ATU will become Ireland’s fourth technological university upon opening its doors in April, absorbing three existing institutes of technology: Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Institute of Technology Sligo (ITS) and Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT).

A native of Dromod, Co Leitrim, Ms McNally was called to the Bar in 1992 and practised on Circuit until her appointment to the Inner Bar in 2017.

Following postgraduate studies at Warwick University (LLM) and UCG (BA and LLB), she completed her Bachelors of Law in King’s Inns and practices civil law, primarily in personal injury, chancery and non-jury.

Ms McNally was elected as chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland in 2020, becoming only the second woman to hold the position.

Further and higher education minister Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Maura McNally, chair of the Bar Council of Ireland, as the chair of the first governing body of this new TU serving the West and Northwest.

“Ms McNally brings a vast and invaluable wealth of experience to the role, which will be crucial in steering the new Technological University through its formation.”

In a joint statement, the presidents of GMIT, ITS and LYIT said: “On behalf of the CUA we would like to sincerely congratulate Ms McNally on her appointment and wish her very best wishes in steering the new Atlantic Technological University on its maiden voyage.”

The first governing body is now charged with establishing and implementing the requisite election and appointment procedures to fill the remaining posts on the governing body from cohorts including undergraduate and postgraduate students, academic and non-academic staff, and a number of additional external members.