University of Limerick Alumni

01/10/2026

In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to LLB in Law and European Studies graduate Máire Neary, VP of People and Legal at Flipdish and Runner-Up Emerging Executive in the Image PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026.

Máire discusses why the humanities are more valuable than ever as AI use increases and how her strong sense of curiousity led to a career change: https://www.ul.ie/news/university-of-limerick-alumni-spotlight-maire-neary

29/09/2026

Four remarkable graduates. Four very different paths. One shared UL connection.

More than 250 guests joined us at the Castletroy Park Hotel on Friday evening for the 2026 UL Alumni Awards to celebrate the achievements and contributions of four outstanding University of Limerick graduates.

This year’s Alumni Awards were presented to acclaimed novelist Donal Ryan; diplomat Frances Collins; Martin Cotter, Chief Business Units Officer and President, EMEA, at Analog Devices; and investigative journalist Derek Bowler.

Reflecting on the achievements of the four recipients, UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “What strikes me about each of tonight’s recipients is not simply their success, impressive though it is. It is their contribution. Through literature, diplomacy, technology, and journalism, they have all sought to make a meaningful difference. They have used their talents not solely for personal achievement, but to create value for others.”

The evening, hosted by UL alumna and broadcaster Dr Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, brought together our award recipients and their families and friends, fellow alumni, University colleagues and representatives from the wider business and regional community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate, and a very special thanks to our lead sponsor Edwards Lifesciences and event partners Analog Devices, Bidvest Noonan, Clare County Council, Kirby Group Engineering and Unijobs

Congratulations once again to Donal, Frances, Martin and Derek on this very special recognition.

29/09/2026

15/09/2026

UL Alumni is heading to Boston this October for a special evening bringing together University of Limerick alumni and friends in the city.

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

We are delighted that UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins and Chancellor Professor Brigid Laffan will join us in Boston for this special evening.

Tuesday, 13 October
6.00–8.00 pm
Back Bay, Boston

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Register here: https://ULAlumniBoston26.eventbrite.ie

This special gathering is proudly sponsored by Analog Devices.

08/09/2026

A moment worth keeping!

At our recent UL conferring ceremonies, UL Alumni provided each graduate with a complimentary personalised video capturing the moment they received their parchment on stage.

Here’s one of those special moments from our recent conferrings.

If you graduated recently and haven’t received your graduation clip, please contact the UL Alumni team at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help.

Congratulations once again to all our newest UL graduates!

03/09/2026

From performing on some of the world’s greatest stages as an opera singer to supporting people through some of life’s most challenging moments, new Music Therapy graduate Paula Roche has transformed a lifelong passion for music into a career dedicated to helping others.

"Touring around the world gave me a real appreciation of music as an international language. It connects people across cultures and reaches beyond many of the usual barriers to communication."

Read Paula's story: https://www.ul.ie/news/international-opera-singer-and-ul-graduate-finds-a-new-voice-through-music-therapy

03/09/2026

31/08/2026

From schoolboy hurler to All-Ireland glory, Cathal O’Neill graduates from University of Limerick.

Just weeks before graduating, Limerick senior hurling star Cathal was named Player of the Match after scoring 1-4 in the All-Ireland hurling final, including a memorable second-half goal.

Today, he adds another achievement to that journey, graduating with a BSc in Physical Education with Irish, alongside more than 3,000 students at UL’s autumn conferring ceremonies.

His degree brings together the three passions that have shaped him: hurling, Gaeilge and teaching, with a career in teaching on the horizon.

Cathal’s UL story began long before he pulled on the jersey himself.

“I chose UL because I had grown up going to training for Limerick underage out there. My father also used to take me to Fitzgibbon Cup games so, I suppose, I was never going to go anywhere else.”

He went on to become a key part of UL’s Fitzgibbon Cup success.

“You know you only get a small window to put on the UL jersey so you want to make the absolute most of it.”

But for Cathal, his time at UL has been about much more than silverware.

“My time at UL has been about the relationships I built during my time there. I think going to college matures you a lot and it definitely helped me find my way as such and figure out who I want to be.”

From the young hurler watching Fitzgibbon Cup games with his father, to Fitzgibbon Cup winner, All-Ireland champion and UL graduate, it has been some journey.

Comhghairdeas, a Chathail! 🎓🏆💚