University of Limerick Alumni Awards celebrate three ‘exceptional individuals’

Two world champions in their fields and a global business leader have been celebrated by University of Limerick at an awards ceremony.

Five-time World Champion Dancer David Geaney, reigning World and European Champion in the 3K open- water swim in the 70-74 age group Jane Jolly and Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Dexcom Barry Regan have been honoured at the 2024 UL Alumni Awards.

The 17th annual UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner is taking place in Limerick’s Castletroy Park Hotel this Friday night, in front of a large audience that includes Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD.

The trio of new awardees join a prestigious group of just 53 alumni who have been previously honoured in this way to date since the event began in 2006. They are part of a global UL alumni of over 130,000 graduates.

The Alumni Awards programme was designed to recognise graduates who have made an outstanding contribution in particular fields and Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins said it was a “privilege to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni, who continue to make us proud with their contributions to society, their professions, and their communities”.

“This year’s award recipients exemplify the spirit of UL, demonstrating innovation, leadership, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

“Each year since we first gathered 18 years ago, we celebrate the significant contributions made by the award recipients in their respective fields, highlighting the diverse talents nurtured at UL. Their successes inspire our current students and remind us of the limitless potential that lies within our community.

“This year, we are honoured to recognise three exceptional individuals: Barry Regan, Jane Jolly, and David Geaney.”

The inaugural UL Alumni Awards ceremony was first hosted in 2006, and previous recipients include Tony Ward, Jean Butler, Professor Brigid Laffan and Dr Hugh O’Donnell.

The Awards recognise graduates who have made a significant impact in various fields, including in business, entrepreneurship, science and technology, academia, societal and humanitarian areas, sport, culture and the arts.

Prior to this evening’s three awards, 53 graduates have previously been honoured, and the diversity and significance of their achievements reflect positively on UL, the region, and beyond.

Bobby O’Connor, chair of the UL Alumni Board, said: “Ever since UL Alumni was established by graduates in 1987, we have sought ways to provide a real link between the graduate community and our alma mater.

“University of Limerick takes great pride in our graduate community and UL Alumni is delighted to provide this forum through which fifty-three alumni to-date, have been honoured.

“Each year, through the nominations we receive, UL Alumni learns about the quality and diversity of achievement of our graduates. This awareness compels us to honour those among us who have made outstanding contributions across various fields in Ireland and abroad.

“Through honouring such alumni, we not just celebrate individual success, but also hope to inspire other alumni and current students at University of Limerick.”

Over 200 guests attended the event which was sponsored by Carelon with event partners Analog Devices and Stryker Ireland.

The MC is UL alumna and broadcaster Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh.

2024 UL Alumni Awards Recipients:

David Geaney – (BSc Economics and Mathematical Sciences - 2017) Outstanding Achievement – Arts & Culture

Dingle native David Geaney, a five-time World Champion Irish Dancer, is taking the world by storm. After an illustrious competitive career, amassing countless major titles, David is now performing around the globe. Known as The Dingle Dancer, he is regarded as one of Ireland’s leading entertainers, adapting with ease to different venues and audiences.

In 2017, David was approached by Britain’s Got Talent, the world’s biggest talent show. After reaching the live semi-finals, just three days after his final year exams at UL, David produced a spectacular performance in front of millions of viewers on live television. His journey continued to Broadway and performances around the world.

Jane Jolly – (BEd Physical Education - 1976) Outstanding Achievement – Sport

Jane Jolly, who established her own aerobic classes and introduced Aqua aerobics in Cork, found success in Masters swimming. She was part of the Cork Masters Swimming Club’s world record-breaking team at the inaugural Masters Games in Toronto in 1985, winning medals at several subsequent games.

She ventured into open water swimming at the European Masters in Mallorca in 2001 and is the reigning World and European Champion in the 3K open- water swim in the 70-74 age group, having won the World Title in Doha, Qatar, in February and the European title in the River Sava in Belgrade, Serbia, in July.

Barry Regan – (BTech Electronic Production - 1994) Outstanding Achievement – Business

With 30 years of experience in Life Sciences, Barry Regan has led large organisations in the global medical device and pharmaceutical industries through significant scaling and transformational change efforts. Originally from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, he moved to the US 25 years ago.

Four years ago, Barry began a new chapter in his career by moving to San Diego to join Dexcom as Executive Vice President of Global Operations. He oversees an organisation of over 6,000 people and is responsible for the global expansion of Dexcom’s innovative Continuous Glucose Monitoring products.