Seventh Annual UL President’s Dinner Supports Project to Make Music Accessible to All Families

published on May 14th, 2010

Pictured: UL President, Professor Don Barry

Over 200 guests came out in support of the seventh annual University of Limerick President’s Gala Dinner, which was held in Dromoland Castle on Friday, May 14th. 

Organised by the University of Limerick Foundation, proceeds from this year’s event will support a community outreach initiative entitled “Music as an Instrument of Social Change” which aims to bring music into the culture of schools, particularly those in the regeneration areas.  Initiated at the President’s Dinner with initial seed capital of €25,000, the Fund will support community music fellowships and classical string performance fellowships at the Academy which in turn will help strengthen and grow the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s Community Outreach Programme.

Speaking from the event, UL President, Professor Don Barry said “I am delighted that this initiative recognises the unique educational vision of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and that it does so within the context of the Irish World Academy.  This fits very well with one of the central planks of the University’s strategy which is to provide our students with excellent educational experiences through linking with local communities.”

David Cronin, Chief Executive of the UL Foundation also expressed his support for the project saying “The Foundation is delighted to be supporting such as imaginative and innovative initiative.”

Sponsoring this year’s event were Ulster Bank and Noonan Services.  Ulster Bank has close links to the University of Limerick since September 2005, when it opened a branch on campus. Tom Leahy, Regional Director of Ulster Bank added, “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 started in 2005. This annual fund supports the College’s clubs and societies, student development, its Alumni and other on-campus projects.”  

John O’Donoghue, Chief Executive of Noonan Services said “We are delighted to support the University of Limerick at this important fundraising event and to show our appreciation for the valued custom we have been given by the University over many years. This is particularly relevant since our acquisition of Federal Security which looks after the security services for the University.”