Galway Bay fm newsroom - A mayoral reception is taking place in the city at the moment to celebrate the academic achievements of Owen Ward and his contribution to education.
Owen is a native of the westside area of the city and a member of the Irish Traveller community.
Despite being an early school leaver with no Junior Cert, Owen completed the NUI Galway access programme and later graduated with a degree and masters in post-primary education.
He currently serves as a programme coordinator at the Access Centre at NUI Galway.
Owen Ward is also a committee member of Údarás na hOllscoile - and is the first Irish Traveller to be electeted to a university governing authority in Ireland.
A presentation is being made to Owen at a special mayoral reception in Leisureland at the moment
Mayor Mike Cubbard says Owen has gone above and beyond to ensure everyone has a chance in education - tune in to FYI Galway@5 to hear Owen accept his award
