<title>News</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/news/</link> en lisa.wess@ellislab.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-11T09:10:22+00:00 <title>President’s Gala Dinner Celebrates UL’s Relationship with the City of Limerick</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/presidents-gala-dinner-celebrates-uls-relationship-with-the-city-of-li/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/presidents-gala-dinner-celebrates-uls-relationship-with-the-city-of-li/#When:09:10:22Z Pictured (from left): David Cronin, Chief Executive, UL Foundation; Dr Bill Whelan, UL Foundation Director; Michael Noonan T.D., Minister for Finance; Propfessor Don Barry, UL PresidentKey business and community leaders in the mid-west region came out in support of the ninth annual University of Limerick (UL) President’s Gala Dinner, which was held in the Strand Hotel in Limerick City on Friday, May 11th. Organised by the University of Limerick Foundation, the theme of the event this year was a celebration of UL’s close ties to the city of Limerick and funds raised will go towards expansion of the President's Volunteer Award programme which is run by the University. Over 250 guests were treated to the first ever Riverdance performance in Limerick City. Guest of honour at the event was renowned composer and producer, Dr Bill Whelan. Dr Whelan who is a native of Limerick and a director of the University of Limerick Foundation composed the music for the internationally famed Riverdance show. We see ourselves as being in the city and of the city. So I am happy to say to you tonight that UL most definitely will play a key role in building the ‘New Limerick’. “I recognise that the Opera Centre site presents an opportunity to intensify the involvement of UL in the City. There are formidable financial challenges facing us at this time and securing the considerable funding that will be required to allow UL provide a world-class educational experience in the heart of Limerick City is quite a daunting prospect. However, the history of this institution is steeped in overcoming obstacles. Despite the austerity measures thrust upon us over the last number of years the University of Limerick is still punching above its weight, still making ground breaking discoveries, still accomplishing what many consider to be impossible.” David Cronin, Chief Executive of the UL Foundation added: “This spectacular performance of Riverdance in the City of Limerick is testament to the extraordinary generosity of Dr Bill Whelan in his work as a Director of the UL Foundation”. The President’s Volunteer Awards were launched in 2010 to harness, acknowledge and support the contribution that students at UL make to volunteering activities outside of their academic studies. The programme also acts as a one-stop shop where community organisations are able to promote their volunteering opportunities and recruit student volunteers. Since then, over 270 students have volunteered help the work of over 40 community organisations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Funds raised at the Gala Dinner will be utilised towards the development and expansion of this programme. Sponsoring this year’s event were NOONAN and Ulster Bank. John O’Donoghue, CEO of NOONAN said: “NOONAN has been associated with the University for over 20 years and we look forward to continuing this relationship with UL as a valued customer”. Ulster Bank has close links with the University of Limerick following the opening of a branch on campus in September 2005. “We are delighted to continue supporting the University of Limerick and the Foundation through our sponsorships and in particular through the establishment of the Ulster Bank Enablement Fund, which was established following our arrival to UL in 2005. This fund supports the University’s clubs and societies, student development, its Alumni activities and other worthy on-campus projects” said Tom Leahy, Regional Director South Ulster Bank Business Banking. 2012-05-11T09:10:22+00:00 <title>Paul O’Connell to be Made Freeman of Limerick</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/paul-oconnell-to-be-made-freeman-of-limerick/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/paul-oconnell-to-be-made-freeman-of-limerick/#When:11:33:27Z Our congratulations to UL Foundation Director and rugby international, Paul O'Connell, who is to be conferred with the freedom of Limerick City.  Paul will be made a freeman of Limerick at a ceremony in City Hall on the 22nd of April. Mayor of Limerick Cllr Jim Long proposed Paul O'Connell because of his contribution to sport and his role as an ambassador for Limerick.  63 Honorary Freedoms have been granted by Limerick City Council since 1877.  Paul joins Foundation Directors Bill Whelan, Terry Wogan and UL Founding President, Edward Walsh, all of whom have been conferred the freedom of the city. 2012-04-10T11:33:27+00:00 <title>Riverdance to Perform at University of Limerick President’s Gala Dinner</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/riverdance-to-perform-at-university-of-limerick-presidents-gala-dinner/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/riverdance-to-perform-at-university-of-limerick-presidents-gala-dinner/#When:16:41:44Z Riverdance will give a special performance at the University of Limerick President’s Gala Dinner, which takes place in the Strand Hotel on May 11th. This will be the first Riverdance visit to Limerick and tickets for this highly anticipated event are expected to be in huge demand.  