Events

Nominations for the 2026 UL Alumni Awards are now closed.

The 2026 UL Alumni Awards presentation will be held in September.

University of Limerick alumni and friends are warmly invited to join us for a special evening in Boston on Tuesday, 13 October.

Hosted by Síghle FitzGerald, Consul General of Ireland in Boston, at the Consulate Residence, the gathering will be an opportunity to reconnect with the UL community in Boston and meet fellow alumni and friends of the University.

We are delighted that Professor Shane Kilcommins, President of University of Limerick, and Professor Brigid Laffan, Chancellor of University of Limerick, will join us for the evening.

Tuesday, 13 October

6.00–8.00 pm

Residence of the Consul General of Ireland, Back Bay, Boston 02116

Following the event, guests are invited to continue the evening at an informal get-together at The Lenox Hotel.

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Please note that photo ID will be required for entry. This invitation is strictly personal and non-transferable. The address of the Consulate Residence will be communicated to registered guests by separate email in advance of the event.

This special gathering is proudly sponsored by Analog Devices.

Register to attend

It may still be almost a year away, but we have already had graduates getting in touch to ask about the next UL Class Reunion Day. We're delighted to confirm that it will take place on Saturday, 12 June 2027. 

Following the success of this year’s celebration, it will now be the turn of the Classes of 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022 to be welcomed back to campus for a day of memories, music and laughter. Expect campus tours, special guests and a few surprises along the way. You will also have the option to stay on campus, with accommodation available. 

If you’re hoping to gather your classmates, we’re here to help. Please get in touch with the UL Alumni Team at ulaa@ul.ie, and we’ll do our best to support you in reconnecting with your group. 

Full details and booking information will be available early next year, but for now, please save the date and spread the word among your classmates! 

View photos from the evening 

Nearly 200 graduates returned to University of Limerick last Saturday for UL Alumni Class Reunion Day 2026. Alumni travelled from near and far to reconnect with classmates, revisit familiar places, discover new developments and celebrate their shared UL experience.

The day began with a welcome from UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins. Throughout the day, alumni explored the campus through guided tours of the New Student Centre, Glucksman Library, Department of Chemical Sciences and UL Sport facilities. Attendees also enjoyed campus train tours, an Irish Chamber Orchestra performance and Ber Angley's much-loved stories and reflections on UL's history. Many took time to visit the Memorial Garden and remember classmates who have passed away, reflecting on the friendships and experiences that shaped their time at UL.

Many graduates were particularly impressed by the transformation of the campus since their student days, while for others, the highlight was picking up conversations and friendships exactly where they had left off.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a memorable celebration of the UL community.

Relive some of the memories from the day 

It was wonderful to see the UL alumni community come together once again in Luxembourg for another special evening, making new connections and strengthening the UL alumni network abroad.

We are incredibly grateful to UL alumnus Jekabs Vinauds for kindly hosting the evening on our behalf, and to Thérèse Collins for her support on the night.

We would also like to extend our thanks to the Ambassador of Ireland to Luxembourg, Jean McDonald, for once again joining our group for the evening.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

View photos from the evening

More than 350 University of Limerick students and alumni took part in this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade, joining the “Legends of Limerick” celebrations through the city centre. Representing countries from across the globe, they proudly showcased their cultures while immersing themselves in Irish traditions. This year’s theme honoured the remarkable people and stories that have shaped Limerick, with UL participants paying tribute to Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, founder of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, whose legacy continues to influence generations of students.

UL alumni and friends gathered over the Saint Patrick’s Day weekend as the city placed a special spotlight on Limerick as its featured county. A proud moment for the UL community, Professor Brigid Laffan, Chancellor of the University of Limerick, served as Grand Marshal of the Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions, with Professor Colin Fitzpatrick, Interim Vice President of Global and Community Engagement, also in attendance. Following the parade, many gathered at Les Halles Saint Géry, where UL alumni and friends enjoyed a relaxed evening catching up, meeting others in the region and celebrating alongside the wider Irish community.

