In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to MA in Sociology (Youth, Community and Social Regeneration) graduate, Catherine Caball, who shares her experience of returning to education, the support she received while studying at UL, and how her MA led her to switch from a career in catering to community development.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a proud Kerry woman married to a Limerick man, and I have two wonderful children. My family have a background in the hospitality industry, and I naturally leaned towards this discipline upon leaving school. I graduated in Hotel Management in 1996 and completed the intensive immersion programme in Ballymaloe Cookery School. When my children were born, I went back and studied accountancy and worked in accounts for over ten years whilst also running the family business with my husband.
In 2017, I began volunteering in Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick and soon I was working there as the Dean’s Administrator, a role which involved working for both the parishioners and the wider community of Limerick city.
By early 2021, I had made the decision to return to education. This was to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I applied for the MA in Sociology (Youth, Community and Social Regeneration). I completed the course part-time over two years and graduated in January 2024.
Why did you choose to study at UL? 
When my children were young, I often took them to the UL campus. It was a safe, open space where they learned to cycle without stabilisers! Every visit included my usual spiel about how, in 20 years, I hoped to return to the campus in a new dress, watching them graduate. Little did I know that both would choose other wonderful institutions, University College Cork and Shannon College of Hotel Management, for their studies, and that it would be me walking across the stage in a new dress!
I completed my primary degree back in 1996 and since then Ireland has seen tremendous changes – economically, demographically, technologically and socially. To stay relevant and aligned with these advancements, I felt it was crucial to update my skills and knowledge as I embarked on the next phase of my professional and academic journey. In my view, there’s no better place to do that than ºÚÁÏÉç.
The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at UL was the perfect fit for me, led by distinguished academics in the fields of regeneration and community. I was already familiar with names like Professor Amanda Haynes, Dr Martin Power, Dr Eileen Humphreys, and of course, Professor Eoin Devereux. The opportunity to learn under their guidance was, to me, a true privilege.
What was it like to study Sociology at UL?
I was interested in community development, and I was keen to learn more. To begin, I was given a comprehensive understanding of the leading sociological writers and theorists. This was then used as a basis to critically question and debate the arguments which are relevant to youth, community and regeneration today.
I learnt how to structure an argument and present my opinion in a meaningful way. I learnt not only to think better but to think differently. When you are out in industry you focus on the present and sometimes are not given the time to think about alternatives. This course allowed me to reassess my opinions and approaches, confirmed others and consigned some to the waste disposal.
It is critical in a changing world that we are challenged and forced to constantly re-evaluate our opinions, our inconsistencies and complexities. Studying at UL has done just that for me. It has also given me the confidence to present my opinion, support it with evidence and communicate it effectively whilst constantly challenging myself.
What were some of the highlights of your course?
Initially, due to restrictions in place because of Covid-19, our lectures were online. Once these restrictions were lifted, I was really delighted to be able to attend in-person on campus. I enjoyed meeting my class mates, learning from them and debating the issues.
Our course director, , organised for community leaders to come and speak with us and for the class to go on a field trip to community development organisations. This was really interesting and to be exposed to those living the experience was very informative.
Were you a member of any clubs or societies during your time at UL?
I attended a contemporary dance class, and I don't think I've ever laughed so much – mostly at myself! I would have loved to attend more but balancing work, family and my studies made it challenging to fit everything in.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL?
I have many cherished memories but one that stands out is the moment I walked onto the stage at the University Concert Hall to receive my parchment. When I turned around and saw my family waving excitedly, it was a moment I will hold dear forever.
At UL, we’re known as the ‘Home of Firsts’ – are there any important ‘firsts’ that you experienced as a UL student that you would like to share?
I was a mature student; therefore, all my experiences were a first. I felt perhaps I was dated, lacked the IT skills and would have little to bring to the table. This feeling soon passed.
The support given by the Regional Writing Centre was invaluable. They have a yearlong calendar of tutorials, videos and peer tutoring sessions, which helped in my ability to prepare, structure and write my papers. The library and library staff were supportive and more than eager to show new students how to get the most from its state-of-the-art facilities. If UL could just let me have a lifetime pass into the library, where I have spent many happy hours reading and researching, that would be great!
The course leaders and lecturers were very open and promoted the asking of questions. The ladies in the restaurant soon got to know me and always greeted me with a smile. UL Student Life were there to answer my many questions regarding the campus, travel pass, student card etc. I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting my fellow classmates and learning from their previous experiences.
I really did not want to leave UL!
How did your course and your overall UL experience benefit you in your current career?
The great benefit of the MA in Sociology is that it opens a wide range of career options in the youth, community and regeneration sectors, while also serving as an ideal springboard for further research and academic pursuits. Earning a master’s degree not only increases my value in the workplace but also broadens the scope of opportunities available to me.
During my studies, I completed my placement with PAUL Partnership Limerick, a multi-sectoral organisation dedicated to promoting social inclusion in the city. Since November 2023, I have taken on the role of Limerick Food Partnership Coordinator for Limerick city and county, a programme that is hosted by PAUL Partnership.
What has been a career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career so far has undoubtedly been my appointment as the Limerick Food Partnership Coordinator. I was thrilled to be selected for this role.
Since my appointment as Coordinator of Limerick Food Partnership, I have successfully secured participation in several high-impact national and European programmes that strengthen our capacity to address food poverty and promote healthy eating across Limerick city and county. These include: the FEAST Replication Programme, a Horizon Europe initiative; the CLEVERFOOD Peer-Learning Programme, which empowers local food actors to co-create governance strategies and policies for food system transformation; and the Community Food Initiative Programme, funded by Safefood, which supports grassroots projects that improve access to healthy food and build practical skills in low-income communities.
The Partnership also achieved a significant milestone by being one of three projects awarded by the UL Engage Citizens’ Assembly in 2024. The project, The Food Finder, is a co-designed mapping project that provides crucial, accessible knowledge about Limerick’s food landscape. It visually represents our local food system, showing where supermarkets, small grocers, food banks and community cafés are located.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
The Limerick Food Partnership is undertaking a research project which will lead to the development of a comprehensive Food Strategy for Limerick city and county. The Partnership’s mission – to raise awareness, improve access and increase the supply of healthy food to local communities – drives me forward every day.
With the support and leadership of a dedicated steering group, I am confident that we can ensure the citizens of Limerick have access to a healthy, affordable and equitable diet, ultimately enhancing their life outcomes, health and future prospects.
What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?
Apply – most definitely! I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I just wish I could have stayed longer.
I pursued the part-time course as I wanted to work also, and the course was perfectly suited to this. The ability to do this opens the course up to mature applicants who may have been out of academia for some time.
I would advise anyone considering a return to education to park their apprehensions and go for it. Give me one good reason why you wouldn’t!