University of Limerick Debating Union - Honorary Life Members

Honorary Life Members

The society had 3 types of membership. Ordinary membership is open to all current students of the University of Limerick. All past Auditors who hold office for at least one semester are "Life Members" of the Union. In addition the society can vote to award "Honorary Life Membership" to any individual (including past auditors, ordinary members and non-members). Honorary Life Memberships are only occasionally awarded by the society to people who make contributions in public life and discourse.

• Dr Edward Walsh

President of University from its foundation in 1972 to 1998. In recognition of a number of years of both moral and financial support, including making attendance possible at two World Championships, as well as the magnificent work he has done for the University in general. Dr Walsh was first awarded HLM in 1997 and received the Auditors Medal in 2010.

• Dr Garret Fitzgerald RIP

Former Taoiseach. In recognition of his achievements in years of public service in Ireland. De Fitzgerald was awarded HLM and the Auditors medal in March 2011.

• Max Keiser

Economist, Broadcaster and Author. In recognition of his achievements in promoting economic debate. Mr Keiser was awarded HLM in October 2011

• Michael Noonan

TD and Minister for Finance. In recognition of his achievement in public service in Ireland. Minister Noonan was awarded HLM in January 2012.

• Anthony Louden-Connolly RIP

For incredibly long and diverse participation in the debating world in the British Isles, on the occasion of his visit in late 1995.

• Brian O'Farrell

For distinguished service to the Society, notably for being the first UL debater to reach the Irish Times Final.

• Michael Ryan

For immense assistance to UL's development in societies, notably in debating and in particular the achievement of the highest Irish participation at Melbourne Worlds.

• Niamh Lyons

In recognition of being a member of the first UL team to "break" at the Worlds and of the first UL team in the semi-final of the Irish Times Competition.

• Padraig O'Halloran

In recognition of his achievement of winning the Irish Times Team Debate (National Championships) in 1997 (teammate Seamus Doran). Padraig was also individual runner up in the competition in 1995.

• Séamus Doran

In recognition of his achievement of winning the Irish Times Team Debate (National Championships) in 1997 (teammate Padraig O'Halloran).

• Michael Keary

In recognition of his years of work for the society.

• Maurice Cotter

In recognition of his years of work for the society and his various speaking accomplishments as a UL speaker and alumnus.