Latest news with #MaryImmaculateCollege
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Limerick to host international summit to celebrate women's achievements in film and television
Limerick will play host to an international summit which will celebrate women's contributions to film, television and media. The Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) will be held in Adare's Woodlands House Hotel in February 2026. The announcement was made during the Cannes film festival by Limerick woman Dr Susan Liddy, who lectures in Mary Immaculate College and is the president of WIFTI, and chair of Women in Film and Television Ireland. She is also the director of Catalyst International Film Festival, which focuses exclusively on films that address under-representation on screen and behind the camera. The summit will see 57 WIFTI affiliates from around the globe attend the events, which aims to elevate and empower professionals from across the screen industries. From February 4 to 7, the summit will spotlight 'powerful and inspiring' stories, create a space for networking, and offer opportunities for interactive discussions and collaborations, as well as celebrate Irish culture and entertainment. Launching the event, Dr Liddy said: "Over three exciting days, we will connect, collaborate, and celebrate women's achievements across the global screen industries. And together, we will chart a dynamic and transformative future.' The 2026 summit will aim to strengthen cross-border collaboration and celebrate women's achievements in the screen industries, as well as offer attendees practical, career-advancing skills. It comes as the Mid-West recently further cemented its reputation as a new hot location for the film industry, as a fantasy series is being shot in Limerick. Titled The Wayfinders, the series is said to be a jobs boost in the region, with 140 crew members and up to 200 extras on set each day in Limerick's Troy Studios and across the region. The pilot episode, which premiered on April 30, was filmed throughout the Mid-West region, including in Limerick's Pery Square, Knappogue Castle and Cratloe Woods in Clare - with battle shots filmed in Cahir Castle and beside The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Limerick Rose Selection 2025: Meet the hopefuls vying to be the next Treaty Rose
Taking place this Sunday, May 18, at the elegant Fitzgerald's Woodlands Hotel in Adare the final on-stage interviews with the 18 entrants will take place at 7pm. Let's meet the ladies! Áine Kirby – Sponsored by Mary's Meals Hello, my name is Áine Kirby and I am from Crecora, Co Limerick. I am 22 years old and currently studying to become a primary school teacher in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Music is my passion, and if it makes a sound, I'll try to play it—concertina, guitar, ukelele, you name it! I adore Sean Nós singing and think it's a beautiful piece of our culture. When I'm not making music, I'm running for fun (yes, really). During the week I volunteer with the Special Olympics in Limerick, inspired by my sister, and it brings me so much joy. Amanda Dawson – Sponsored by Limerick City Community Radio My name is Amanda Dawson and I am 24 years old. I am from Penneywell in Limerick city. I went to school in Presentation Primary School and Coláiste Nano Nagle Secondary. Following this, I studied Business studies with Travel and Tourism Management for four years in TUS. Throughout the course I discovered how much I wanted to travel and just after my exams I flew to Australia where I lived and travelled for two years. Although I loved my time in Australia and the experience it gave me, It really clarified for me that there is no place like home. Anna Burke – Sponsored by Hyrox Limerick Anna, a 25-year-old primary school teacher from Monaleen, currently resides in Mungret. Having spent five years studying at Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Anna graduated with both a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Education. She is currently working as a Special Education Teacher in a mainstream primary school in Limerick. An avid runner, Anna has completed multiple half marathons and enjoys participating in Hyrox classes and competitions and playing ladies football with her club Monaleen GAA. Anna loves to travel and explore new places whenever she gets the chance. Recently, she raised over €1,000 for Epilepsy Ireland, a cause which is close to her heart. Anna Leonard – Sponsored by Dave Clarke's Bar Anna is a 26-year-old professional Irish dancer who has graduated with a BA in Irish Dance from UL. She is currently in her final semester studying a Professional Master of Education in both PE and Music. Anna plays the flute, bodhran and céilí drums and is also a teaching assistant for Scoil Uí Nualláin, an Irish Dance school based in various locations across Limerick city and