The University of Limerick this year celebrates 25 years since its beginnings as a National Institute of Higher Education. It gained university status in 1989.

Both the NIHE Limerick and NIHE Dublin (now DCU) were granted university status that year; Limerick, however, had been in existence for eight years longer than its sister college. Established in 1972 after a long campaign by the people of Limerick for a university, there was some disappointment that the new institution would be given the newly coined title of NIHE.

Yet the college quickly proved itself a challenger for the universities, under the presidency of Dr Edward Walsh. Walsh is one of the most controversial figures in Irish higher education as well as a pioneer, developing degree programmes which involved applied knowledge and work experience as well as academic study. His approach brought him into conflict with the established university structure, but he was supported by the students of the new college: when hostilities erupted between UCC, which was responsible for vetting the NIHE's degree programmes, and Walsh, NIHE students ceremonially burned their NUI cards in front of the NUI's Dublin offices.

The university begins a celebration of its short but colourful history by opening its doors to the community which campaigned for its establishment next Sunday, September 28th. Events include storytelling and a magic show for children; basketball, swimming and tennis coaching for the more actively inclined; and a series of concerts throughout the day, including the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra - possibly not the Brad Pitt, but you never know - and a performance by eerily similar teen heart-throbs the Carter Twins. All events take place from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and admission is free, though a charge may be made for some fairground attractions - with all funds going to the Milford Hospice. For further details telephone (061) 202349.