The University of Limerick Governing Authority has approved the appointment of Professor Shane Kilcommins as UL’s new president.
A graduate of the University, Professor Kilcommins joined UL in 2014 and served as Head of the School of Law up until 2020.
He also previously served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences before the university appointed him as Deputy President in June 2022.
Professor Kilcommins had served as Acting President since the resignation of Kerstin Mey from the role in 2024, after an expression of no confidence by staff, and from the UL Student Life.
The University overspent over €5.2m on 20 houses at Rhebogue, Limerick in a controversial housing deal, which caused this.
The houses were purchased for student accommodation, despite lacking appropriate planning permission.
Professor Kilcommins said it is a “great honour to be appointed President of the University of Limerick.”
“To lead any university in this country is a privilege, but UL is a place that has shaped me, it is where I chose to build my academic and professional life.”
“UL matters greatly to this region and to the communities we serve. It matters greatly to me.
“UL’s strength lies in its sense of community, and in the way we encourage one another to contribute fully and to do our best work.
“There is a place here for everyone, no matter their role, to contribute, to excel and to belong.”
Chancellor of the University and Chairperson of the Governing Authority, Professor Brigid Laffan, said that Professor Kilcommins served as Acting President at a moment of ‘real uncertainity’ for the University.
In a letter to students of University, she congratulated him on his appointment: “On behalf of the Governing Authority, I warmly congratulate Shane and his family, and I thank you all for the commitment, dedication and care you continue to show to our University and that I know you will extend to Shane in his role as President.”