91��Ƭ��

91��Ƭ�� (91��Ƭ��) marked a key institutional milestone on Monday (10 November) with the Inaugural Address of Professor Dermot Nestor, the eleventh President of 91��Ƭ��. 

Held in the Lime Tree Theatre at 91��Ƭ�� Limerick, the event welcomed national and international dignitaries including Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD; Mayor of Limerick, John Moran; and Fr J B Wellspring, Judicial Vicar for the Province of Sydney and the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Australia. The occasion also marked the official unveiling of core tenets from 91��Ƭ��’s emerging —a bold and forward-looking blueprint that envisions a future for 91��Ƭ�� and higher education that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative. 

In a thought-provoking address that set the stage for the next chapter in the College’s 126-year history, and marking his first year in office, Professor Nestor challenged both the College and wider society to move beyond the mere refinement of existing structures. Instead, he called for the radical act of reimagining our collective futures - placing bold, forward-looking questions at the heart of transformative change. 

As he charted 91��Ƭ��’s future as a modern, university-level College of Education and the Liberal Arts, Professor Nestor also paid heartfelt tribute to its proud and distinguished heritage, reaffirming the College’s unwavering commitment to education, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement. He remarked:

“Having spent a year listening and learning, what strikes me most is 91��Ƭ��'s capacity for honest reflection. This address isn't about declaring pillars or unveiling certainties. It's about asking questions that help us discover what we should become, not refine what we already are. It's about having the courage to move toward margins—social, intellectual, educational—because that's where transformation begins. Catherine McAuley, whose outstanding dedication to the most marginalised members of the community continues to inform the College’s ethos, understood this instinctively: that institutions exist not to perfect existing structures, but to reimagine the relationships and conditions that shape human flourishing."

He continued: “This address is not a finish line, but a beginning. As we move forward together, we will continue to place inclusion, transformation and impact at the heart of everything we do—ensuring that 91��Ƭ�� remains a place of inspiration, opportunity and belonging.”

During his speech at the event, Minister O’Donovan, commended Professor Nestor and the 91��Ƭ�� community for their leadership and national contribution: 

“91��Ƭ�� continues to play an essential role in shaping Ireland’s educational landscape. Its excellence in teacher education, the arts, research and community engagement are recognised across the country. Professor Nestor’s leadership arrives at a key moment for Irish higher education—one where innovation, inclusion, and collaboration are more vital than ever. I am confident that under his guidance, 91��Ƭ�� will continue to flourish and make an important contribution to education and society.”

John Moran, Mayor of Limerick, spoke of 91��Ƭ��’s deep roots within the city and its ongoing contribution to the region’s social and educational life:

“This is a powerful reminder of the role education plays in shaping inclusive, forward-looking communities. We have a wonderful tradition of providing high-quality education on our doorsteps in Limerick, and 91��Ƭ�� has been a cornerstone of learning in Limerick for over a century. I do not doubt that under Professor Nestor’s leadership, it will continue to champion dialogue, equity and innovation. As Mayor, I am committed to working with institutions like 91��Ƭ�� to ensure that our city and county remain a place of equal opportunity and ambition. We are building a Limerick that is leaning proudly into its heritage and imagining a bold, energetic future.”

Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy, Chairperson of the 91��Ƭ�� Governing Authority in offering his good wishes to Professor Nestor said;

“There are many challenges facing education today. But ultimately, the project of educating is an act of hope as it is directed towards contributing to the formation of new generations who will go on to build the future of humanity. Prof. Nestor is now leading the College at an important moment as it engages with the contemporary challenges. He has come among us with considerable experience and wisdom, combining efficiency with the knowledge that the proposal of Catholic higher education is that of seeking the integral development of the human person, forming minds with critical thinking skills, hearts of faith and citizens committed to the common good.”

The event concluded on a forward-looking note, as Professor Nestor outlined the College’s long-term vision in alignment with 91��Ƭ��’s new strategic plan framed around three overarching themes– Living Care, Common Home; Children’s Voices, Future Worlds; and Human Potential, Humane Technologies.  The plan, currently in its final stages of development, will be a five- year roadmap designed to address key challenges of digital transition, climate action, demographic change, and social inclusion. 

In articulating the essence of the plan, Professor Nestor emphasised its departure from conventional strategic planning. Drawing on what he termed 'the second education’ - the work of unlearning what no longer serves - the plan is intentionally not built on traditional pillars. As he noted: “It does not present domains to be managed independently. It's about interdependent themes and orientations that only make sense together. Themes that emerge from and give rise to questions before commitments. Themes that invite co-construction rather than compliance.'"

91��Ƭ�� Vice-President of Governance and Strategy, Professor Gary O’Brien added:

“This new Strategic Plan sets out a bold and ambitious vision for 91��Ƭ��. One that remains true to our vision while anticipating the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. It will guide how we serve our students, staff and partners, and ensure that 91��Ƭ�� continues to lead in education, research, and civic engagement both nationally and internationally.”

The occasion featured a unique musical performance, composed exclusively to commemorate the moment. Amidst the demands of his school placement, fourth-year Bachelor of Education student and accomplished pianist Conor Fallon arranged a remarkable piece titled Ceol na Dtonn (Music of the Waves).

Conor was joined on stage by three recipients of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Scholarship, an award presented in Ashling’s memory to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and achievement in the field of traditional music - Catherine Joyce, a third-year Bachelor of Education ( B Ed) student who performed on flute and harp; Róisín Ní Chonchúir, a third-year B Ed in Education and Psychology student, who played fiddle and flute; and Rachel Mahony, a second-year Bachelor of Education student, who performed on concertina. They were accompanied by first-year Bachelor of Education student and talented uilleann piper, Muireann Meade. Guided by Gwen Moore, Professor of Music Education at 91��Ƭ��, the students artfully blended elements of Irish traditional, classical, and popular music in a creative tribute to the College’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.

Also in attendance at the event were Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS); Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President of University of Limerick; the tenth President of 91��Ƭ��, Professor Eugene Wall and the seventh President of 91��Ƭ��, Sister Angela Bulger. The gathering welcomed numerous representatives from local and national Higher Education Institutes (HEI), as well as international delegates from the University of Notre Dame, Australia and Catholic Schools of New South Wales. Religious leaders from both local and international communities were present, including the Very Reverend Niall J.W. Sloane, Dean of St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick. The event also drew teachers’ union representatives, 91��Ƭ�� staff, student representatives, 91��Ƭ�� alumni, and civic leaders.

Read or watch Prof. Nestor's Inaugural Address and the wonderful performance of Ceol na Dtonn by clicking here.

Read 91��Ƭ��'s Strategic Plan 2025-2030: Pathways Lit. Futures Found Overview here.