Guest of honour at the event is renowned composer and producer, Dr Bill Whelan.  Dr Whelan who is a native of Limerick and a director of the University of Limerick Foundation composed the music for the internationally famed Riverdance show.  Speaking about the upcoming event, Dr Whelan said: “It has always been an ambition of mine to bring Riverdance to my home city of Limerick, so it gives me great pleasure to finally see this dream come true.  To be able to do so in a way which helps raise funds for the University’s charitable activities makes it all the more pleasurable”. In response, David Cronin, Chief Executive of the UL Foundation said: “Dr Whelan’s support for this event is a key example of the generosity shown to the University by the Foundation’s directors.  We are very privileged to have such advocacy and leadership from so many respected figures in the community.”  Organised by the University of Limerick Foundation, the President’s Dinner is an annual fundraising event which supports a different project each year.  This year’s event is a celebration of UL’s close ties to the city of Limerick and will raise funds for expansion of the President's Volunteer Award programme which is run by the University.  The programme was established in April 2010 to harness, acknowledge and support the contribution that students at the University of Limerick make to volunteering activities outside of their academic studies.  The programme is working to create a one-stop volunteering portal where community organisations are able to promote their opportunities and recruit student volunteers. Since the launch of the award programme 270 students have registered their interest in volunteering with over 40 different University and community initiatives. Tickets cost €180 each or €1,800 for a table of 10.  For queries and ticket purchases for the event, please contact Sarah Hartnett, University of Limerick Foundation (tel: 061-234240; email: sarah.hartnett@ul.ie)       2012-03-20T16:41:44+00:00 <title>Compact Imaging Reaches Agreement</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/compact-imaging-reaches-agreement/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/compact-imaging-reaches-agreement/#When:15:09:50Z Compact Imaging (CI) today announced an innovative research collaboration with the University of Limerick and National University of Ireland Galway.The two-year agreement, in the scientific field of biophotonics, specifically optical coherence tomography (OCT), will explore and further develop CI’s novel technologies. OCT is an imaging technique similar to ultrasound, but employing light rather than sound. The project will combine National University of Ireland Galway’s globally-recognized body of OCT research in medical and biological imaging with CI’s development and intellectual property in the area of multiple-reference OCT.  The focus will be on Compact Imaging’s MRO™, multiple-reference OCT, architecture. CI is an early stage technology company focused on the rapidly expanding market for non-invasive optical imaging, measurement and analysis. The Company’s MRO™ technology makes possible very small (cell phone size), low-cost, robust OCT-based devices for these applications. CI, based in Silicon Valley, holds a portfolio of US patents covering multiple-reference optical coherence tomography (MRO™). The collaboration makes the extensive scientific research capabilities of NUI Galway and University of Limerick available to CI. The agreement has been led by and supported by Galway University Foundation and University of Limerick Foundation. The agreement will lead to the University foundations receiving equity in CI.  Additional financial details are confidential, for commercial reasons. NUI Galway’s Professor Martin Leahy will direct the research efforts. Professor Leahy is Chair of Applied Physics at NUI Galway, Scientific Director of the National Biophotonics Imaging Platform Ireland (NBIPI) www.nbipireland.ie and Director of the University’s Tissue Optics and Microcirculation Imaging Laboratory (TOMI) http://tomi.nuigalway.ie. “Physics has delivered extraordinary advances in almost every facet of modern life,” said Professor Leahy.  “From the humble thermometer and stethoscope to X-Ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET and radiotherapy, our health has been transformed by these advances. Photonics promises to bring healthcare to the next level, as it is the only means to see cells and molecules in small, accessible, low cost and safe imaging systems. “Compact Imaging’s multiple-reference OCT technology has the potential to harness all these advantages, delivering solutions to health and security markets with a distinct edge,” added Professor Leahy.  “Our proprietary MRO™ technology has a broad set of biological imaging and measurement applications in fields from medical to security,” said Don Bogue, CEO of CI. “By embarking on this collaboration with Professor Leahy and the laboratories at National University of Ireland Galway, Compact Imaging gains access to outstanding research capability with a group that has the right scientific expertise and research focus to move MRO™ well beyond where our startup-level resources would otherwise allow.  “We expect that this collaboration will accelerate our development and delivery of small low-cost solutions to a variety of markets,” he said. The underlying imaging technology, optical coherence tomography (OCT), was first commercialized more than a decade ago for use in ophthalmic and medical diagnostic imaging. CI’s MRO™ is a very different architecture from that used in conventional OCT systems. The architecture enables design of small form factor (cell phone size), low cost devices ideally-suited both to integration with large multi-purpose instruments for office or clinic use and to higher volume mobile or remote applications. “Leveraging knowledge to support innovation is an important part of the mission of universities. For NUI Galway and UL to partner in this way with an emerging company in Silicon Valley is a very exciting development. NUI Galway is delighted to be part of this collaboration which brings mutual benefit to all partners – academic and commercial,” said Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway Speaking about the alliance, UL President, Professor Don Barry said: “This alliance and this pioneering commercial agreement highlight what can be achieved with some innovative thinking from supporters of the University. It demonstrates ways in which commercially astute universities and their foundations can benefit through creative collaborations with industry.”   2012-02-16T15:09:50+00:00 <title>Chancellor Peter Malone hosts his final Chancellor’s Concert with record numbers</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/chancellor-peter-malone-hosts-his-final-chancellors-concert-with-recor/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/chancellor-peter-malone-hosts-his-final-chancellors-concert-with-recor/#When:10:31:31Z Phil Coulter performs at UL Chancellor's ConcertOn Thursday 9th February, over 150 businesses, local organisations and friends of the University turned out to support the fourth annual University of Limerick Chancellor’s Concert.  This black tie fundraising event was first championed by Chancellor Peter Malone in 2008 with this year’s event being the final concert of his tenure.   Guests dined in the newly opened Pavilion building on the Clare Campus.  This was the first event to be held in the building, which is part of the University’s new state-of-the-art, all-weather sports complex, the largest of its kind in Europe.  It contains third generation pitches, which play like natural grass and are designed for all weathers, including two soccer, one rugby and two GAA pitches.  In addition to new playing fields, the Sports Pavilion Building contains changing rooms, squad rooms and coaching rooms, together with bar, restaurant and conference facilities. Speaking at the event, Chancellor Peter Malone said: “This is the largest number of guests we have had at the event to date and it is wonderful to see so many friends and supporters here tonight”.  He went on to pay tribute to all those involved in bringing the magnificent Pavilion development to fruition.   After dinner, guests were treated to an intimate performance by renowned composer and performer, Phil Coulter, in the new Irish World Academy of Music and Dance building before returning to the Pavilion for a post-concert reception. 2012-02-14T10:31:31+00:00 <title>Irish language version of Frank McCourt’s, Angela’s Ashes, ‘Luaithreach Angela&#82</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/irish-language-version-of-frank-mccourts-angelas-ashes-luaithreach-angela-i/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/irish-language-version-of-frank-mccourts-angelas-ashes-luaithreach-angela-i/#When:16:35:14Z The Irish language version of Frank McCourt’s, Angela’s Ashes, ‘Luaithreach Angela’ was launched in New York on November 15th.  Ellen McCourt stated that this translation would have ‘found a place in Frank’s heart’.MC for the evening Pat Carroll, was introduced by host and Consul General, Noel Kilkenny, over 150 guests enjoyed an entertaining array of speakers, including Frank’s brother Malachy as well as translator, Padraic Breatneach and publisher, Dominic Taylor. Award-winning Irish writer Colum McCann paid a warm tribute to his former friend, colleague and mentor, Frank McCourt, and praised his work as giving ‘a voice to all those other voices that came before him.’  While he applauded translator Padraic Breathnach and the Limerick Writers Centre for ‘being brave enough to get into the heart of that language’, he said that there is a tinge of sorrow that the Irish  version has taken 15 years to come about, after translations into more than 20 other languages. ‘It is important for a writer to go back to the heart of our DNA and the stories that have come before’, he said, and that even though Frank and his own work are written in English that the Irish language has strongly informed their storytelling. Background: The Irish language publication of the Pulitzer Prize winning memoir was launched at the Irish Consulate General, on 15th November, as part of Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland’s year of Irish arts in America. Angela’s Ashes has sold millions of copies and been translated into over 25 languages. However, until now, the Irish language, Gaelic, was not one of them. Luaithreach Angela is a limited edition, Irish translation of the author’s Pulitzer Prize winning   book. This new publication was undertaken by The Limerick Writers’ Centre, a non-profit organisation established to nurture and support writers. They commissioned writer and translator Padraic Breathnach to translate the famous book into the Irish ‘native tongue’.   