Pictured L-R: Patricia O’Sullivan, Enterprise & Community Engagement Manager; Councillor Seán Hartigan, Mayor of Limerick Representative; Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD; Dr Nóirín Ní Riain, internationally acclaimed singer, theologian and writer; Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC; and Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at MIC.
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) marked an important milestone on Friday, 12 December, as it officially joined the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network—an international consortium of higher education institutions committed to welcoming and supporting older learners. The achievement was celebrated with a festive launch event at MIC’s Limerick campus, organised by the College’s Enterprise and Community Engagement (E&CE) Office.
The launch brought together older learners, staff, students and community partners for an afternoon of music, conversation and reflection, with performances by the MIC Choir and student musicians setting the tone. In attendance was Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD and Councillor Seán Hartigan, Mayor of Limerick Representative. Speakers who addressed the gathering included: Keynote speaker Dr Nóirín Ní Riain, internationally acclaimed singer, theologian and writer, and MIC’s 2024 Alumna of the Year; Dr Christine O’Kelly, AFU Coordinator at Dublin City University; and Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Donnell welcomed MIC’s commitment to supporting older adults through education and community engagement:
“I wish to commend MIC for joining the Age-Friendly University Global Network, it is a positive commitment and one that reflects the wider national ambition to ensure that older people can participate fully in lifelong learning, community life and cultural activity. I look forward to seeing these programmes grow and benefit communities across Limerick and beyond.”
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Ní Riain said:
“This new Age-Friendly commitment by MIC speaks to something I hold dear—that learning does not end at any particular age, and that older adults have wisdom, artistry and insight to offer every space they enter. I’m heartened to see the College open its doors even wider, inviting people of all ages to grow, participate and belong.”
Pictured above, Reflecting on MIC’s new status, Dr Maeve Liston, Director of E&CE, said:
“MIC is proud to join the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a recognition that affirms our long-standing commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive opportunities for older members of our community. Through our Age-Friendly Campus programme, we have welcomed retirement groups, local organisations, and individuals from across Limerick to a wide range of programmes, events, and cultural activities that promote connection, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We look forward to expanding our initiatives, deepening our engagement, and continuing to celebrate the invaluable contributions of older adults to our campus and our community.”
During the event, Patricia O’Sullivan, E&CE Manager, also announced the new MIC Intergenerational Learning Programme, which will give older adults the chance to take one of ten modules—from areas such as Business, History, Irish, Maths, and Philosophy—during the Spring 2026 semester. Accepted participants can attend in-person lectures over the 12-week term without having to complete assessments. It’s a non-credited offering, but they’ll receive a certificate of participation at the end. Final dates will be confirmed once the Spring timetable is completed, and expressions of interest are already welcome.
Dr Liston reflected on the launch, adding:
“Today, we are delighted to launch the MIC Intergenerational Learning Programme for Spring 2026, offering older people the chance to explore new interests and develop new skills by participating in modules alongside undergraduate students. This immersive experience fosters creativity, personal growth, and intergenerational exchange, enriching both our campus community and the lives of those who take part.”
Another Age-Friendly initiative at MIC will be ‘An Teicneolaíocht agus An Ghaeilge’ (Technology and Irish), led by Dr Síle Ní Choincheannain, Lecturer in Education with expertise in Irish. The module will provide basic Irish and practical digital skills workshops—such as connecting to Wi-Fi, scanning QR codes, and sending emails—supported by MIC student facilitators. The date for this event will also be confirmed in the coming weeks.
As a partner of the Age-Friendly AI programme, led by Technological University Dublin and the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre, MIC will also be supporting the roll out of an AI Literacy Programme for older adults in 2026 in libraries across Ireland.
For more information on MIC’s Intergenerational Learning Programme or on upcoming age-friendly events or to register interest in upcoming modules, email .
