The Official Launch of the UL40 year took place at UL with a concert featuring; students of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, Cruinniu, A Band Called Wanda and the headline act, The Coronas.

Speaking at the launch event, UL President, Professor Don Barry said: “Almost 65,000 students have graduated from UL in the past 40 years and it all began with 113 pioneering students who took a chance on a new and very different third level institution in 1972.  From its inception the University of Limerick broke the mould of third level education in Ireland under the inspirational leadership of Ed Walsh and this year we are marking 40 years of innovation - innovative programmes, innovative research, innovative staff, students and graduates who all encapsulate the ‘UL Spirit’.”
The University of Limerick has achieved many ‘firsts’ over the past 40 years.  UL pioneered Cooperative Education in Ireland and established the first medical school to be established in the State in over 150 years.  In addition to a wide range of unique academic programmes across a broad spectrum of disciplines, the University is also home to the country’s only virtual financial services trading floor, the first Olympic standard swimming pool in Ireland, the longest pedestrian bridge in Ireland and pioneered many educational innovations and community engagement initiatives. UL researchers continue to make significant contributions to society, addressing such pressing challenges as childhood obesity, maths and science teaching, Alzheimer’s screening, cancer, climate change, sports performance, alternative energy and Ireland’s economic recovery.

A series of free events will take place across the UL campus from Friday 28th – Sunday 30th September and members of the public are being encouraged to visit the campus and enjoy a huge array of free activities and events that will be taking place. Further details are available at www.ul.ie/ul40