University of Limerick alumni and friends came together in New York for a lively networking evening at the Bank of Ireland NYC Hub in midtown Manhattan.

Professor Colin Fitzpatrick, Interim Vice President of Global and Community Engagement, attended alongside Sheena Doyle, Interim Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs, and Aoife Madden, Head of Alumni Relations. Guests heard updates from the University and took part in conversations about the continued growth of UL’s global alumni network.

Aoife Madden said she greatly enjoyed meeting alumni at the gathering. “It was fantastic to connect with so many UL graduates in New York and to hear about the journeys they have taken since their time in Limerick. There is a real sense of connection among our alumni abroad, and evenings like this are a great reminder of how strong the UL community is around the world.”

The evening highlighted the strong and growing network of UL graduates living and working in New York and across the United States.

View photos from the event

University of Limerick alumni and friends came together at the Consulate General of Ireland in Austin for the first UL Alumni event in the city. We were delighted to receive such a warm welcome from graduates living across Texas.

The evening brought alumni together to reconnect, meet others from the UL community in the region and share memories of their time in Limerick. Robert Hull, Consul General of Ireland in Texas and the southern central United States, also joined the evening.

Professor Colin Fitzpatrick, Interim Vice President of Global and Community Engagement, attended alongside Sheena Doyle, Interim Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs, and Aoife Madden, Head of Alumni Relations. During the evening, Professor Fitzpatrick shared a number of updates from the University, including the announcement of an exciting new scholarship for the children of international UL graduates who pay full fees to attend the University, offering a 50 per cent reduction in tuition on qualifying courses. Guests then continued the evening in conversation with fellow alumni.

Reflecting on the evening, Aoife said: “It was wonderful to meet so many UL alumni in Austin and hear about the paths they have taken since leaving Limerick. There is a real sense of pride in UL wherever you meet our graduates, and evenings like this are a great reminder of the connections that continue long after graduation. I look forward to meeting many more alumni around the world in the years ahead.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable evening.

View photos from the event

On 4 November 2025, exactly fifty years to the day since their graduation, the NCPE Class of 1975 returned to campus to mark the milestone and unveil a commemorative plaque.

This was the first graduating class of the then National College of Physical Education (NCPE), which later became Thomond College of Education and was subsequently amalgamated into University of Limerick. Their legacy has helped to shape the future of physical education in Ireland and laid the foundations for what is now UL’s Department of Physical Education and Sport Science.

Among the first NCPE graduates were individuals who went on to distinguished careers in sport at national and international level, as well as roles as lecturers, school principals, activists and community workers.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by former Minister Jimmy Deenihan, a member of the graduating class, Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins and many of the original graduates. The group was welcomed by Professor Elaine Murtagh, Course Director of the BSc Physical Education programme, on behalf of Dr John Perry, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences.

The plaque has been installed in the PESS Building, where the class originally graduated, serving as a lasting tribute to a pioneering cohort.

View photos of the occasion

The 18th annual UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner took place on 26  September, celebrating the achievements of the 2025 award recipients: trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore, three-time Olympian Thomas Barr, humanitarian Joe Kinahan and activist Tomás Heneghan.

This year’s awardees join a distinguished group of just 56 alumni who have been honoured since the awards were established in 2006 to recognise graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their fields.

Over 200 guests attended the event, which was supported by event partners Analog Devices, Stryker, Unijobs and the University of Limerick Foundation. The evening was hosted by UL alumna and broadcaster Dr Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh.

Learn more about this year’s award recipients and view a slideshow of photos from the evening 

The University of Limerick campus was alive with memories, music and laughter on Saturday, 23 August, as alumni returned for UL Class Reunion Day 2025. Graduates spanning the years 1980 through to 2020 gathered to reminisce, rediscover the campus and celebrate their shared bond.

