Limerick IT president to lead new Athlone university

The outgoing president of Limerick IT, Professor Vincent Cunnane, has been announced as the new president of the technological university which will replace Athlone IT from October 1.

Professor Cunnane's appointment to the top role in the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest was announced by Higher Education Minister Simon Harris this morning.

It means there will be a change of leadership at the Athlone campus for the first time in more than two decades. Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin has served as president of AIT since 2000, and tributes have been paid today to the contribution he made over the years.

Professor Cunnane has been president of LIT since 2016, and prior to that served as president of IT Sligo and CEO of Shannon Development.

Commenting on his upcoming appointment, he said: "I feel honoured and privileged to become the founding president of Ireland's newest technological university.

"I have seen the evolution of the technological sector over the last number of years.

"To lead this exciting, dynamic and visionary new organisation will be a challenge but one that I very much look forward to with the support of a really talented, enthusiastic and motivated cohort of staff."

On Twitter, Professor Ó Catháin congratulated Professor Cunnane on his appointment:

The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest will have campuses in Athlone, Clonmel, Ennis, Limerick and Thurles.

* For more, see tomorrow's Westmeath Independent