On Thursday, May 7, the Italian Ambassador, Nicola Faganello, visited Maynooth University in County Kildare, accompanied by Michela Magrì, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in Dublin. Focused on the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, Maynooth University’s distinctive character stems largely from its unique heritage and history. Its origins date back to the founding of the Royal College of St. Patrick in 1795, a seminary for the training of priests that by 1850 had become the largest seminary in the world. In 1896, St. Patrick’s College became a Pontifical University, and in 1910, a college recognized by the National University of Ireland (NUI). Finally, in 1997, the College became the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (Maynooth University), a university in its own right, independent of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth. This unique history makes this university both Ireland’s youngest university and one of the oldest educational institutions in the country.
Upon arrival, the Ambassador and Dr. Magrì were welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Aidan Mulkeen, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Professor Alison Hood, and Vice-Chancellor and Secretary General Professor Ronan Farrell. They subsequently met with a representative group of numerous Italian professors, researchers, and students working and studying in Maynooth in various fields, from biology to criminology, sociology, and music. Finally, after a guided tour of the University’s historic South Campus, they attended a special and captivating performance by the University Chamber Choir in the splendid and unique setting of St. Patrick’s College Chapel.
