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University of Limerick celebrates more than 3,600 graduates at 2025 autumn conferring ceremonies

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Stephen O’Halloran, Craughwell Co Galway, Luke Spelman, Clarinbridge Co Galway, Rónán O’Driscoll, Skibbereen Co Cork and Pádraig Finn, Mitchelstown Co Cork, celebrating after graduating with a BSc in Graphics and Construction Technology from UL. They are among more than 3,600 students to graduate as part of the 2025 UL Autumn Conferring Ceremonies. Pic Arthur Ellis

More than 3,600 graduates have been celebrated at University of Limerick (UL) this week as the university holds its autumn conferring ceremonies for 2025

More than 3,600 graduates have been celebrated at UL this week as the university holds its autumn conferring ceremonies for 2025
Maelyss Gerot, Britanny France and Mariana Gonzalez, Mexico, collecting their Certificate in Irish Dance at The University of Limerick on Monday. Pic Arthur Ellis

UL has recorded a landmark this week and will surpass 135,000 alumni worldwide as the Autumn Conferring Ceremonies take place over five days. Throughout the week, more than 3,600 students will be conferred with degrees, including 73 doctoral students.

Included over the ten ceremonies are students from the faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Kemmy Business School, Science and Engineering, Education and Health Sciences, as well as Interfaculty.

Among this year’s graduates were some notable students, including Munster Rugby’s Dave Kilcoyne who graduated with a Professional Diploma in Aviation Leasing and Finance from UL’s Kemmy Business School.


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The university is also celebrating its innovative students, including Product Design and Technology graduate, Leah Shanahan from Tralee, County Kerry, who made her mark with an innovative final year project tackling healthcare inequality.

Inspired by personal experience as a visually impaired woman and driven by the blind women she met throughout the design process, Leah’s design is the first saliva-based, reusable, accessible pregnancy test to deliver results through touch, sight, and sound.

‘AMY’ addresses a practical healthcare challenge through user-centred design with inclusivity at the heart of the product.

The reader uses photosensor technology, similar to that found in digital pregnancy tests. A raised plus or minus symbol on the reader can be felt by touch. It also includes a feature that allows users to tap their phone to open a webpage where they will view a bold red or green symbol along with large, high-contrast text for those who are partially sighted, and users can also choose to hear the result aloud.

Leah Shanahan, Final year student of Product Design and Technology with her product: AMY
Leah Shanahan, Product Design and Technology graduate with her product: AMY

When Leah realised that blind and visually impaired women were the only group excluded from the intimate moment of discovering their own pregnancy, she was driven to find a better solution, and AMY was born.

“I wanted to create a product that restores independence and dignity in this experience, using my skills in design and my understanding of accessibility to make a real difference,” Leah said.

Through its considered design, Leah hopes that AMY will help to restore privacy and independence to blind and visually impaired women during the testing process. The multisensory approach ensures that users with different levels of vision or additional disabilities can independently access their results with confidence and dignity.

Despite her diagnosis, Leah doesn’t think that her visual impairment has influenced her life much at all.

“I think it’s important I don’t overstate my experience of sight loss, especially since working with the blind women I spoke with for this project and seeing how it affects every aspect of their life.”

“My experience of sight loss served as inspiration for this project, but without them sharing their lived experiences, this project never would have been possible,” she added.

