Education
University of Limerick journalism students launch 19th edition of Limerick Voice
Pictured at the launch of the 2026 Limerick Voice, produced by final-year journalism students at University of Limerick were, Philip Mullane, Arts and culture editor, Kate Kennedy, Podcast Editor, and Conor O’Mahony, Deputy Editor. Picture: Alan Place
The 2026 edition of the University of Limerick Journalism students’ Limerick Voice returns with 56 stories across news, sport and features
The award-winning Limerick Voice, produced by final-year journalism students at University of Limerick, is available through this weekends’s edition of the Limerick Leader and includes exclusive reporting on issues impacting Limerick City and County.
A front-page investigation for this year’s edition, now its 19th publication, reveals Limerick city centre has lost nearly one in five shoppers in just four years.
Reporters Marina Sánchez Díaz and Olivia O’Dwyer analysed footfall data and spoke to local businesses to examine the sharp drop in shoppers and what it means for the future of the city centre.
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Editor-in-Chief Conor Curran says the stories in this year’s edition of the student-run newspaper reflect the project’s mission, “Where Limerick is Heard”.
He said, “This year’s edition of Limerick Voice examines the challenges facing Limerick city – from business closures and ongoing pressures at UHL to the everyday struggles experienced by people across the region.
“Our front-page story on the significant drop in city centre footfall reflects that reality. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the people and livelihoods behind them. Through our news, features and sports coverage, we remain true to our mission: ‘Where Limerick is Heard’.”
In a separate exclusive, reporters Shauna O’Mahony, Jennifer Keating and Siobhan Rogan spoke with the Community Substance Misuse Team (CSMT), a day service for under-18s operating across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. The service revealed that children as young as 13 are accessing and sourcing cocaine through social media platforms, highlighting the scale of Ireland’s escalating drug crisis.
Beyond the headlines, this year’s edition highlights stories of innovation, resilience and
community impact. The features section celebrates women across a range of industries, including entrepreneurs Nell Stritch of Pressed Flowers by Nell and UL graduate Leah Shanahan, creator of the world’s first fully accessible pregnancy test. The publication also tells the powerful stories of two Gaza survivors who have rebuilt their lives in Limerick after fleeing war and hardship.
The sports section highlights the talent and determination within Limerick sport, including University of Limerick’s success in the Sigerson Cup and the retirement of Limerick hurling star Declan Hannon.
Sports Editor Andrew Moynihan said the edition reflects on what has been a “fantastic” year for sports in the region. He said, ” It has been a fantastic year for the Limerick Voice sports team, and I believe that is reflected in our coverage. We hope readers enjoy what is on offer, as much as we enjoyed producing it.”
Additional stories include an exclusive interview with Laurie Ryan on balancing motherhood with a management role at Treaty United, and preparations at Ballyneety Golf Club ahead of the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup.
Kathryn Hayes, Associate Professor in Journalism and Digital Communications at University of Limerick, who oversees the multimedia project each year, said the initiative provides invaluable hands-on experience.
She said, “Working on the Limerick Voice multimedia news project gives our students first-hand experience of producing journalism with real social impact and prepares them for the world of work.
“We are extremely proud at how this award-winning news platform has become an integral
part of journalism education in UL.”
The 2026 Limerick Voice multimedia project has been in production since September 2025, showcasing the work of final-year and MA journalism students committed to telling the stories that matter across Limerick and beyond.
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