The day began with a warm welcome reception in the Plaza Café. From there, alumni spread out across campus to rediscover favourite landmarks and explore new spaces. The walking tours brought back memories of student days with strolls through the grounds and across the Living Bridge. For those who preferred to sit back, the novelty of UL’s first-ever campus road train was a huge hit, offering a fun new way to see the campus.

Special highlights filled the afternoon. A string quartet from the Irish Chamber Orchestra performed in the Jean Monnet Theatre, with a setlist that ranged from Bach and Mozart to Coldplay and Queen. In the Glucksman Library, alumni explored The Edge, a cutting-edge hub for digital learning and innovation and saw the Automated Retrieval System (ARC) in action. Over in Block B, the Chemistry Department opened its doors to showcase familiar labs alongside exciting new features such as the Interactive Periodic Table.

At UL Sport, alumni compared memories of the old ‘mud bowl’ with pride in today’s world-class facilities. Meanwhile, Ber Angley’s alternative tour provided stories, surprises and even a recital on the historic Compton Organ in University Concert Hall.

One of the most meaningful moments came in the Memorial Garden, where alumni joined UL’s founding President, Dr Ed Walsh, to remember classmates who are no longer with us. 

The day ended where so many student nights once began — at the Stables. Alumni enjoyed the Reunion Barbecue, swapping stories and laughter over food and a drink, before the DJ took over and the celebrations rolled on into the night. 

View photos and video from the day

A memorable evening with the University of Limerick alumni community in Brussels!

We were honoured to welcome Professor Brigid Laffan, Chancellor of UL, as guest speaker at our Alumni Gathering. Her timely and thought-provoking address on Europe’s complex political challenges sparked lively and engaging discussion among attendees.

It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from our Brussels-based graduates. Gatherings like this truly reflect the strength of our global UL community – and it’s clear the connection to the University remains as strong as ever.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success.

View photos from the evening.

We were delighted to have so many members of the UL community join us at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin for an unforgettable UL Alumni event—including our Chancellor, Professor Brigid Laffan.  It was a great evening filled with insight, conversation, and connection.

The highlight of the night was a fantastic talk by Professor Stephen Kinsella, Head of the Department of Economics at UL and economic advisor to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, titled: “Storms and Silver Linings: Navigating Crises and Opportunities for Ireland.”

Stephen gave us both perspective and reassurance, reminding us that Ireland’s stability premium—our reputation for solid institutions, steady leadership, and resilience—has us in a strong position, even in uncertain times.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the night such a success. The strength of the UL community really shines when we come together like this.

View photos from the evening

The 17th annual UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner took place on 1 November in Limerick’s Castletroy Park Hotel, celebrating the achievements of the 2024 UL Alumni Award recipients: five-time World Champion Dancer David Geaney, reigning World and European Champion in the 3K open- water swim in the 70-74 age group Jane Jolly and Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Dexcom Barry Regan.

Speaking at the event, Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins said, “This year’s award recipients exemplify the spirit of UL, demonstrating innovation, leadership, and a commitment to making the world a better place. It is a privilege to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni, who continue to make us proud with their contributions to society, their professions, and their communities”.

The trio of new awardees join a prestigious group of just 53 alumni who have been previously honoured since the awards began in 2006.  The Alumni Awards programme was established to recognise graduates who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

The event, attended by over 200 guests, was kindly sponsored by Careon, with Analog Devices and Stryker Ireland as event partners. The evening was hosted by UL alumna and broadcaster Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh.

Read more about the 2024 UL Alumni Awards

The vibrant community of University of Limerick graduates in Luxembourg gathered for a memorable evening hosted by UL Alumni.

The event marked a special occasion for graduates to reconnect, celebrate their shared history, and build new professional and personal relationships. The highlight of the evening was the presence of the Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg,  Her Excellency, Jean McDonald, who joined the event in a show of support for the strong ties between the Irish and Luxembourg communities.

