A look back at the faces behind the student paper’s legacy
Since its inception, Limerick Voice has been more than just a student publication—it has been a launchpad for future journalists, a platform for untold stories, and a reflection of Limerick’s ever-evolving landscape. Over the years, its editors have left their mark, shaping the paper’s voice and vision. But who were the people behind the headlines? Here’s a look at some of Limerick Voice’s former editors:
- Marisa Kennedy (2017/18): Learned to triple-check everything after overlooking a key story
- Nicole Glennon (2019/20): Started in digital journalism but now edits a print magazine
- Martin Mongan (2021/22): Her proud moment was winning ‘Website of the Year’ at the Smedias
- Molly Cantwell (2023/24): Believes strong newsroom teamwork leads to success.
Marisa Kennedy- Managing Editor of the Limerick Voice 2017/18
Where are you now?
I saw a job had come up last year with Paralympics Ireland. I had gone to the Paralympic games in Tokyo as a journalist and got to know the whole crew there and I just thought that the role that they are offering which is sponsorship executive was very much me and what I wanted to get into in terms of the world of sports and business.
A memory from the Limerick Voice:
One thing that actually sticks out in my mind is something that I had overlooked (in relation to the Limerick Voice) that Kathryn had picked up on, which was actually extremely relevant to what ended up in the LV paper that year and I had completely disregarded it at the time. That has always stuck with me since. It’s made me double, triple-check everything. It’s burned in my brain now, to try not to let anything slip through the cracks.
What would you wish for future teams of the Limerick Voice?
Take every single learning experience from it. I keep following the Limerick voice year after year and it’s growing every year, it’s amazing to see. The whole journalism landscape is changing so much, and I think it’s brilliant there are new innovative ideas. Never be afraid to always find something new to do with it.
How has journalism changed since leaving UL?
It’s just constantly updating. When I left I thought online was going to be my job for the next 50 years and it’s just not the case. There’s no such thing as a one-trick pony anymore and that’s what I’m finding across the whole area of journalism and marketing has so many blurred lines now. You need to be able to really market yourself in this area because there’s so much competitiveness. The whole landscape has changed, and you need to be able to be a jack of all trades.
Nicole Glennon- Managing Editor 2019/2020
Where are you now?
I work as an Assistant Editor for the Irish Examiner’s Weekend magazine. The role involves idea generation, commissioning journalists/photographers, liaising with PRs and agents, copying and subediting all content, liaising with various desks within the examiner (analytics/advertising/marketing etc as well as other editorial desks), representing the Irish Examiner/Weekend at relevant events etc. While I don’t write as much as I’d like to, I do still write on a freelance basis for both the Weekend mag and the Arts/Culture pages in the main paper.
A memory from the Limerick Voice:
Many late nights in the newsroom. I have some great memories of working late with the team of editors in the final few weeks, and many of them ended up in the examiner where we continued to work together. I graduated in 2020, so those memories were actually the only real experience I had of working in a busy newsroom for a long time!
What would you wish for future teams of the Limerick Voice?
I think journalism goes through peaks and troughs with hiring, and at the moment many places are laying off staff and engaging in hiring freezes in certain areas – that is very difficult for those starting off. My best advice would be to upskill in video and audio, as brands are really keen to invest in growth areas. With that being said, I was told the same when I was graduating in 2020, and I was worried because my heart was in print. I have ended up as an assistant editor on a print magazine (via a digital journalist role). I guess my wish for everyone is to keep your end goal in mind but be willing to take the scenic route to get there.
How has journalism changed since leaving UL?
I would say there is even more of an emphasis on video and audio content than when I was in the Voice. The Irish Examiner is constantly looking for new ways to use video and audio to tell stories and reach new audiences where they are. We’ve also seen a real demand for explainer and recap-style content, and these are frequently our most engaged pieces both on our website and on our social media platforms.
Martin Mongan- Deputy Editor of the Limerick Voice 2021/22
Where are you now?
I’m currently working for the Irish Examiner as part of the Irish Times graduate programme.
A memory from the Limerick Voice:
Definitely the Smedia Awards ceremony at the Aviva Stadium. We won the Website of the Year category, and I felt so proud of our team for picking up the award. We had a great night out in Dublin afterwards, which is always a bonus!
What would you wish for future teams of the Limerick Voice?
I hope the future LV teams realise how important the newspaper and website are. I’ve had a couple of job interviews since I finished at UL and the LV comes up more often than you might think, so make the most of it! Be brave, whether it’s related to a story or creating a new style of digital media. The world is constantly changing – apps and websites come in and out of fashion all of the time. If you have an idea, run with it. It could be the deciding factor when the Smedias come around!
How has journalism changed since leaving UL?
Journalism has changed massively in the two years since I finished at UL. Twitter was a prime source of news and information back in 2022, and now, it’s a mess. Even newspapers like the Guardian have abandoned the site. The development of AI is another massive factor. Nowadays, more than ever, it’s important to proofread everything and triple-check your sources.
Molly Cantwell – Managing Editor of the Limerick Voice 2023/2024
Where are you now?
I work as a freelance digital reporter for Bauer Media Audio Ireland – primarily with Newstalk. I freelance for the Irish Examiner regularly, writing frequently for the Weekend magazine. Recently, I’ve also freelanced for the Irish Times and Dara & Co. As well as my writing, I work as the social media manager for Fresh International Film Festival.
A memory from the Limerick Voice:
My favourite memory of my time at Limerick Voice was definitely when we won ‘Newspaper of the Year’ at the 2024 Smedias. Being surrounded by all my classmates while accepting that award and being able to honour our Joe Drennan in that way was such a huge achievement. I also think our day shooting the Limerick Voice 2023/2024 Launch Video was so much fun. I still get emotional thinking about it!
What would you wish for future teams of the Limerick Voice?
My wishes for the future Limerick Voice teams would be to continue upping the quality of the layout (my baby) and aiming high at the various student awards around Ireland. I hope each team gets to be as close as our team was and works together in as much harmony as we did. Remember you get as much out of LV as you put into it and it will really stand to you when you head into your future career.
How has journalism changed since leaving UL?
I think there is a growing distrust in the media around Ireland and internationally which is really concerning. Reporters are doing their best every day to get as much information to the people as quickly as possible and this has to be respected. The targeting and killing of journalists across the world in an attack on the free press must be stopped. It’s also increasingly hard to find a stable, well-paid job in journalism which is quite concerning, but also, I’m not sure if putting journalism behind a paywall is the way forward. In all, it’s a hard world for journalists but as long as we keep grafting away and searching for the truth, all will be well.