county. She is the PRO and an executive committee member of her local rugby club Bruff RFC and is also a player on the senior women's team when she is not out injured! Caoilin Crowley – Sponsored by Wild Orchard My name is Caoilin, I'm 25, and from the beautiful village of Adare. I graduated from UL and now work locally in learning and development. I'm a social butterfly who thrives on connection, good company, and a good laugh. Music has been my lifelong love — I've been singing and playing piano since age 4 and now perform with Limerick Youth Choir. I also enjoy staying active and recently completed the Great Limerick Run Half Marathon. I've always loved the Rose of Tralee and I'm so excited to be taking part in this fabulous celebration of Irish women! Caoimhe McCarthy – Sponsored by Gammell Car Sales My name is Caoimhe McCarthy, a 24-year-old from the countryside outside Kilmallock, Co Limerick. I'm a second-year Intellectual Disability Nursing student at the University of Limerick and have worked in the field for four years. I love reading, the gym, travelling, and spending time with family. Passionate about giving back, I volunteer with Down Syndrome Limerick and support Darkness Into Light. In 2024, I completed a skydive to raise funds for Down Syndrome Limerick. As the youngest of four, I take great pride in my roots and would be honoured to represent Limerick in the Rose of Tralee! Ciara O'Donovan – Sponsored by Around Of A Paws My name is Ciara, I'm 29 and originally from West Cork. I've lived in Limerick for the past decade and recently bought a home in Castleconnell. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Limerick and work as an Automation Engineer in a local BioTech company. I was diagnosed with autism last January, and I hope to take part in the Rose of Tralee so young girls can see someone like them represented. I play badminton for UL and Limerick County, serve as treasurer for the Limerick Badminton Association, and love spending time outdoors with my energetic dog, King Morpheus. Ciara Stack – Sponsored by The Devon Inn Hotel Hi! I'm Ciara, I'm 25, from Templeglantine in West Limerick. I'm a qualified nurse working in the community, primarily with older adults. I plan to pursue a postgrad course in September focused on caring for older persons. After recovering from Lyme disease last year, I've learned to appreciate my health more and not take things for granted. I love going for a walk on bright days to clear my head. I volunteer with my local first responder group and am training to become a CPR and first aid instructor at the moment. Big thanks to the Devon Inn Hotel for sponsoring my Limerick Rose journey! Looking forward to the weeks ahead! Dania Hesham Gazaly – Sponsored by Hamptons Bar & Restaurant My name is Dania Hesham Gazaly, I'm 20 years old and have lived in Ireland for over 10 years. I'm passionate, compassionate, and curious, with a heart for service and a love for connection. As a future nurse, I aim to care for the vulnerable with empathy and kindness. I thrive in diverse environments and enjoy exploring cultures through travel and music. I love playing the guitar, expressing myself creatively, and learning new things. Whether reading by the beach or meeting new people, I embrace life with an open heart—believing true beauty shines from within. Elaine Kennedy – Sponsored by Salesian Agricultural College From Killeedy, Newcastle West, Elaine (23) is currently teaching Level 5 and 6 Certificate in Agriculture at Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from MTU Tralee in 2023. With many interests including baking, cars, and country music, Elaine is also an active member of West Limerick Macra. Passionate about working with animals, she spends her evenings and weekends caring for livestock. Her long-term goal is to continue the beef enterprise her father has developed over the years. Elaine also aspires to travel, particularly to farming nations like New Zealand, to explore how different agricultural systems operate. Leah McMahon – Sponsored by Castle Capital I'm Leah, a 29 year old Limerick native. I graduated from the University of Limerick before I began my career as a financial planner. I am dedicated to making financial education accessible to all and improving gender equity. I am passionate about community, I coach my local U8 Girls' Gaelic football team, play for my local Mothers & Others team and volunteer with NOVAS. I strive to uplift women in business through my workshop Bláthú. Resilient and ambitious, I believe in creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and representing Limerick's strength, spirit, and determination as a Rose of Tralee candidate. Lisa Sweeney – Sponsored by Sinéad's Boutique Lisa Sweeney at 29 years old has had an interesting and varied career to date. She is presently modelling and bookkeeping part time. When not modelling she