SETU marked the final day of its Foundation Day 2025 celebrations at its Kilkenny Road campus in Carlow, with an inspiring event themed ‘Connecting our Communities through Partnership and Sport’.
Linking academic and sporting excellence
The event demonstrated SETU’s strong links with the wider community and region through sport. Guests from across the University attended alongside regional stakeholders to acknowledge SETU’s growing role as hub academic and sporting excellence.
Speaking at the event, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, reflected on the significance of Foundation Day, the now annual celebration of the University’s establishment in 2022.
Prof. Campbell acknowledged the strength of the SETU community saying, “Our greatest strength as a university is our community. Foundation Day is an opportunity to celebrate the power of connection, how we support one another, our students, and the wider region.”
Prof. Campbell went on to highlight SETU’s sporting partnerships across national organisations such as the GAA, LGFA, the Camogie Association, FAI, Athletics Ireland and the IRFU
National sports partnerships
Highlighting the event’s theme, Prof. Campbell noted SETU’s sporting partnerships with national organisations such as the GAA, LGFA, the Camogie Association, FAI, Athletics Ireland, and the IRFU. In recent times. The University has hosted significant events for these partners, including the Leinster GAA Club Development Conference and the South Leinster Schools Athletics Finals.
A keynote address was delivered by Tom Ryan, Director General of the GAA. He spoke about the Association’s historical impact on creating a sense of community in Ireland, helping to form Irish identity and recognition of Irish culture both at home and abroad. Tom referred to the GAA’s role as a “beacon of connection in Ireland today, bridging divides and promoting inclusivity.”
Tom also highlighted the shared values of the GAA and SETU in the organisations’ endeavours to foster a culture of inclusion and participation.
Panel discussion
The event featured an insightful panel discussion chaired by David Denieffe, SETU Vice President for Student Experience.
Panellists included Nicola Keeshan, Chief Executive of Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, SETU lecturers Dr Noel Connors and Dr Paula Fitzpatrick, and students Arabella Adekoya and Nicolas Redmond. The panellists explored how community sport initiatives and academic collaboration can shape more connected communities.
Tree planting ceremony
Additionally, Foundation Day 2025 in Carlow saw a tree planting ceremony take place at the campus to mark SETU's achievements in the area of sustainability over the past year.
The tree chosen for the ceremony is the prunus padus or bird cherry (donnroisc) which is a native Irish tree. It has fragrant flowers and berries which are not only beautiful, but supportive of wildlife.
The final Foundation Day 2025 celebration ended with a performance by the SETU Staff Choir.
SETU’s Foundation Day 2025 celebrations have showcased the University’s commitment to regional impact, leadership, and inclusion.
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