In a moment described as a significant “institutional homecoming,” President Michael D. Higgins has donated his extensive presidential archive and a portion of his personal book collection to the University of Galway—his alma mater and long-time academic home.
The celebratory event, held on Friday, June 6, took place in the historic Aula Maxima on campus, a space now renamed The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium in honour of the President’s enduring legacy and deep ties to the university. Accompanied by his wife Sabina, President Higgins was welcomed by former colleagues, close friends, and members of the academic and civic community.
The inner workings of the President of Ireland
“I am very pleased to formally announce the collaboration with the University of Galway of my archive of writings and documents from my Presidential terms, for their custodianship,” President Higgins said, addressing the audience gathered in the newly named auditorium.
“The University of Galway Library Archives and Special Collections can now provide a secure home for these files and make them accessible to future generations of researchers who are interested in the political, social and cultural life of our country over this period, the files of my Presidency that perhaps explain my thinking, motivation, and frustration too, the personal data that has helped inform my speeches, statements and other written materials over the past 14 years of my life mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.
“As well as my archive files, as an avid reader with a significant collection of books, I am delighted to be in the process of contributing a proportion of my collection to the University, a collection that includes titles that I acquired for my own personal research, including some heavily annotated volumes that informed my thinking during my time as a lecturer at the University through to my Presidency. The collection also includes many books presented to me from a wide range of sources while undertaking local, national and international engagements, with some of these marking historic events attended by myself in an official capacity.
“For me it is important that the Aula Maxima in the Quadrangle, the iconic auditorium which I am truly honoured is now to be associated with me as the ‘Michael D. Higgins Auditorium’, always be open and accessible to the public, to those who live in Galway, to visitors, to the university staff and students, and to visitors and tourists. Therefore, it is a source of pleasure to hear that it is a space that will be utilised not just for university-related occasions, but that it will also be used for other public occasions such as, for example, the Galway Arts Festival.”
Accessible for future generations
His donation, which includes more than 150 archival boxes of personal papers, annotated speech drafts, and correspondence, represents a rich insight into the thinking and actions that shaped his fourteen years as President of Ireland. His legacy, as both a public servant and scholar, is further enhanced by the addition of a substantial portion of his book collection, spanning volumes gathered for personal research and gifts received during his domestic and international engagements.
“The University of Galway Library Archives and Special Collections can now provide a secure home for these files and make them accessible to future generations of researchers,” President Higgins continued, “files of my Presidency that perhaps explain my thinking, motivation, and frustration too.”
Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, described the donation as both a privilege and an opportunity: “The donation affords us an opportunity to reflect, but also to look ahead. As we become the custodian of such a treasured collection of papers, we hold a unique gift, the chance to inspire the minds of students and researchers.”
A deeply personal offering
While the archive itself is expected to be a major draw for academics, students, and historians alike, it’s also being regarded as a deeply personal offering, a reflection of a lifetime spent in advocacy for culture, language, and social justice.
Addressing the audience during Friday’s event, Monica Crump, University Librarian, said, “President Higgins is a true scholar with a passion for books and the importance of reading. His archive and books enable us to witness his scholarship in action.”
The archive joins other presidential collections already held by the university, including that of Mary Robinson and materials relating to Douglas Hyde. Together, they form a powerful narrative of Irish leadership and intellectual life.
Portrait and plaques
In the newly named Michael D. Higgins Auditorium, two panels now stand in tribute: one offering a biography, and another featuring a photograph of the President during his activist years, accompanied by text from his poem Of Saturdays Made Holy, written in memory of his friend and former university staff member Mary McPartlan.
As the material is catalogued, the archive and book collection will be made available to the public alongside a portrait of President Higgins’ painted by Belfast artist, Colin Davidson, whose contemporary large-scale profile paintings have been exhibited worldwide. Public access to the portrait will commence at the end of this week following the painting being officially installed in The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium.
With President Higgins due to return to Galway following the end of his term this November, the donation serves as a befitting end to a life of academia, activism and politics, all of which stem from his time in the hallowed halls of the University.