spends time with Benny, her horse. Her interest in horses comes from her farming background growing up in Castleconnell. After completing her Environmental Management Degree in college, she worked in the haulage industry as a Transport Manager where she obtained her CE truck licence. She is presently studying her Green Cert in Agriculture and a Thoroughbred industry admin course. She is known for visiting the elderly in her community and looking after their needs. Madison Crosse – Sponsored by Gemstars School of Performing Arts My name is Madison Crosse, I'm 20 and I live in the rural village of Caherline/Caherconlish in the countryside of Co Limerick. Both of my parents are from Limerick and I'm the youngest of four. I'm currently studying Intellectual Disability Nursing at the University of Limerick. I volunteer with Gemstars School of Performing Arts in which I am a past student. I'm a proud third degree black belt in Taekwondo from Will Power's Martial Arts Academy. I work as a Healthcare Assistant with Avista while I continue my studies. I'm blessed with my line of work as I'm afforded the opportunity to work with the amazing people we support. Marykate Leahy – Sponsored by Crohn's Colitis Ireland Haigh a chairde, I'm Marykate, I'm 18, and I'm from Clarina. I've dreamed of being a rose since I was a little girl, on family holidays in Tralee. My passions include: avid journaling , writing poetry, nature agus tá grá agam don Gaeilge. Most of all, I love learning about life, and the world, in a philosophical sense. I've found adversity to be my greatest teacher, fostering strength and wisdom. I haven't attended much school due to chronic illness. However the lessons I've subsequently learned are immensely valuable. I proudly wear my life-saving ostomy and use mobility-aids; I feel excited about the representation I can create for these along my rose journey. Samantha Daly – Sponsored by Isobel Boutique My name is Samantha Daly, a proud 22-year-old from the beautiful village of Adare. I'm in my final year at the University of Limerick, studying Social Science. I'm very passionate about supporting those dealing with learning disabilities and grief. I hope to work with Tusla or pursue a master's in Speech and Language Therapy. I work at Isobel Boutique, model for the Holman Lee Agency, and love singing and Irish dancing. I've competed in the Munster, all Ireland and world Irish dancing championships. A highlight of my young journey was becoming Limerick's first-ever Rose Bud in 2010. I'm excited for this experience, ready to step out of my comfort zone and make lasting memories! Shannon Gleeson – Sponsored by Garvey's Centra Newcastle West My name is Shannon, I'm 21 and I was born and reared in Tournafulla, a small village bursting with community spirit. I'm currently in my 3rd year in college, studying Home Economics and Religion Teaching in St. Angela's in Sligo. Teaching has always been my dream. I also have a strong desire to travel and see the world. I consider myself a friendly, outgoing and chatty girl who is always up for the craic. I am the eldest in the family and have plenty of young siblings who never fail to keep me busy. I would not be where I am today without their support. Every year since I was a little girl, I have watched the Roses in awe. I cannot describe how excited I am to be representing my home in the treaty county as part of the Limerick Rose Selection tonight. Shauna Faith Kelly – Sponsored by Túsla Shauna Faith Kelly (22) is originally from Pallasgreen and raised in Castlemahon. She is a final year Social Care student at SETU Waterford and an aspiring MA Social Worker. She works with adults with intellectual disabilities at Avista Limerick and loves her job and the friendships she has made. Passionate about empowering young girls in the care system, she believes in helping them realise their potential and chase their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. With a commitment to advocacy, she aims to inspire resilience and confidence in those she supports. Shauna hopes that if one young girl sees her believe in and chase her dreams and in turn knows that she can too, then her work is done! Vivienne Frawley – Sponsored by Ebzery's Café Foynes My name is Vivienne Frawley, a 20-year-old, from the scenic town of Foynes, County Limerick. Currently, I'm studying Drug and Medicinal Products Analysis at the Technological University of the Shannon, driven by a passion for sciences and healthcare. Alongside my studies, I work part time in my family's café, a local pharmacy, as well as at a walk-in medical centre, where I gain invaluable hands-on experience with people from different walks of life. Outside my studies, I love to travel and meet new people. I also love to attend concerts and festivals. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me and the friends I will make along the way.
