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Atlantic Technological University (ATU) marked International Men’s Day on Tuesday, November 19th, with a series of events and discussions aimed at celebrating the positive value men bring to their families and communities.&nbsp;
Organised in partnership with Galway City Council’s ‘Healthy Ireland’ initiative, the day focused on this year’s theme, 'Positive Male Role Models.'&nbsp;
The flagship event took place at the Dublin Road campus in <a href=" https://xploreapp.io/galway" target="_blank">Galway</a>. The celebrations featured contributions from city barbers ‘Nelki’s’ and ‘The Sanctuary,’ who provided free haircuts to students .
<h4>Create Opportunities for Men To Talk</h4>
The highlight of the day was a panel discussion with author and coach Máirtín Óg McDonagh, poet and author Stephen Murphy, and entrepreneur Kevin Nugent. Led by Renagh Linnane, ATU Student Counsellor and Chair of the ATU Galway Mayo Mental Health Task Force, the discussion was streamed live across ATU’s nine campuses.&nbsp;
Máirtín Óg McDonagh, whose upcoming book 'Difficult Conversations: Dialling into Every Aspect of Your Life' is set for release later this month, emphasised the importance of addressing difficult conversations.&nbsp;
<blockquote>“These conversations are something men tend to avoid, often with disastrous consequences for themselves, their families, and their peers. It’s vital to create opportunities for men to talk, be heard, and connect,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>

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<h5>Renagh Linnane, Student Counsellor and Chair of the ATU Galway Mayo Mental Health Task Force, who hosted the International Men’s Day panel discussion.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h5>
Renagh Linnane expressed her excitement in hosting the event.&nbsp;
<blockquote>“I am delighted to MC this discussion, which highlights the importance of celebrating and connecting men in our community. It’s inspiring to see the generosity and wisdom shared by our panelists and contributors,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>

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<h5>Aisling Colreavy, Healthy Ireland Coordinator, Galway City Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h5>
Aisling Colreavy, Healthy Ireland Coordinator for Galway City Council, highlighted the significance of the partnership with ATU.&nbsp;
<blockquote>“International Men’s Day gives us a moment to reflect on and celebrate the incredible men in our communities, workplaces, and educational institutions. We hope today’s discussions inspire men to support and connect with each other,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>
The event is part of ongoing efforts by the ATU Galway Mayo Mental Health Task Force, which works to enhance mental health systems and initiatives aligned with the Higher Education Authority’s National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The celebrations underscored ATU’s and Galway City Council’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, community, and well-being as part of the broader Healthy Ireland initiative, a government-led program aimed at improving health and well-being across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ATU Celebrates International Men’s Day with Events and Talks

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