University of Limerick Alumni have bestowed their highest honour on four of the university’s outstanding graduates at the 11th Annual UL Alumni Awards gala dinner held on Saturday, November 12.
Waterford-based Patsy Carney and Tom Brennan, co-founders of Eirgen Pharma were presented with a joint award for their contribution to business.
Former Minister for the Diaspora and All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer Jimmy Deenihan received a Personal Achievement Award for his contribution to art, culture and sport.
Ghanaian Dr Mark Mantey, Director of the Padre Pio Rehabilitation Centre, an agency whose work is primarily based around the rehabilitation and reintegration of leprosy survivors and their families, was presented with a Humanitarian Award for his contribution to society.
UL President Professor Don Barry said, “The leadership skills, innovation, creativity and commitment to helping and improving the lives of others, make these alumni ideal examples of what it means to be a UL graduate and what it means to have the UL spirit. All four of them have made us incredibly proud”.
Professor Barry thanked the four award recipients “for representing our University so professionally throughout their careers and for inspiring our current students and your fellow alumni”.
The 2016 UL Alumni Awards celebration, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, took place at Limerick’s Strand Hotel, with UL alumna and Today FM senior news correspondent Juliette Gash as master of ceremonies.
More than 200 guests from the university, business and wider community attended this black-tie dinner which was also supported by Analog Devices Ireland, CoreHR, GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), Ronan Daly Jermyn (RDJ) Solicitors and Stryker Ireland.
Since its inception in 2006, 36 UL alumni have now been honoured at this annual awards celebration including: rugby legend Tony Ward; composer Patrick Cassidy; CEO and president (EMEA) of Kerry Ingredients Eoin O’Connell; former Riverdance star Jean Butler; former Chief Executive of the Kentz Corporation Dr Hugh O’Donnell; acclaimed Irish artist Alice Maher; Boeing Commercial Engineer of the Year Dr Pio Fitzgerald; former All-Ireland Kerry footballer Pat Spillane; entrepreneur and CEO of Dairymaster Dr Edmond Harty; former Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, the late Lt. Gen. Dermot Earley; and, award-winning former Cork camogie captain and television personality Anna Geary.
All pics by Ken Coleman