The gathering brought together graduates from various disciplines, representing a diverse range of industries and professional backgrounds. Hosted in the heart of Luxembourg City, the social evening provided an opportunity for alumni to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen the UL community abroad. It also highlighted the growing presence and influence of Irish professionals in the Grand Duchy. UL was represented by Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs and Norita Kelleher, UL Alumni Services Manager.

Read more and view photos from the event.

The UL Alumni Team was thrilled to welcome graduates from across five decades back to campus last weekend for a day of nostalgia and reconnection at the Class Reunions. It was wonderful to see classmates reunite—some for the first time in 40 years!

The afternoon included a tour of the Chemistry Department, led by Maria Munroe, CTO, Department of Chemical Sciences, showcasing UL’s impressive Interactive Periodic Table, the first of its kind in any third-level institution in Ireland. A poetry reading took place in UL’s new memorial garden, paying tribute to classmates who have passed away. The peaceful setting provided a moment of reflection as graduates honoured the friends they had lost and shared fond memories. The ever-popular campus tour also set off from Plassey House, offering a mix of old memories and exciting new developments of our ever-evolving campus. As evening fell, the festivities moved to The Stables Club for the Reunion Barbeque. Conversations flowed freely as old friends caught up, exchanged stories and created new memories.

View photos from the 2024 Class Reunions

UL Alumni was delighted to host a special Summer Social event in the heart of London, bringing together our graduates and friends for an evening of relaxed conversation and camaraderie. Held at the whimsical Mr Fogg's House of Botanicals in Fitzrovia, the gathering provided a perfect setting for reconnecting with old friends and forging new connections.

The event saw an excellent turnout of alumni eager to reminisce about their university days and expand their professional networks. The evening began with a warm welcome from Laura Ryan, UL's Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs. Guests then mingled, enjoying an array of delicious canapés and drinks while engaging in lively conversations.

More than just a social event, the gathering also served as a vibrant platform for networking and idea exchange. It generated numerous new ideas and potential collaborations. The positive energy and proactive suggestions from attendees underscored a strong desire to stay connected with UL and contribute to its ongoing success.

View a slideshow of images from the event

UL Alumni was thrilled to host a really engaging event in Manhattan and reconnect with our NYC-based graduates. More than 50 alumni gathered in the central location of Midtown to celebrate their shared UL heritage and forge new connections. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Laura Ryan, UL Director Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs who thanked attendees for their continued support and engagement with their alma mater. 

A highlight of the event was a conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist Malachy Browne and Dr Audrey Galvin from UL’s Department of Journalism who spoke about the critical importance of rigorous journalism in navigating today's information landscape.

Malachy Browne told graduates stories from his remarkable career as an investigative journalist at The New York Times, leading the Visual Investigations Unit, highlighting the power of merging traditional reporting with digital forensics to expose truths and challenge authority. Malachy received a UL Alumni Award in 2023 for his outstanding work. In an era where misinformation and fake news abound, the conversation was timely and thought-provoking as both Malachy and Audrey showed how essential it is to delve into the pivotal role of investigative journalism in countering these narratives and uncovering the truth. 

The gathering also served as a platform for networking, reminiscing, and celebrating the shared experiences and achievements of graduates from diverse backgrounds.

UL Alumni remains committed to fostering a vibrant alumni community, with plans to host similar events in NYC in the future. By providing opportunities for continued engagement and networking, UL Alumni hopes to continue to strengthen ties with its alumni base and create lasting value for graduates as they navigate their professional and personal journeys beyond graduation.

View a slideshow of images from the event

The 16th annual UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner was held in the Limerick Strand Hotel on Friday 3 November, taking place alongside the UL Sports Hall of Fame for the first time. 

