Irish Deputy Prime Minister visits Concordia’s School of Irish Studies
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
Montreal St. Patrick's Day celebrations were not limited to green parades and festive jigs this March. Concordia’s School of Irish Studies had the honour of hosting Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin for a visit that left an impression on the distinguished guest.
Martin's day started with a tour of the school, where he spoke with a dynamic mix of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff. A highlight was a gathering in the McEntee Reading Room, a hub of intellectual discourse and learning within the school.
Martin later gave a speech at the Montreal St. Patrick’s Society Annual Charitable Luncheon, attended by a crowd of 500. In it he highlighted the importance of the work being done at the school and celebrated it as the leading centre of Irish studies in the world.
Several students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the Irish delegation.
“Hosting Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin was an immense honour for the university,” shares Concordia President Graham Carr. “His visit added richness and vitality to the experience of our students, staff and faculty and reaffirmed our commitment to global intellectual exchange.”
The sentiment is shared by Gavin Foster, interim principal of the School of Irish Studies. “It was a signal honour to welcome An Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Ireland’s Ambassador to Canada Eamonn McKee and their staff to the School of Irish Studies," Foster says. "Their visit underscored the school’s long-established ties to Ireland as well as our international reputation as a global leader in Irish studies."
Foster highlights the visitors' keen interest in the school's growth trajectory, faculty research areas and diverse course offerings. He also notes that several students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the delegation, further emphasizing the school's commitment to fostering connections and intellectual exchanges.
Find out more about Concordia’s School of Irish Studies.
