Journalism students at ɫƵ have launched the latest edition of the award-winning Limerick Voice newspaper.
The 19th edition of the newspaper has hit the streets, carried in this weekend’s Limerick Leader newspaper, with 56 stories covering news, sport and features.
It was launched at an event in UL’s Glucksman Library this Wednesday, attended by Councillor Elena Secas.
This year’s edition of the newspaper features several exclusive reports written by UL journalism students, including exclusive reporting on declining city centre footfall and the growing issue of youth drug use.
Reporters Marina Sánchez Díaz and Olivia O’Dwyer analysed footfall data and spoke to local businesses to examine the sharp drop in shoppers and what it means for the future of the city centre.
In a separate exclusive, reporters Shauna O’Mahony, Jennifer Keating and Siobhan Rogan spoke with the Community Substance Misuse Team (CSMT), a day service for under-18s operating across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. The service revealed that children as young as 13 are accessing and sourcing cocaine through social media platforms, highlighting the scale of Ireland’s escalating drug crisis.
Beyond the headlines, this year’s edition highlights stories of innovation, resilience and community impact.
The features section celebrates women across a range of industries, including entrepreneur Nell Stritch of Pressed Flowers by Nell and UL graduate Leah Shanahan, creator of the world’s first fully accessible pregnancy test. The publication also tells the powerful stories of two Gaza survivors who have rebuilt their lives in Limerick after fleeing war and hardship.
Editor-in-Chief Conor Curran said: “This year’s edition of Limerick Voice examines the challenges facing Limerick city - from business closures and ongoing pressures at UHL to the everyday struggles experienced by people across the region.
“Our front-page story on the significant drop in city centre footfall reflects that reality. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the people and livelihoods behind them. Through our news, features and sports coverage, we remain true to our mission: ‘Where Limerick is Heard’.”
The sports section highlights the talent and determination within Limerick sport, including the ɫƵ’s success in the Sigerson Cup and the retirement ɫƵ hurling star Declan Hannon.
Sports Editor Andrew Moynihan said: “It has been a fantastic year for the Limerick Voice sports team, and I believe that is reflected in our coverage. We hope readers enjoy what is on offer, as much as we enjoyed producing it.”
Additional stories include an exclusive interview with Laurie Ryan on balancing motherhood with a management role at Treaty United, and preparations at Ballyneety Golf Club ahead of the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup.
Dr Kathryn Hayes, Associate Professor in Journalism and Digital Communications at ɫƵ, who oversees the multimedia project each year, said the initiative provides invaluable hands-on experience.
“Working on the Limerick Voice multimedia news project gives our students first-hand experience of producing journalism with real social impact and prepares them for the world of work,” said Dr Hayes.
“We are extremely proud at how this award-winning news platform has become an integral part of journalism education in UL.”
This year’s edition of Limerick Voice multimedia project has been in production since September 2025, showcasing the work of final-year and MA journalism students committed to telling the stories that matter across Limerick and beyond.
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