This week has been Welcome Week here at Maynooth, and we have had over 4000 new students joining us for the start of their degrees. It’s an exciting time, and one of the busiest weeks of the year for my fantastic team. The planning for this week, and the wider Orientation programme, takes months and …
Here’s the secret if you want to get me to do something for you. Flattery. And asking for the favour months and months in advance. So far in advance, as a matter of fact, that you can see in my eyes that I’m going “Huh, that’s ages away, I have plenty of time to sort …
It’s that time of the year again when our attention is drawn to university applications. In fact, I’ve even been in the newspaper talking about it all. This year is especially exciting since our own eldest child is in the process of applying. It’s interesting seeing it from the other side and realising that I’m …
Does everybody know my name here? No, demonstrably not. I mean, I’m having to wear a name badge. Are they glad I came? Questionable. I can be a bit annoying. But I am an invited panelist, so maybe. Those of a certain age (or who have Channel 4 on in the morning while getting ready …
Look. I grew up in the 80s. When you say AI to me, I automatically think of Skynet and humanity’s desperate fight for survival. Younger me certainly didn’t expect older me to be actively thinking about how to use AI for the public good. If anything, younger me would be bitterly disappointed that older me …
I’ve only used the photo of our library cat up there as clickbait… Can you believe that last week marked three months since I started at Maynooth. I certainly can’t. Weirdly, it seems like I’ve been here for a lot longer. Which is exactly what one of the team said to me: “God. Only three …
Oh god. I’m so boring. Here’s another footballing reference on this website. I’m really going to have to find another interest. But I’m in my late 40s so I’m too set in my ways. Anyway, this is a quote from the Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand when he moved into that role and was setting …
I’ve survived my first month! Well done me. And crucially I am still in my honeymoon period, having smashed the honeymoon period of my previous job by some margin. That one lasted a mere 13 days. Not my fault, I might add. It’s always a bit overwhelming when you start a new job in a …
Read more “I refuse to put some Irish-based cliche here so you’re stuck with this…”
I currently work in an empty void. Not the usual emotional one but rather an actual physical one. With my move to Ireland just next week, everything in my office has been packed up and sent across the waters. And so now my workspace is empty and echoey. It’s also very white. It’s like I’ve …
Oh boy. Look. I know I said before that I’d do better at blogging more often, but I’ve really not. Although to be fair, I do know for sure that some are viewing this as a blessing. But not everyone! One person has been hanging on with baited breath, awaiting the next update with nervous …