2005 Press Releases

06 Dec 2005

New Book Celebrates UCC in Words and Pictures



In a year when The Sunday Times selected UCC as Irish 'University of the Year' for the second time in three years, it is timely that the College has published a new book:  University College Cork: a Portrait in Words and Images which brings a fresh perspective to the campus both old and new.
 
UCC Emeritus Professor of Irish History, John A Murphy traces the history of the College over a 160 year period accompanied by photos of the campus taken by international photographer, Andrew Bradley.  The book is intended for those who have an interest in UCC including graduates, staff, students of the University, visitors to the campus as well as the people of Cork.  The book is richly illustrated with 76 colour photos and is available from the UCC Visitors Centre, Main Quadrangle and all good bookshops.

The photographs highlight the original limestone buildings as well as the latest addition, the Glucksman Gallery.   The architect, Sir Thomas Deane, successfully urged the Board of Works in 1846 to choose the Gillabbey site in preference to others for the 'beauties and advantages' of its 'excellent and commanding' situation.  He was excited by the dramatic idea of grouping the Aula Maxima, library and tower close to the cliff edge overlooking the river and the Western Road.  The visual impact today is as striking as it was in 1849.

When UCC first opened its doors (as Queen's College, Cork) there were 115  students.  Contrast this now to the situation where UCC has 16,000 students.  The growth in numbers from the early years has resulted in huge developments in the physical and academic infrastructure. The recent Sunday Times award reflects UCC's outstanding reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and research and recognizes specifically success in research funding which positions the University as the leading research institution in third level education.  The award also celebrates UCC's successful Access Programme, the high calibre of students choosing the university, the outstanding quality of the student experience at UCC and the award-winning Glucksman Gallery. 

The book highlights the diversity and changes in the student structure with over 2,000 international students, representing 75 countries and five continents, have chosen to study at UCC.

John A Murphy held the Chair of Irish History from 1971 until his retirement in 1990.  As a member of Seanad Éireann (1977-1983, 1987-1992) he took a leading part in public debate on Ireland's historical and political values.  He is author of The College: A History of Queen's University College Cork, 1845-1995.  He was conferred with the D.Litt degree, honoris causa, in 2001 by the National University of Ireland in recognition of his contribution to academic and public life. The photographer, Andrew Bradley, is based in Co Cork and has a multinational client base shooting assignments around the world.  The book is edited by Nancy Hawkes and Ruth Mc Donnell and is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications, UCC.

To order copies of the book, which costs 25 euro,  Tel 021-4901876 or email  experience@ucc.ie

156MMcS



 
« Back to 2005 Press Releases

                 

University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

College Road, Cork T12 K8AF

Top