Corkman honoured by adopted city of Limerick

A CORKMAN was last night honoured by his adopted city of Limerick for driving forward the foundation of the University of Limerick.

Dr Ed Walsh became the third recipient of Limerick’s Special Lifetime Achievement Award.

JP McManus and Terry Wogan were bestowed the honour in 2006 and 2007.

The award was made in recognition of Dr Walsh’s pioneering work over 26 years in founding the National Institute of Education in Limerick, transforming it into a leading university and putting UL on the international map.

Guest of honour, former minister and PD leader Des O’Malley, made the presentation at a gala function in the Clarion Hotel.

Mr O’Malley said he was especially pleased to present the award to UL President Emeritus Dr Edward Walsh.

Mr O’Malley said: “I am delighted that Dr Walsh’s contribution to Limerick and the university is being recognised — he served for longer than any other Irish university president and he had tremendous success in putting UL and Limerick on the map.”

The Limerick Person of the Year 2007 Award went to Professor Paul Finucane who was responsible for getting the University of Limerick being designated the lead college for the new graduate entry schools of medicine in this country.

Now in its 10th year, the Limerick Person of the Year Award was set up to honour the achievements and success of local people.

The nominees included Limerick hurling manager Richie Bennis: the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, based in Moyross; Eoin Reddan, rugby international; Virginia Teehan, Hunt Museum director; singer/songwriter Johnny Duhan; Ann O’Brien, the mother of four Fragile X syndrome children; and Máire Halvey, founder of St Ailbe’s Ladies Football Club, Caherconlish.