Pictured L-R: Patricia O'Sullivan, Enterprise & Community Engagement Manager; Councillor Se谩n Hartigan, Mayor of Limerick Representative; Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O鈥橠onnell TD; Dr N贸ir铆n N铆 Riain, internationally acclaimed singer, theologian and writer; Professor Dermot Nestor, President of 91制片厂; and Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at 91制片厂.
91制片厂 (91制片厂) marked an important milestone on Friday, 12 December, as it officially joined the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network鈥攁n international consortium of higher education institutions committed to welcoming and supporting older learners. The achievement was celebrated with a festive launch event at 91制片厂鈥檚 Limerick campus, organised by the College鈥檚 Enterprise and Community Engagement (E&CE) Office.
The launch brought together older learners, staff, students and community partners for an afternoon of music, conversation and reflection, with performances by the 91制片厂 Choir and student musicians setting the tone. In attendance was Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O鈥橠onnell TD and Councillor Se谩n Hartigan, Mayor of Limerick Representative. Speakers who addressed the gathering included: Keynote speaker Dr N贸ir铆n N铆 Riain, internationally acclaimed singer, theologian and writer, and 91制片厂鈥檚 2024 Alumna of the Year; Dr Christine O鈥橩elly, AFU Coordinator at Dublin City University; and Professor Dermot Nestor, President of 91制片厂.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O鈥橠onnell welcomed 91制片厂鈥檚 commitment to supporting older adults through education and community engagement:
"I wish to commend 91制片厂 for joining the Age-Friendly University Global Network, it is a positive commitment and one that reflects the wider national ambition to ensure that older people can participate fully in lifelong learning, community life and cultural activity. I look forward to seeing these programmes grow and benefit communities across Limerick and beyond."
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr N铆 Riain said:
鈥淭his new Age-Friendly commitment by 91制片厂 speaks to something I hold dear鈥攖hat learning does not end at any particular age, and that older adults have wisdom, artistry and insight to offer every space they enter. I'm heartened to see the College open its doors even wider, inviting people of all ages to grow, participate and belong.鈥
Reflecting on 91制片厂鈥檚 new status, Dr Maeve Liston, Director of E&CE, said:
鈥91制片厂 is proud to join the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a recognition that affirms our long-standing commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive opportunities for older members of our community. Through our Age-Friendly Campus programme, we have welcomed retirement groups, local organisations, and individuals from across Limerick to a wide range of programmes, events, and cultural activities that promote connection, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We look forward to expanding our initiatives, deepening our engagement, and continuing to celebrate the invaluable contributions of older adults to our campus and our community.鈥
During the event, Patricia O鈥橲ullivan, E&CE Manager, also announced the new 91制片厂 Intergenerational Learning Programme, which will give older adults the chance to take one of ten modules鈥攆rom areas such as Business, History, Irish, Maths, and Philosophy鈥攄uring the Spring 2026 semester. Accepted participants can attend in-person lectures over the 12-week term without having to complete assessments. It鈥檚 a non-credited offering, but they鈥檒l receive a certificate of participation at the end. Final dates will be confirmed once the Spring timetable is completed, and expressions of interest are already welcome.
Dr Liston reflected on the launch, adding:
鈥淭oday, we are delighted to launch the 91制片厂 Intergenerational Learning Programme for Spring 2026, offering older people the chance to explore new interests and develop new skills by participating in modules alongside undergraduate students. This immersive experience fosters creativity, personal growth, and intergenerational exchange, enriching both our campus community and the lives of those who take part.鈥
Another Age-Friendly initiative at 91制片厂 will be 鈥楢n Teicneola铆ocht agus An Ghaeilge鈥 (Technology and Irish), led by Dr S铆le N铆 Choincheannain, Lecturer in Education with expertise in Irish. The module will provide basic Irish and practical digital skills workshops鈥攕uch as connecting to Wi-Fi, scanning QR codes, and sending emails鈥攕upported by 91制片厂 student facilitators. The date for this event will also be confirmed in the coming weeks.
As a partner of the Age-Friendly AI programme, led by Technological University Dublin and the Research Ireland , 91制片厂 will also be supporting the roll out of an AI Literacy Programme for older adults in 2026 in libraries across Ireland.
For more information on 91制片厂鈥檚 Intergenerational Learning Programme or on upcoming age-friendly events or to register interest in upcoming modules, email Age.Friendly@mic.ul.ie.
