University College Cork welcomes European Commission

3 Jul 2026

• As Ireland begins its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Government of Ireland welcomed the College of Commissioners to University College Cork.

At the outset of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Government of Ireland hosted the College of Commissioners at University College Cork (UCC).

Over two days, the EU Commission visited UCC’s research flagship Tyndall National Institute, while international media visited UCC’s Sustainability Institute which is driving pioneering sustainability research including wave, tidal and offshore wind energy development.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, toured UCC's campus, visiting the Glucksman Gallery to see the Panorama Europe exhibition, which presents the work of ten Irish artists who engage with the traditions of European painting, referencing works from the Pre-Renaissance to Impressionism. They also toured the historic Honan Chapel, home to its exquisite Harry Clarke windows, widely acknowledged as the finest example of stained glass in Ireland

“It was an honour for UCC to play a small role as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the EU,” stated Professor John O’Halloran MRIA, President of UCC.

UCC students, including newly capped Ireland international rugby player Edwin Odogbo, Cork camogie star Méabh Murphy, and Government and Politics student Robyn Murphy, also met with the President of the European Commission and the Taoiseach during their visit to campus.

Méabh Murphy, Cork Senior Camogie and UCC Camogie player and UCC BEd Physical Education, Sports Studies and Arts student, said: “It’s an honour to be part of today’s event. I’m delighted to represent UCC and show President von der Leyen some of the culture and sport of Ireland. UCC Camogie had a fantastic year, winning the Ashbourne Cup, so I was especially delighted to bring the trophy with me today and showcase the team's success."

Robyn Murphy, UCC Government and Politics BSc student who has recently returned to Cork after an internship with the New York State Senate, said: "It's incredibly exciting to be part of such a historic event. As a Government and Politics student, it's a unique opportunity to see how these high-level visits come together behind the scenes, from the media coverage to the interviews with An Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance.”

Edwin Edogbo, UCC Applied Economics student, UCC Quercus Sports Scholar, and rugby player with Munster and Ireland, said: "It's a really cool experience to be part of. It isn't every day that the President of the European Commission visits UCC, so it's an honour to be involved."

For more information on the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, visit Ireland2026.eu