campus for the Golden Jubilee celebration on 7 June, we caught up with alumni Sean Canty (BComm ’74) and Cynthia Bruce Canty (JYA ‘74) who told us about their chance encounter in 1973 at a student house party, and how it unfolded into building a life together in the US.

1956’s Graduate of the Year, James ‘Jim’ Hyland, returned to campus, 60 years after graduating, to reflect on his time at college studying commerce. The visit was prompted by his daughter Judy (BComm ‘84), who at her recent class reunion, spotted her father’s name on a Roll of Honour in the Graduates’ Room in the North Wing of the Quad.

Cork native Laura Russell is a first officer with Aer Lingus, an aerobatic stunt pilot and a flight instructor. In 2023 she made history after becoming the first Irish woman to compete at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships in Las Vegas. We talk to Laura about ‘taking the scenic route’ in her flying career; a typical day as a pilot for Aer Lingus; and the many inspirational women she has met along the way.

Professor Jack Gleeson graduated from medicine in 2012 and completed his medical oncology training in Ireland through the RCPI. He was later awarded the Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO) Advanced Oncology Fellowship award in 2018 to undertake a fellowship in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. 

Róisín Maher is Artistic Director of Finding a Voice, a classical musical festival that celebrates International Women's Day by showcasing "unforgettable music by remarkable women". Founded in 2017 by Róisín and her sister Cliona, the festival has featured music by hundreds of women composers, from the twelfth-century nun Hildegard of Bingen to newly commissioned works by Irish composers. 

Sunil Belur Nagaraj is the Chief Scientific Officer at Australian medical device company, Cortical Dynamics. An expert in neurology, he has significantly advanced medical technology through his research. 

Winnie M Li is an author and activist. Her latest novel Complicit was a New York Times’ Editors’ Choice, listed among the Best Crime Novels of 2022 by The Irish Times, and shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s Encore Prize for outstanding second novel. A Harvard graduate and George Mitchell Scholar, Winnie studied at University College Cork and later worked as a film producer before her life was disrupted by a violent stranger rape in Belfast in 2008. Inspired by that experience, her debut novel Dark Chapter was translated into ten languages and won The Guardian’s Not The Booker Prize.

Patrick Byrne (B.Soc.Sc. ’97) From UCC Library to art therapy, Patrick Byrne’s journey is one of creativity, compassion, and courage. After two decades supporting students on campus, Patrick now works as a freelance art psychotherapist, blending his academic roots with personal healing. He talks to us about his memories of UCC and the therapeutic role of art in recovery.

Tara Finn (BSc 2015) is a graduate of UCC's Biological and Chemical Sciences degree programme and works at Cork Airport. She began her career as a retail assistant at the airport before earning her Commercial Pilot’s License and an MSc in Aviation Management from Portobello Institute. She now leads out on Business Development and Communications for the airport. Her journey through various roles has given her a deep understanding of the aviation industry and has led to a career that Tara has found incredible fulfillment in.