Dr Desmond Fitzgerald, the newly appointed president of University of Limerick, spoke of his ambitions for the University at the Limerick Civic Trust’s May business lunch and called on the City to support the University.

Over 80 business people attended the event which took place at No.1 Pery Square to hear the internationally renowned academic.

During his first public address in Limerick since he was announced as incoming president, Dr Fitzgerald set out his vision for the University noting that it has been “a power house in terms of its impact on the economic, social and cultural development of the region”. He commented on the movement 40 years ago to put a university here and said “we need that spirit again so the University can move forward in challenging times.

He also noted that the University of Limerick has supported the rejuvenation of Limerick in recent years and “now the city needs to support the university. A great city needs a great University.

Brian McLoghlin, Chair of Limerick Civic Trust said, “Limerick Civic Trust has enjoyed an excellent relationship with UL over the years. We were delighted to be joined by the new president of the university and are very grateful that Dr Fitzgerald has agreed to become a patron of the Trust.”

During the lunch, the Glucksman Library, UL presented Limerick Civic Trust with a digitized version of the oral archives which the Trust had given to the library in tape format two years ago.

In 2015, Limerick Civic Trust presented its Oral History Archive to the Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick. This collection of oral history brings to life the voices of people which include artists, writers, politicians, millers, fishermen, artisans, soldiers, publicans and a variety of people living in the city. The Special Collections and Archives Department at the Glucksman Library have since preserved this unique Limerick archive so that it’s accessible to both the public and the University community.

Commenting on the presentation, Brian McLoghlin, said “This is a fantastic collaboration between our two organisations and a great example of how our heritage can be protected by working together.