Annual Report 2023-24
The 2023-2024 academic year represented a truly extraordinary chapter in the distinguished history of Mary Immaculate College. As we celebrated our 125th anniversary, the College demonstrated once again why it stands as one of Ireland's leading institutions for education and the liberal arts, achieving remarkable milestones that underscore our enduring
commitment to excellence, innovation, and social justice.
Introduction
This anniversary year was marked by unprecedented achievements across every facet of our institutional mission. Our research community produced ground breaking work that garnered international recognition, from the most comprehensive study of Catholic education in Ireland since the foundation of the state to pioneering climate change education initiatives that will shape policy and practice nationwide. The conferring of just over 2,000 graduates in October 2023 represented, not just individual achievement, but collective testimony to the transformative power of education that has defined MIC for over a century.
Our commitment to academic excellence was powerfully affirmed through rigorous external review processes. The resoundingly positive findings of our institutional quality review panel, the successful reaccreditation of all eleven initial teacher education programmes by the Teaching Council, and the recognition of our research excellence through prestigious awards and fellowships, all speak to the exceptional calibre of our academic community
Infrastructure development reached new heights with the granting of planning permission for our transformative library project - a development that will serve as a beacon of learning for generations to come. The acquisition of additional sports facilities and the ongoing enhancement of both our Limerick and Thurles campuses demonstrate our commitment to providing world-class facilities for our growing student community.
Perhaps most significantly, this year saw the continued expansion of our impact beyond the campus gates. The launch of the National Centre for City Connects Ireland, our pioneering partnership with Boston College that brings evidence-based educational interventions to vulnerable communities, exemplifies our commitment to social justice in action. Our international partnerships flourished, from our collaboration with Brazilian educators through the CAPES programme to our deepening relationships with leading universities across the United States, Europe, and beyond.
The achievements detailed throughout this report, whether in equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, international engagement, community outreach, or academic innovation, all reflect the dedication and excellence of our staff, students, and broader college community. They represent not just a celebration of our 125-year heritage, but a confident foundation for the exciting journey ahead.
“Believe that a further shore is reachable from here.”
