Connecting knowledge and enterprise: University of Limerick story
Shannon Chamber is delighted to welcome Professor Shane Kilcommins, President of University of Limerick, as keynote speaker at a special luncheon on October 29th at Boru Hall, Dromoland Castle, Newmarket on Fergus, Clare.
In what promises to be a timely and thought-provoking address, Professor Kilcommins will explore the power of collaboration between academia and industry, and how this unique partnership has shaped University of Limerick’s distinctive value proposition since its foundation.
From its pioneering approach to co-operative education and industry engagement, to its role as a driver of innovation, talent development, and regional growth, UL has long been recognised as a university deeply embedded in the economic and social fabric of the Mid-West. This keynote will reflect on that journey, while also looking ahead to how stronger connectivity between education and enterprise can support competitiveness, resilience, and opportunity in an increasingly global landscape.
This event offers members and guests a valuable opportunity to:
- Gain insights into the evolving role of higher education in supporting industry;
- Explore how partnerships with UL can drive growth and innovation;
- Engage with one of Ireland’s leading academic voices on regional development.
Following his keynote address, Professor Kilcommins will participate in a moderated panel discussion with Leo Clancy, CEO, Ei Electronics and Orlaith Lawler, VP Operations for Europe and APAC , Beckman Coulter
Join us for an engaging afternoon of insight, networking, and strategic discussion with business leaders, policymakers, and educators at the forefront of shaping the region’s future.
Individual places can be booked via website. Tables of 8 or 10 can be reserved via website or via email to Saoirse at admin@shannonchamber.ie
Registration & Networking: 12:15pm- 12:55pm
Price: Members €90.80/ Non-Members €102.15 (incl. VAT per ticket)
Booking: Please book online to secure your place.
For more information or bulk bookings, email Saoirse at admin@shannonchamber.ie
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Leo Clancy
Ei Electronics
Leo Clancy is CEO of Ei Electronics, a global leading company focus on Home Life Safety, shipping 15 million fire protection devices annually from Shannon. Prior to taking up his role at Ei, Leo was CEO of Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government Trade and Development Agency, supporting global growth of Irish companies. Leo served as Head of Technology Sector at IDA for 8 years, working on development of inward investment. Hi early career was in the telecommunications industry, having held various engineering and management roles first at Ericsson and then at e|net, an Irish provider of broadband communication services. Leo is an Electronic Engineer.
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Orlaith Lawler
Beckman Coulter
Orlaith Lawler is the VP Operations for Europe and APAC in Beckman Coulter. Beckman Coulter, part of the Danaher Corporation headquartered in California, is a diagnostics company whose products are used in biomedical testing and are found in hospitals, laboratories, and GP surgeries worldwide. It employs approx. 11,000 people worldwide. Orlaith is currently responsible for operations across Beckman Coulter’s manufacturing sites in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. These include facilities in Tulla, Co. Clare, Ireland; Krefeld and Munich, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; Mishima, Japan; and contract manufacturing operations in Kochi, India She has worked in Beckman for over 20 years, starting off in a technical role transferring manufacturing of immunoassay products from the Beckman Coulter site in Chaska, Minnesota into the Galway facility, and has worked in several different roles with increasing levels of responsibility. Orlaith previously served as Chair of the global Beckman Coulter Inclusion and Belonging Corporate Council. She currently serves on the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce and chairs its Mid-West Region. Orlaith previously worked in Cambridge Diagnostics in Galway (which became Alere and is now part of Abbott) as a Project Manager in R&D transferring the manufacturing of immunoassay products from Seattle, US into Galway. Orlaith has spent a lot of time in both the US and the UK throughout her career. Education: PhD. in Biochemistry, MSc in Project Management and BSc in Science (Maths and Biology). Married and living with three boys in Galway.