PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has been made President of the University of Galway’s Literary and Debating Society.
Members of the society were in Áras an Uachtaráin this week to bestow the honorary title upon the Irish president, whose time in the role ends next month.
Members of the University of Galway's Literary and Debating Society bestowed the honour upon the President this weekThe student society, based at the university, was first founded as the Literary and Scientific Society in 1846, and incorporated into the then Queen's College, Galway, in 1852.
Described by the institution as the “oldest and most prestigious society” at the university, over the years it has become a force for the provocation and entertainment of the student body.
President Michael D HIggins received his honorary title during an event held at Áras an Uachtaráin on October 2It hosts weekly debates as well as guest speaker, comedy and literary events.
Guest speakers who have taken part in the society’s events include Martin Sheen, Kevin Myers, Roddy Doyle, Fintan O’Toole and Jeremy Irons.
Born in Limerick city and raised in County Clare, President Higgins joined the University of Galway as a mature student in 1962 and has retained close ties with the institution ever since.
Earlier this year the University was announced as the custodians of President Higgins’ Presidential Archive.
The documents in the archive, which include personal papers, writings and correspondence, will now be held in the Archives and Special Collections of the university library.
A portrait of President Higgins, by artist Colin Davidson, now hangs in the University's Michael D. Higgins AuditoriumIn addition to the Archive, the President also donated a number of books from his personal collection to the University, where they will be available to students and scholars.
When the archive presentation was made the Aula Maxima in University of Galway’s Quadrangle was renamed The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium as part of the celebrations.
A portrait of President Higgins, by artist Colin Davidson, which now hangs in the auditorium, was unveiled during the event.
