Professor Don Barry, President of the University of Limerick has warmly welcomed the announcement that Limerick City is to be the first National City of Culture in 2014. 

“Cultural development is integral to so much of the teaching, learning and research that take place on the University of Limerick campus and we are always conscious of our role in contributing to the cultural life of Limerick City.  It is therefore very heartening to learn that Limerick has been chosen as the inaugural National City of Culture and that the fusion of the many influences, traditions and interests - both past and present - which build the fabric of culture in the City will now be recognised” commented Professor Barry. 

“UL is home to many centres of cultural excellence that contribute to Limerick’s cultural landscape.  These include the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The University also houses many national art collections, including the National Self Portrait Collection and the Irish Watercolour Society Collection.  The Special Collections section of UL’s Glucksman Library contains many rare books and family archives of considerable cultural significance, including the Kate O’Brien Papers, the papers of the Knights of Glin and the Leonard Collection, a collection of rare books and materials relating to Limerick City and County.  And the paintings and sculptures in UL’s collections are openly available to the wider community to enhance the cultural experience that citizens and visitors can enjoy as part of the story of Limerick.

There is a marvellous spectrum of cultural activity in the City and its surrounding communities, with everything from sport to design, architecture and urban development, performing arts and local history coming together to create a positive cultural dynamic around the City.  UL is proud to join with all the people of Limerick and its environs to celebrate and enhance Limerick as Ireland’s inaugural National City of Culture,” continued Professor Barry.