The 2023 Alumni Award Recipients are:

• Mr Dermot Scanlon – BSc Industrial Chemistry 1985 - Outstanding Contribution/Entrepreneurship
• Ms Cathy Smith – BA European Studies 1995 - Outstanding Contribution/Society
• Mr Malachy Browne – MA International Studies 2006 - Outstanding Contribution/Humanitarian

The 2023 UL Sports Hall of Fame Inductees are:

• Mr Dave Mahedy – BA Physical Education 1978 - 2023 Inductee (Director, Sport & Recreation 1991-2019)
• Ms Lynne Cantwell – BSc Sports and Exercise Science 2003 - 2023 Inductee (Rugby)
• Dr Larry McCarthy – BEd Physical Education 1977 -2023 Inductee (GAA)

Read more about the 2023 UL Alumni Awards and Sports Hall of Fame.

View a slideshow of images from the evening.

Alumni from UL, NIHE and Thomond College spanning across four decades came together in early September for their Class Reunions. UL President Kerstin Mey welcomed graduates from the earliest classes to Plassey House before everybody embarked on a tour of the campus. The sun shone as alumni witnessed the incredible evolution of their alma mater. For many who were not on campus since their student days, the transformation from the modest buildings and spaces they knew well to today’s state-of-the-art facilities, lush green spaces, and cutting-edge technologies was greatly impressive.

As the sun began to set, the main event unfolded at the Stables Club, where old friends gathered for a reunion barbecue. Everybody was in great spirits, swapping stories about their university days and catching up on the years since. DJ Ber Angley kept the party going into the night, playing a nostalgic mix of tunes. As always the on-campus Class Reunion was a testament to the enduring bonds forged at UL and for many it was an opportunity to reconnect with friends they hadn’t seen in decades.

View photos from the Reunions.

The US Capital played host to a memorable evening as alumni, former students, and friends of UL came together for a special gathering filled with music, engaging conversations and a vibrant celebration of Irish culture. 

Musical performances by Dr Sandra Joyce, Dr Niall Keegan, and talented students from UL's Irish World Academy created a wonderful ambiance. Their remarkable talent and passion for their craft reverberated throughout the venue and captivated their audience. 

Niamh Kavanagh warmly welcomed the attendees on behalf of UL Alumni and provided insightful updates on the latest developments at the University. In her own words, Niamh expressed her delight in connecting with graduates, saying, "It was an absolute pleasure to connect with so many of our esteemed alumni in Washington DC last Thursday night. The live traditional music performed by Dr. Sandra Joyce, Dr. Niall Keegan, and our very own UL students Aisling Parslow and Sean Loughran created an unforgettable atmosphere. We cherished the opportunity to reminisce and engage in delightful conversations about our time at UL throughout the evening."

View a slideshow of images from the event.
 

Graduates and friends of the University of Limerick were treated to an engaging and thought-provoking evening centred around the topic of "Trustworthy and Generative AI" on 8 June, marking the University's first event in the city since 2019. The gathering, held in the elegant venue of 41 Portland Place in Central London, provided a platform for attendees to delve into the implications of artificial intelligence and its critical need for trustworthiness.

The event featured Dr Martin Cunneen as keynote speaker, sharing his extensive research and teaching experiences, shedding light on the complex realm of AI risk, ethics, and governance. Drawing from his impressive two-decade-long career encompassing diverse domains such as philosophy, applied ethics, and risk theory, Dr Cunneen captivated the audience with his expertise in AI and its implications for various industries.

Prof Kerstin Mey, President of the University of Limerick also attended, making her first appearance before London-based graduates. Prof Mey expressed her excitement in meeting the alumni and shared updates and plans for the institution. Joining her was Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs at UL, who personally welcomed the attendees and further emphasised the importance of the event in fostering connections within the UL community.

View a slideshow of images from the event.

UL Alumni proudly hosted an exciting and long-awaited alumni event in Limerick on 25 May, marking the first gathering of its kind in over three years. The event took place at the highly anticipated International Rugby Experience, a venue that promised to deliver an immersive and fun experience for the attendees.

