JOURNALISM students at the University of Limerick (UL) exposed the grim reality that Limerick City Centre has lost nearly one in five shoppers over the past four years.
The exposé was published in the 19th edition of the Limerick Voice, a publication by fourth-year and MA-level journalism students at UL.
The student paper also tackled the issue of teen drug use, the overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick, the rise of illegal HHC vapes in students, and a host of other news and views from across Limerick.
One story, carried within the publication’s sports section, revealed how only two anti-doping tests were carried out in All-Ireland League rugby across last year (and 34 in the last decade), out of a pool of thousands of players.
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
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The publication is a showcase of the work of final-year and MA journalism students, overseen by veteran Limerick reporter and UL associate professor Kathryn Hayes and Limerick Post head of production and UL teacher Kieran White.
The Limerick Voice is no stranger to high acclaim, having won a string of major prizes at the national Smedia (student media) awards in recent years, including Best Overall Digital Media (2025), Newspaper of the Year (2024 and 2018), Layout and Design of the Year (2024), along with an endless list of individual awards for the accomplished students taking part.
Fourth year student and Limerick Voice editor-in-chief Conor Curran said that “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”.
“Through our news, features, and sports coverage, we remain true to our mission: ‘Where Limerick is Heard’.”
Sports editor Andrew Moynihan added that it was “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.”
Professor Kathryn Hayes, who oversees the multimedia project each year, said the initiative provides “invaluable hands-on experience” for students.
“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.
“We are extremely proud at how this award-winning news platform has become an integral part of journalism education in UL.”