During a hearing with the Royal Commission on University Education in Ireland, Sir Christopher Nixon, M.D., LL.B., emphasized the need for a non-sectarian university in the country. As a Roman Catholic, he stated that most Catholics sought an institution providing a ‘Catholic atmosphere’ without being intolerable for them.

Nixon proposed the establishment of a Royal University with a mainly Catholic Senate, an endowed college in Dublin, and associated colleges in Cork and Galway. Limerick’s Bishop Edward Thomas O’Dwyer, a strong advocate for an inclusive and less sectarian academic environment, passionately supported this idea.

Bishop O’Dwyer’s vision of unity in the educational landscape of Limerick, and across Ireland, reminds us of the significance of fostering diversity and inclusivity in academic institutions. Acknowledging the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, Limerick should be considered as a potential location for an additional associated college under the proposed Royal University.

Integrating such a college in Limerick would promote economic and social development, as well as nurture a thriving academic scene in the area. This approach would provide students from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to study at an institution that respects and accommodates their beliefs, ultimately contributing to a more unified academic landscape throughout Ireland.

Belfast News-Letter – Thursday 21 November 1901