University Staff and Students attend Party on the Plaza

Published on June 9, 2012 at 2:55 pm by Kelly O'Brien

A member of the Fanzini Brothers entertaining the crowd. Image: Kelly O'Brien

STAFF and students of The University of Limerick came together last Thursday May 31 to enjoy a day of celebration on campus. Dubbed ‘Party on the Plaza’, the annual event saw acts such as The Bentley Boys and Indie Rocks take to a temporary stage in the UL Plaza, a cobblestone area between the Library, the Foundation Building and the Main Building.

Verena Tarpey and her son Robert McCutcheon. Image: Kelly O'Brien

Open to anyone working or studying in the University, the festivities began at 1:30pm on the ever expanding North Campus where Cruinniu played some traditional music. An hour later, drumming act Samba Cuisle led a procession across the Shannon and back onto the main campus grounds.

In his welcome speech, Professor Don Barry, President of UL, acknowledged the progress being made in the University despite the challenges of the past few years. He also attributed the successes of the University to the constant support received from each, individual staff-member and student.

Refreshments were served free of charge and The Fanzini Brothers, among other street performers, provided entertainment in the form of stilt-walkers, jugglers and balloon makers.

Local artist and UL employee Rebecca O’Hare said “this is my fourth experience of Party on the Plaza and it never fails to disappoint! It’s a great opportunity not only for UL staff from different departments to mingle but to invite those outside in the local community to celebrate another successful academic year.” UL Student Kevin O’Brien, who runs ULFM student radio station, shared Ms O’Hare sentiments stating, “It’s been a great day, I’ve really enjoyed myself. The food was fantastic and we had great weather for once! There’s a very relaxed atmosphere around and you get the sense that everyone is just kicking back and taking things easy today… which is especially important nowadays with all the difficulties the country is facing.”

In the past few years, the event has been criticised as a staff only event. Organisers are quick to state that this is not the case as that this year the day long festival was held considerably earlier in the year to facilitate the attendance of an increased number of students.

Article and below Images: Kelly O’Brien