Launch of of 18th edition of Limerick Voice newspaper produced by UL journalism students

Journalism students at University of Limerick have launched the latest edition of the award-winning Limerick Voice newspaper. The 18th edition of the newspaper has hit the streets, carried in the Limerick Leader newspaper, with over 50 stories covering news, sport and features. It was launched at an event in UL’s Glucksman Library this Wednesday, attended by Mayor of Limerick John Moran and Dr Sandra Joyce Executive Dean of AHSS.

This year’s edition of the newspaper features several exclusive reports written by UL journalism students, including a front-page story about the exploitation by criminal gangs of children as young as eight to deliver drugs. Limerick Voice reporter, Anne Marie Roberts revealed how gangs are exploiting a legal loophole to lure young children into drug related activities. In the wake of public scrutiny over sentencing in Ireland, Limerick Voice reporters Emma McCarthy and Ailish Armstrong spoke to former Limerick state solicitor Michael Murray. This year’s publication highlights the importance of campaign journalism, with the Limerick Voice team recently standing in solidarity with the family of the late Joe Drennan at a vigil organised in UL in support of the #JusticeforJoe Campaign

Speaking about this year’s edition, which is available free with this weekend’s Limerick Leader, UL Lecturer and Course Director for the BA in Journalism and Communication programme, Dr Kathryn Hayes, who oversees the multimedia project each year, said working on the Limerick Voice digital website and newspaper provides vital real-life skills and experience for journalism students. “A newspaper publication and digital news project like Limerick Voice is more than just an assignment—it’s a real-world newsroom experience that challenges final-year journalism students to think critically, report responsibly, and engage their audience with impactful storytelling and particularly the importance of campaign journalism,” she said.