The Limerick Writers’ Centre also expressed the hope that an Irish edition of such a famous book may encourage more people to read books in Irish. The publication and launch of the book takes place in association with The Frank McCourt Museum. This museum, in Limerick, Ireland, which is dedicated to Frank’s memory, is located in Leamy’s School, where Frank received his early education, as featured in his memoir. The launch takes place fifteen years after the publication of the original book in New York, in 1996.  We wish to gratefully acknowledge the generous support for our project from: Culture Ireland, Shannon Development & Limerick City Council.  The events are part of Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland’s year of Irish arts in America  For further information, contact:  Pat Carroll (Touch Communications)              e: pat@touchcommunications.ie        http://www.limerickwriterscentre.com/ http://www.frankmccourtmuseum.com/ 2011-12-16T16:35:14+00:00 <title>“Upstart: Friends, Foes and Founding a University” -Portion of Proceeds Can Benefit UL</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/upstart-friends-foes-and-founding-a-university-portion-of-proceeds-can-bene/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/upstart-friends-foes-and-founding-a-university-portion-of-proceeds-can-bene/#When:16:06:21Z In his latest book, Upstart: Friends, Foes and Founding a University, published by The Collins Press, Ed Walsh chronicles the birth of the University of Limerick from a decaying mansion on a riverside campus to major university.Publishers, Collins Press, have generously agreed to make a donation of €5 to the University of Limerick for every book purchased by graduates and friends of the University directly from their website http://www.collinspress.ie/.  When inputting your name at the checkout, please type the letters ULF after your first name and Collins Press will donate €5 per book to the University through the UL Foundation. 2011-12-02T16:06:21+00:00 <title>Official Opening of Tierney Building Takes Place</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/official-opening-of-tierney-building-takes-place/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/official-opening-of-tierney-building-takes-place/#When:15:13:40Z Pictured (left to right): UL Chancellor, Mr Peter Malone, UL Foundation Director, Dr Dan Tierney, UL President, Prof Don Barry, Minister for Finance, Mr Michael Noonan, T.D., Vice-President Research at UL, Dr Mary ShireOn 21st November 2011, Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan T.D. officially opened the Tierney Building at University of Limerick.  This state-of-the-art campus facility will house UL’s Innovation Centre and Lero – the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre. The UL Innovation Centre is the latest Enterprise Ireland campus incubation centre to be opened and will support the formation and growth of 35 new high potential start-up (HPSU) companies between 2011 and 2016, generating over 115 new high-value jobs. The Tierney Building has been named after the Tierney family in recognition of their generous support towards the buildings.  Dr Dan Tierney, who is originally from Limerick, has been a Director of the UL Foundation since 1993.  He is Chairman of Bimeda Holdings Plc.  Speaking at the launch, Dr Tierney said: “The University of Limerick has always been at the forefront of enterprise and innovation.  The Tierney family are delighted to be associated with this new building that will be home to future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators”. Speaking at the launch, Minister Noonan said: “The Tierney building will house both cutting-edge software engineering research together with a centre that will support the growth of new high potential business start-ups. It is a tangible example of what we can achieve when Government, industry and our universities collaborate together.”“Over recent years Ireland has built up a very impressive record in scientific research. If we are to get out of our present difficulties, we must now use this base to commercialise more ideas, create more Irish businesses, and attract and embed more multinational investment. Turning good ideas into good jobs: that is what SFI’s research centres, such as the Lero CSET, and funded teams are about, and that is what I am determined to achieve.” Minister Noonan added. The objective of the UL Innovation Centre is to increase regional entrepreneurship with an international trading focus. It will provide dedicated business incubation space and support services for start-up companies whose activities are aligned with UL research strengths. The UL Innovation Centre offers dedicated units for supporting new technology based businesses together with two fully equipped research laboratory suites, boardrooms, meeting rooms and ancillary support services. The centre will facilitate the transformation of new knowledge into commercially viable opportunities and become a hub around which regional innovation is driven, organised and supported.UL President, Professor Don Barry said: “UL started out with a pioneering vision of innovation, excellence and a commitment to building strong industry collaborations. We are now even more focused on research that can assist companies enhance their own research and development capabilities and support them in obtaining or maintaining a competitive advantage in the market place.  