The TUS Faculty of Business and Humanities is pleased to invite you to attend a regional leadership panel exploring the theme “Connected Regions, Stronger Future” on Wednesday, 10th June.

The event will be held in the Millennium Theatre at the TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick and will bring together leaders and stakeholders from across the Mid‑West to explore how collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose can strengthen regions in the years ahead. The discussion will consider the role of leadership, talent development, and applied research in positioning the Mid‑West as a region of excellence.

The panel will explore the Ryder Cup coming to Adare, Limerick in 2027, highlighting the significant opportunities this global event presents for business, tourism, sport, entrepreneurship, community life, and the wider visitor economy. The conversation invites businesses to reflect on their readiness and consider how they can fully capitalise on this global opportunity when it arrives.

Welcome Note: Dr James Griffin, Dean of Faculty, Business and Humanities. TUS

Panel Speakers:

• Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of Technological University of the Shannon. 
• Catherine Duffy, Senior Vice President and General Manager Northern Trust.
• Vanessa McTigue Commercial Director Shannon Airport Group.
• Tom Enright - Ryder Cup 2027 Project Director (Government of Ireland)

With key stakeholders from industry, hospitality, community and sport in attendance, the session will be highly interactive with audience participation and networking.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, 10 June
• Venue: Millennium Theatre, Moylish Campus
• Networking light refreshments: 8.50am
• Welcome Note: 9.20am
• Panel Discussion: 9.30am – 10.20am
• Q&A: 10.20am
• Closing Remarks: 10.50am

Speaker Bios

Catherine Duffy

Senior Vice President and General Manager- Northern Trust Limerick

As Senior Vice President and General Manager, Catherine Duffy has overall responsibility for the strategic development and day-to-day operations of Northern Trust Limerick , which comprises over 1,400 employees.

After ten years of service, Catherine recently stepped down from her role as Chair of the Board for Milford Care Centre. She is a member of the Governing Authority of the University of Limerick. She was President of the American Chamber of Commerce in 2022. She was the Regional President of the Midwest for Ibec (Irish Business and Employers Confederation) in 2020 and 2021. She was President of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce from 2015 to 2017.

Vanessa McTigue

Commercial Director- Shannon Airport Group

Vanessa has overall responsibility for all non-aeronautical revenue streams within The Shannon Airport Group as well as Group Marketing and passenger experience activities.

Prior to joining The Shannon Airport Group, Vanessa held the position of Financial Controller of a property development company in Galway as well as a senior finance role in a US multi-national globalisation company.