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REPRO FREE 270825 Fiona Gleeson, Limerick who was conferred today with a BSc in Product Design and Technology from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, pictured with her twin sister Claire. Fiona was one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies this week. Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 A very special day for University of Limerick Interim Provost and Deputy President Professor Ann Ledwith and her family, as her daughter Fiona Gleeson was conferred today with a BSc in Product Design and Technology from the School of Product Design and Architecture. Fiona joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies this week. Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 A very special day for University of Limerick Interim Provost and Deputy President Professor Ann Ledwith and her family, as her daughter Fiona Gleeson was conferred today with a BSc in Product Design and Technology from the School of Product Design and Architecture. Fiona joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies this week. Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Fiona Gleeson (right), Limerick and Niamh Flanagan, Wicklow who were conferred today with a BSc in Product Design and Technology from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. They joined over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies this week. Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Dr Claire Monahan, Staff Manufacturing Engineer with Johnson & Johnson Vision, Limerick who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work. Claire is one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies this week.. Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Dr Claire Monahan, Staff Manufacturing Engineer with Johnson & Johnson Vision, Limerick who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work. Claire is one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies this week.. Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE L-R Dr Elma McMahon, Senior Training Adviser in Apprenticeship Services with Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work, Dr Claire Monahan, Staff Manufacturing Engineer with Johnson & Johnson Vision, Limerick who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work and Dr Ruth Buckley, Chief Information Officer with Cork City and County Council, who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE L-R Dr Elma McMahon, Senior Training Adviser in Apprenticeship Services with Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work, Dr Claire Monahan, Staff Manufacturing Engineer with Johnson & Johnson Vision, Limerick who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work and Dr Ruth Buckley, Chief Information Officer with Cork City and County Council, who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE L-R Dr Elma McMahon, Senior Training Adviser in Apprenticeship Services with Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work, Dr Claire Monahan, Staff Manufacturing Engineer with Johnson & Johnson Vision, Limerick who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work and Dr Ruth Buckley, Chief Information Officer with Cork City and County Council, who graduated today with a Doctorate in Engineering (Apprenticeship) from University of Limerick’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This unique programme is the first qualification of its kind at Level 10 in Ireland, aimed at employed professionals who wish to pursue doctoral studies while they work.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Limerick elite swimmer and UL sports scholar Eoin Corby joined over 3,600 students being conferred this week as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies. Eoin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Design and Manufacture, set a new Irish record in the 200m breaststroke in 2024, and this summer claimed a silver medal at the European U23 Swimming Championships in Slovenia. Eoin is pictured here with his girlfriend Beth Gardiner from Kildare.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Limerick elite swimmer and UL sports scholar Eoin Corby joined over 3,600 students being conferred this week as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies. Eoin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Design and Manufacture, set a new Irish record in the 200m breaststroke in 2024, and this summer claimed a silver medal at the European U23 Swimming Championships in Slovenia.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Limerick elite swimmer and UL sports scholar Eoin Corby joined over 3,600 students being conferred this week as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies. Eoin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Design and Manufacture, set a new Irish record in the 200m breaststroke in 2024, and this summer claimed a silver medal at the European U23 Swimming Championships in Slovenia.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Limerick elite swimmer and UL sports scholar Eoin Corby joined over 3,600 students being conferred this week as part of the University’s Autumn ceremonies. Eoin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Design and Manufacture, set a new Irish record in the 200m breaststroke in 2024, and this summer claimed a silver medal at the European U23 Swimming Championships in Slovenia. Eoin is pictured here with his parents Phillip and Mary.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Munster Rugby out-half Tony Butler, a UL Sports Scholar, graduated from University of Limerick today with a BSc in Construction Management and Engineering. During his time at UL, Tony signed a full professional contract with Munster Rugby and gave back to the university by coaching UL’s men’s rugby team. Tony joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the university’s Autumn ceremonies this week.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Munster Rugby out-half Tony Butler, a UL Sports Scholar, graduated from University of Limerick today with a BSc in Construction Management and Engineering. During his time at UL, Tony signed a full professional contract with Munster Rugby and gave back to the university by coaching UL’s men’s rugby team. Tony joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the university’s Autumn ceremonies this week.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Munster Rugby out-half Tony Butler, a UL Sports Scholar, graduated from University of Limerick today with a BSc in Construction Management and Engineering. During his time at UL, Tony signed a full professional contract with Munster Rugby and gave back to the university by coaching UL’s men’s rugby team. Tony joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the university’s Autumn ceremonies this week.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Munster Rugby out-half Tony Butler, a UL Sports Scholar, graduated from University of Limerick today with a BSc in Construction Management and Engineering. During his time at UL, Tony signed a full professional contract with Munster Rugby and gave back to the university by coaching UL’s men’s rugby team. Tony joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the university’s Autumn ceremonies this week. Tony is pictured here with his parents Ken and Mary, Ennis Co Clare.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 270825 Munster Rugby out-half Tony Butler, a UL Sports Scholar, graduated from University of Limerick today with a BSc in Construction Management and Engineering. During his time at UL, Tony signed a full professional contract with Munster Rugby and gave back to the university by coaching UL’s men’s rugby team. Tony joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the university’s Autumn ceremonies this week. Tony is pictured here with his girlfriend Muireann Byrne who is also from Ennis Co Clare.Pic Arthur Ellis
REPRO FREE 280825 L-R Stephen O’Halloran, Craughwell Co Galway, Luke Spelman, Clarinbridge Co Galway, Rónán O’Driscoll, Skibbereen Co Cork and Pádraig Finn, Mitchelstown Co Cork, celebrating after graduating with a BSc in Graphics and Construction Technology from University of Limerick. They are among more than 3,600 students to graduate today as part of the 2025 Autumn Conferring Ceremonies. Pic Arthur Ellis
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Pictures: Arthur Ellis

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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.