University Of Limerick Student Life have issued a statement surrounding Thursday’s Race Day festivities.
They stressed that UL, Lit, Mary I, or any other third-level institution in the Limerick area are not involved in the organisation, running or logistical elements.
Over 7,000 third-level students across Ireland are expected to attend the event on Thursday, April 11th.
The statement said that there have been a number of unruly incidents in recent years, and are keen to avoid any such incidents this year.
UL Student Life Welfare Officer, Lorcan O’Donnell was frank in his appraisal of how the race course have denied any access for UL Student Life at the event, which would entail dispersing free water and refreshments, as well as giving out information about alcohol and drug abuse.
He called on the event organisers to improve their health and safety practices so that students are not “dropped off on busy roads or far from their homes like what has happened in previous years”.
UL Student Life are running a support table at the bus collection/drop off points on campus.
In an email sent to all students this morning, President of UL Student Life, Ciara Jo Hanlon, and Prof. Kerstin Mey Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Engagement acknowledged that while the day is “an opportunity to socialise and unwind”, they called on students attending the event to exercise restraint:
“We would like to remind you that you are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing on the day. You also have a responsibility towards communities you live in, i.e. both in terms of your accommodation and your city. We expect that you respect your fellow citizens, keep noise to a minimum, take care of your litter and refrain from disorderly behaviour or activity that compromises your health or safety and that of others around you including entering roofs.”
The Meitheal Na MacLeinn (MnMs) are on hand on Thursday to ensure anti-social behaviour is curbed, student safety is upheld, and relations with the wider Limerick community is strengthened.
The MnMs will follow a similar procedure to Charity Week, ensuring that students feel safe, estates are patrolled, and the University’s reputation is kept in good esteem.
Molly Cantwell 
Daragh De Klein