We will continue to uncover the emerging technological opportunities we have here in Ireland, to nurture those with high economic impact and growth potential and to support them in achieving success.”   2011-11-25T15:13:40+00:00 <title>Foundation Set to Launch 2011 Alumni Annual Fund Appeal</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/foundation-set-to-launch-2011-alumni-annual-fund-appeal/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/foundation-set-to-launch-2011-alumni-annual-fund-appeal/#When:14:27:58Z The 2011 Alumni Annual Fund Appeal will be launched in the coming weeks.  In an effort to minimise overheads, this year's Appeal will be sent by email and graduates are encouraged to make their donations online.Given the current financial difficulties that many families are facing, for this year’s Annual Fund Appeal we have decided to place a special focus on student scholarships and Access initiatives for disadvantaged students, which will help ease the burden on families who are struggling with the costs associated with sending their children to university. Every graduate who donates to this year's Appeal will be entered into a prize draw for two tickets to the UL President’s Gala Dinner in Dromoland Castle on Friday, May 11th, 2012.  The prize also includes overnight Bed & Breakfast accommodation in a deluxe room at Dromoland Castle on the night of the event.  The President’s Dinner is an annual fundraising event supported by local companies and individuals and is one of the highlights on the calendar of the mid-west.  In the meantime, graduates, please keep a close eye on your email for further details of this year's Appeal. 2011-10-14T14:27:58+00:00 <title>UL Founding President and Foundation Director, Dr Edward Walsh, Launches Memoirs</title> <link>http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/ul-founding-president-and-foundation-director-dr-edward-walsh-launches/</link> http://www.ulfoundation.com/site/ul-founding-president-and-foundation-director-dr-edward-walsh-launches/#When:14:07:03Z In his latest book, Upstart: Friends, Foes and Founding a University, published by The Collins Press, Ed Walsh chronicles the birth of the University of Limerick from a decaying mansion on a riverside campus to major university.Ed Walsh, son of a Cork butcher, was a young man in a hurry when he returned to Ireland in 1970, after a decade working in US universities. Limerick wanted a university but the powers that be decreed that an institute of higher education would suffice and appointed Ed to set it up. Limerick’s National Institute for Higher Education opened two years later; however the Department of Education, politicians and officials discovered they had unleashed a perfect storm that would not abate until Ed Walsh achieved university status for Limerick. Despite a vicious recession Ed secured funding from the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. Later he won the support of US-based philanthropists Chuck Feeney, Lew and Loretta Glucksman and others who pumped millions into the Limerick campus. He made powerful enemies as he challenged official cant, traditional academics and clerical humbug. Throughout the book Ed castigates obstructionists, procrastinators and placemen who refused to see that Irish education needed to compete in a rapidly changing world. His harshest criticisms are aimed at fellow academics who put guarding their own patch before progress. He also lavishes generous praise on all those who reacted positively to his objectives, even when they disagreed with his modus operandi.  The book provides a fascinating account of the interaction between the political and administrative system faced by a “go getter” who knew what he wanted. The reader gets an up close and personal view of ministers from the austere Padraig Faulkner to feisty Niamh Bhreathnach, taking in Dick Burke, Gemma Hussey, Mary O’Rourke, John Wilson and others.  Ed’s diary also frankly describes his turbulent relationships with senior civil servants making clear that visionary public servants like Sean O’Connor, Finbarr O’Callaghan, Noel Lindsay and Oscar Richardson played a huge role.  With surprising candour Ed describes his academic and political struggles and his efforts to straddle the divide between warring factions. This inspiring, frank and often funny memoir by a passionate educational leader vividly describes the making of the University of Limerick, the first new university established in the Republic of Ireland. Upstart: Friends, Foes and Founding a University by Ed Walsh is published by The Collins Press, price €27.99. It is available in bookshops and online from www.collinspress.ie   2011-10-14T14:07:03+00:00