UL posthumously recognises one of the driving forces behind Limerick University Project Committee
JOHN E Moloney, one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the University of Limerick has posthumously received formal recognition for his efforts 34 years following his death.
Mr Moloney’s grandson, John Gavin received the President’s Medal on behalf of his grandfather at the UL summer conferring ceremony for 2023.
The university honoured Mr Moloney for his “dedicated and passionate” volunteering as the chairman of the Limerick University Project Committee whose campaign saw the establishment of the National Institute of Higher Education (NIHE) on the Plassey campus and later the establishment of the University of Limerick.
Mr Moloney passed away three months after university status was bestowed on the institution.
The President’s Medal continues the proud tradition of recognising those in the community who gave their service so generously to the benefit of UL.
President of UL Professor Kerstin Mey said she was “very happy to mark John’s contribution to the University”.
In October, UL launched the John E Moloney scholarship to support a talented, high-achieving access student to engage in and progress through an undergraduate programme of study from the coming academic year.
The merit-based scholarship will be annually renewable for the duration of the student’s programme of study based on the evidence that they continue to perform in achieving the learning outcomes of their course.
Speaking at the UL50 event marking the contribution of the Limerick University Project Committee and the Limerick Student University Project Committee in UL’s Glucksman Library in October, Provost and Deputy President Professor Shane Kilcommins praised those who “fought for Limerick’s right to have a university.
“That we are here today, having the ability to celebrate this institution’s half-decade of history, is thanks to the years of persistent and skilful lobbying by those of you here at this important event.
“The very same gratitude and thanks goes to your fellow campaign members who are not here today.
“You were relentless in your quest, and it was a campaign that we know today, if had not been successful, would have left Limerick and the Mid-West a far poorer region.
“In measuring the importance or significance a university has on a city and a region, just imagine how it would be if such a devoted group of activists had not fought for this, or indeed, had not been successful.
“I would like to extend our sincere congratulation in recognition of your dedication to elevate Limerick as a university city.”