Fáilte is fiche go dtí eagrán an earraigh de Independent Thinking – iris Choláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh. 

Spring is a time of new beginnings and fresh opportunity, when the brighter days instil enthusiasm and hope for the season ahead. This has certainly been reflected within the university community, with the recent launch of Securing Our Future: UCC Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028. In this issue, I discuss the next exciting phase for the university and share further insights into a strategy which has been developed by, and for, us all.

UCC is proud to count many talented trailblazers among its alumni community, and journalist Deirdre McCarthy is one such individual. Deirdre is the first woman to hold the position of Managing Director of News and Current Affairs at RTÉ, having recently been appointed to the role. In this issue, Deirdre reflects on her UCC days, the lucky break that led her to a career in the media, and the importance of being a role model for the next generation of journalists.

Elsewhere in the issue, ahead of her return to the small screen in The Young Offenders, Quercus Scholar Jennifer Barry opens up about her return to education, her love of learning, and her drive to make her acting dreams come true.

There were wonderful celebrations across the university when our senior Gaelic footballers, led by the legendary Billy Morgan, claimed victory in the Sigerson Cup final. GAA Development Officer John Grainger, captain Jack Murphy and teammate Brian Hartnett reflect on a spectacular win after a hard-fought campaign.

Also in this issue, Dr Aoife Daly discusses the growing trend of youth climate activism, lawyer and Sanctuary Scholar Deborah Oniah shares an insight into her experience of parenting ‘between two cultures’, and we share some inspiring and heart-warming UCC love stories.

I hope you enjoy this edition.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Professor John O’Halloran 

President, University College Cork