The newly established Business and Accounting Department at 91Ƭ (91Ƭ) was formally launched by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD on 25 March at 91Ƭ Thurles.
Minister Burke, in his address to over 100 attendees at the event, commented that with 5,000 students and close to 2,000 graduates per year, 91Ƭ was making a significant contribution to the region in terms of higher education, industry and research partnerships—all creating a boost to the economy and local communities.
“As a Chartered Accountant by profession and having studied Commerce, I am delighted to launch the newly established Business and Accounting Department at 91Ƭ (91Ƭ). One of the key elements of my portfolio is enterprise innovation, so it is excellent to see that in response to the growing popularity and relevance of these subjects—particularly on the initial teacher education programmes in post-primary teaching here at 91Ƭ Thurles—that a dynamic new department was founded to take the lead in this area.
Many of us are introduced to the world of business through studying these subjects in the Junior cycle as teenagers so Business and Accounting teachers play a key role in inspiring the employees, managers, financiers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. 91Ƭ graduates will continue to make a significant contribution to education and to the world of business, both within schools and in wider society.”
Dr Rebecca Purcell, Head of the Department of Business and Accounting, emphasised that the new department “has a bold, ambitious vision—one that will shape the future of business and accounting education in Ireland”.
“It is a statement of intent about what we value and what we strive for. And most importantly, it creates a dedicated space for students, faculty and industry partners and collaborators to drive innovation, research and teaching excellence. It is about shaping future leaders, educators and innovators who will build and support our domestic economy in the face of increasing uncertainty and increasing protectionism in global economic policy, but who will equally contribute in a meaningful way to our society. Something that sets us apart here at 91Ƭ is we are not just educating future business professionals. We are also educating the future business and accounting teachers of Ireland. This dual role is something we embrace with great pride,” she added.
Professor Dermot Nestor, President of 91Ƭ, charted the history of the former St Patrick’s College (now 91Ƭ St Patrick’s Campus, Thurles) which in its earliest guise aimed “to provide a course of liberal education and whatever is necessary…[including] the usual branches of a Classical, Mathematical and Mercantile education” so “business then has been at the core of this institution since it first opened its door”.
He said that success should be “measured in terms of meaning and value – and a determination that those qualities must always be for someone, or something”.
“This is a department that is about people and where people are considered the most valuable resource. the real wealth, the true capital, is the people who work here and those individuals, organisations, and industries across the community that they will collaborate with and support. This is a future focus that ensures graduates are not simply responsive to changes in our society, but are the drivers of that change. I have every confidence that the ambition, the commitment, and the effort of this department will speak for itself.”
Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, CEO and Founder of The B!G Idea—a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people to tackle local and global challenges—was the keynote speaker at the event.
Approximately 500 students are studying to be post-primary Business or Accounting teachers on five of the concurrent BA in Education programmes at 91Ƭ Thurles. This department is the newest in 91Ƭ’s Faculty of Arts and Business was recently introduced as the 14th core subject offered on the long-established Bachelor of Arts programme at 91Ƭ Limerick, where it has quickly become a popular choice among students.