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Man jailed for 18 months for dangerous driving causing death of friend
A 22-year-old man has been jailed for 18 months, after he admitted dangerous driving causing the death of a college friend when they were on a night out together in Co Tipperary in March 2023. The Circuit Criminal Court in Nenagh heard that Sean Fitzpatrick of Kilpurcell, Ballybrophy, Portlaoise, Co Laois, had driven for more than a kilometre with Adam Kirwan hanging out the driver's door. Mr Kirwan was standing on the door frame, with one hand on the roof of the car and the other on the open driver's door. He died when the car driven by Fitzpatrick hit a kerb after he misjudged a corner, less than 50 metres from where they had planned to stay that night in Thurles. Both were studying to become teachers and were students at Mary Immaculate College in Thurles. Mr Kirwan was also a former Laois minor and under-20 hurler. Fitzpatrick admitted charges of dangerous driving causing death, driving with excess alcohol in his system and driving without insurance. Both men had been on a night out with a third college friend when they decided to move Mr Kirwan's car from a carpark near the square in Thurles, in case the car was clamped before they retrieved it the following day. They drank pints of beer and Jagerbombs as they watched a match in a local pub and later attended a house party. Fitzpatrick drove the car, because he was the one who was less intoxicated. His alcohol reading was more than twice the drink driving limit. Mr Kirwan clung onto the roof and the open driver's door of the car as he stood on the ledge of the driver's door for the 1.3km journey from the centre of Thurles to the house where they were staying. The third young man, who sat in the back of the car, recorded parts of the journey on the camera on his mobile phone. The footage was played in court at the sentencing hearing, along with CCTV footage gathered by investigating gardaí, under Sergeant Lorraine Bentley of Thurles Garda Station. Mr Kirwan suffered severe brain injuries when the car hit a kerb and ended up on a green area at College Green, Monakeeba, in Thurles, the estate where they were staying the night on 2 March 2023. In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Kirwan's only sister Marie said her family were living a life sentence since that day. "My parents never got to hold their son in his hour of need or to say goodbye - nobody did," she said. Judge Catherine Staines said Mr Kirwan's death was what resulted when people mixed drinking with dangerous driving. She said it was highly reckless. She acknowledged the significant mitigating factors in this case - that Sean Fitzpatrick had no previous convictions and that he had abandoned his teacher training studies - but she said she had to mark the devastating consequences of what had happened. She sentenced Fitzpatrick to three years in jail, with the final 18 months of that suspended.
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- Science
- RTÉ News
'Unintended' impacts of bonus points for Higher Level Maths
The awarding of bonus points to students who achieve a pass or more in Higher Level Maths has had unintended negative consequences and should be re-assessed, a new study has found. The study was carried out by the National Centre for STEM Education with academics from Mary Immaculate College, UCC and UL. Their findings are based on an analysis of data from the State Examinations Commission as well as perspectives gathered from almost 2,000 students and teachers. 'Bonus Territory: The Shifting Landscape of Higher Level Senior Cycle Mathematics' finds that while the introduction of bonus points in 2012 led to a 130% increase in students opting to complete the Higher Level Leaving Certificate course, the move has led to a reduction in Mathematical standards and a slowing of the pace of learning in classes. Since 2012, students who achieve a score of 40% or more in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Maths gain an additional 25 points. Prior to their introduction in 2011, 15.6% of Maths students opted for the Higher Level paper, but by 2017 that had risen to 30%, and it stood at 36.3% in 2024. Bonus points are cited by most students in the research as the key reason for choosing Higher Level Mathematics, so the potential 25 point CAO boost on offer is the appeal as opposed to the love or challenge of Mathematics. The research finds that teachers of Higher Level Senior Cycle Mathematics are experiencing significant challenges in relation to catering for widening ranges of achievement in their classrooms, with an increasing number of students requiring extra support. This in turn has led to a reduction in the pace of learning and greater demands on teachers' time and energy. "Teachers have also expressed concerns that opportunities to engage in more challenging material are limited and, as a result, worry that their higher attaining students may not be challenged sufficiently," it states. The report finds that standards linked to grades awarded upon completion of Senior Cycle Higher Level Mathematics appear to have declined in the past 15 years. Marks awarded in the Leaving Certificate are benchmarked against previous years and this tends to maintain the proportion of students achieving a given grade level in a subject from year to year. The practice is known as "attainment referencing". "It has become less of a challenge to achieve these higher grades and, thus, standards