Former UL Foundation Chairman, Michael Houlihan, has received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Limerick in recognition of his contribution to the development of both the mid-west region, the Foundation and University of Limerick. Dr Houlihan and his late wife Joan have a long association with the Foundation and we wish him many congratulations.
Michael has been a tireless and persuasive voice for progress and has demonstrated vision, imagination and diplomatic dexterity in building partnerships that have stimulated growth across Munster.
Whether as the first Clare man to serve as president of the Law Society of Ireland or as the driving force in transforming his small family law firm into a nationally recognised practice with more than 50 staff, Michael has always pushed standards. Through his actions, he has been a powerful flag-bearer for this part of the island and helped redefine the perception of what was possible for a solicitor from outside Dublin.
Dr Michael Houlihan’s contribution to this country extends far beyond his own distinguished career. He has always known that the collective is greater than the individual, and he has championed community and civic causes for decades. His legacy lies in the dozens of projects across Limerick and Clare that would not have been possible without his expertise and dedication. Several of these are dotted around the UL campus. Between 2006 and 2014, during his term as chair of the UL Foundation, Michael helped deliver more than a dozen major capital developments, including the Analog Devices Building, the Glucksman Library and the Bernal Institute – a world-leading centre of science and engineering launched by then-Taoiseach Enda Kenny in November 2016.
Having been a member of the Governing Authority, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Joint Honorary Doctorate Committee and Nominating Committee, Michael has given years of service to the University and the Foundation . He was an active collaborator with Ed Walsh, Chuck Feeney and the Glucksman family and offered sage and astute counsel to successive administrations as UL grew in size and scale.
We also extend congratulations the pioneer of Ireland’s public relations and communications sector, Dr Terry Prone, and two of UL’s founding professors Dr Roy Hayhurst and Dr Evan Petty (posthumous).