The evening kicked off with a tour of the International Rugby Experience, an interactive and engaging exploration designed to ignite passion and captivate visitors. From the moment UL alumni set foot into the facility, they were immediately enveloped in an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of game day. Enormous media installations breathed life into the exhilaration and intensity of rugby matches. Graduates were transported back in time through captivating displays and dynamic multimedia presentations, as they relived iconic moments in rugby history.

Guests were also given the chance to showcase their own rugby skills and expertise through a series of interactive trials. Eager to put their abilities to the test, graduates embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and had a fantastic time immersing themselves in the challenges. As they engaged in friendly competition and shared their love for the game, the event served as a unique platform for reconnecting with old friends and making new connections based on their shared passion for rugby. 

Following the tour, UL Alumni welcomed graduates to a reception held on the sixth floor, where panoramic views of the city of Limerick provided a breath-taking backdrop to a lively panel discussion. The panel was led by Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs and proud UL alumna. Joining her were two notable former rugby players, Niamh Kavanagh and Barry Murphy, who brought a wealth of experience and entertaining anecdotes from the rugby world.
 

View a slideshow of images from the event.

Graduates and friends of UL came together on Friday, 14 April, at The Burren Irish Pub in Somerville for a heartwarming Gathering. The event provided a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, allowing UL alumni to catch up, share stories, and build new connections.

The Gathering welcomed special guests, including UL Alumni Chairman, Bobby O'Connor, and Niamh Kavanagh from UL Global. They underscored the strong bond between UL and its alumni community and shared updates on the university's initiatives and future plans.
 

The 15^th Annual UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner was held on 19 November 2022 at the Castletroy Park Hotel. The annual awards, hosted by UL Alumni, celebrate the achievements of outstanding graduates.

The 2022 Alumni Award Recipients are:

• Ms Imelda Hurley – BBS 1994 - Outstanding Contribution/Business
• Col Colm Doyle – MA International Studies 1994 - Outstanding Contribution/Humanitarian
• Ms Linda Ledger – Dip Project Management 2012 - Outstanding Contribution/Society

Read more about the 2022 UL Alumni Awards.

View a slideshow of images from the 2022 UL Alumni Awards.

UL Alumni welcomed close to 400 graduates back to the campus for Class Reunions kindly supported by Bank of Ireland. Returning graduates enjoyed walking tours of the campus in the sunshine, followed by a barbeque and entertainment in The Stables which included a late-night party with the legendary DJ Ber Angley. Also, some of our earliest graduates were welcomed to a Reception in Plassey House hosted by UL Provost and Deputy President Professor Shane Kilcommins and UL Alumni Executive Director Majella O’Connell. As always, graduates took the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce as they celebrated 50 years of UL!

View a full album of photos from the 2022 UL Alumni Class Reunions.

Better late than never! UL Alumni was thrilled to support the UL Ceremonies Office in bringing the UL Classes of 2020 and 2021 back to the campus to finally celebrate their academic achievements. Having missed out on a traditional graduation, there were so many smiling faces at these Celebratory Gatherings held in April, as returning graduates donned caps and gowns for their special day. And the feedback afterwards confirmed just how much this opportunity meant to everyone there.

As part of Post-Grad Month in February 2022, UL Alumni was once again delighted to partner with the Postgraduate Student's Union for ‘PSU Alumni Connect’, an event focused on educational and career progression.
Current postgraduate students who attended were able to benefit from an impressive panel of alumni speakers with varied backgrounds and a wealth of experience and advice. Huge thanks to our speakers Lyndsey Hall, Chettanna Onaedo Nweze, Dr Paddy Finn, Dr Leonie Lynch, Karthik Vasisht Gajendra, Maria Ryan and Ishmael Kgaugelo Mothibi. The event was hosted by UL Alumni Executive Director, Majella O’Connell. “We are so grateful to our guest speakers… This event was a fabulous opportunity for everyone to learn from each other and it really emphasized the importance of alumni building their connections”.