in Mathematics appear to have declined as a result," the report concludes. "With the significant growth and transformation in a typical Higher Level Senior Cycle Mathematics cohort, maintaining relatively similar grade attainment levels led to a greater number of students achieving grades at the upper end when compared to previous cohorts." "These findings indicate that while measures such as [bonus points] appear to work well on the surface, they need to be adopted with care and consideration for the broad range of consequences, intended and unintended, that they may have on a variety of stakeholders," the report finds. Top among a number of recommendations the report calls on policy makers to re-assess the nature of bonus points to reduce the incentive to aim for a low passing grade. It proposes linking the number of bonus points awarded to the grade achieved, which would result in a greater number of bonus points for those with higher grades. Expressing concern at the "extrinsic" nature bonus points in motivating students to study the subject at Higher Level, the report states: "More focus should be placed on interventions which enhance students' attitudes towards Mathematics, thereby boosting intrinsic motivation to study the subject at Higher Level." The report authors, Drs Paraic Treacy of MIC, Mark Prendergast of UCC, and Niamh O'Meara of UL, say it is the culmination of six years of research examining the impact of bonus points, as well as the wider implications for the education system in Ireland. "This report gives us a clearer picture of the totality of the impact of bonus points and outlines evidence-informed action which should be taken in light of these findings", they say. Prof Geraldine Mooney Simmie, Director of EPISTEM, the National Centre for STEM Education in UL, called the report "detailed and timely". She said: "The insights and evidence from this study will be of great interest to a wide number of policymakers and will help to shape a futures-oriented view of the important role of Mathematics Education and STEM Education in a fast-changing world".
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Science
- Irish Times
Leaving Cert maths: Bonus points linked to decline in standards and should be reassessed, researchers say
The bonus points initiative that enables Leaving Cert students to gain extra points for achieving a pass grade in hgher-level mathematics appears to have led to a decline in standards in the subject, and the system should be reassessed, a major new report has found. The report by researchers at Mary Immaculate College , University College Cork and University of Limerick spans 2010-2024 and is the culmination of six years' work on the effectiveness of the system and the challenges brought by increased participation. The initiative enables those studying Leaving Cert maths at higher level to gain an extra 25 points should they achieve a passing grade of 40 per cent or better. 'This has been signposted as the most important factor by the majority of students in their decision to opt for higher level,' the report said. READ MORE It also found the system has proven to be a 'significant factor' in increasing the proportion of students opting to take Leaving Cert maths at higher level from 15.6 per cent in 2011 to 36.3 per cent in 2024 – an increase of 129.7 per cent. [ Should bonus points for higher-level maths in the Leaving Cert be scrapped? An academic and a student debate Opens in new window ] However, this has had 'negative impacts' on teacher experiences in the classroom, student motivation to engage meaningfully with maths, and standards for achievement in maths at Leaving Cert , the report said. The profile of students in taking the subject has 'changed significantly', with 'many more' students that would typically have opted for ordinary-level maths now opting to take on the challenge of higher level. Teachers of Leaving Cert maths at higher level are experiencing 'significant challenges' in relation to catering for widening ranges of achievement in their classrooms. An 'increasing number' of their students require extra support, which is leading to a reduction in the pace of learning and greater demands on teachers' time and energy. 'Teachers have also expressed concerns that opportunities to engage in more challenging material are limited and, as a result, worry that their higher attaining students may not be challenged sufficiently,' the report said. The standards linked to grades awarded upon completion of the course 'appear to have declined' in the past 15 years. 'Like many of their international counterparts, the education system in Ireland adopts a policy of attainment referencing which typically maintains the proportion of students achieving the given grade levels in a subject from year to year. With the 'significant growth and transformation' in a typical higher-level Leaving Cert maths cohort, maintaining relatively similar grade attainment levels led to 'a greater number' of students achieving grades at the upper end when compared to previous cohorts. 'Therefore, it has become less of a challenge to achieve these higher grades and, thus, standards in mathematics appear to have declined as a result,' the report added. It said policymakers should 'reassess the nature of bonus points' to reduce the incentive to aim for a low passing grade. 'They should link the number of bonus points awarded to the grade achieved, [and] reward higher grades with a greater number of bonus points,' it said.
