On the 1st of July 2018, representatives of The Undergraduate Awards joined President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins for the Patrons Presidential Concert Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin.

The Garden Party was attended by a number of the organisations of which Michael D. Higgins is a patron, with people from all around Ireland coming together to celebrate and recognise their hard work. There was an amazing atmosphere and incredible music by talented Irish artists. If you would like to hear President Higgins’ speech from the event please click here.

Higgins was inaugurated as President of Ireland at Dublin Castle on 11 November 2011. Since then, President Higgins has honourably and passionately represented Ireland to the world. He is a strong advocate for the Irish language and culture and attends many Irish sporting events. He has been outspoken in his support for education and the arts and has actively spoken on the dangers of climate change and global warming.

President Higgins has been a patron of The Undergraduate Awards since its founding ten years ago. We had the honour of welcoming him The UA Global Summit in 2015, on the fourth anniversary of his presidency. Speaking to a captive audience, President Higgins emphasised the importance of celebrating the hard work done by third level students across the world: