On April 30th, 2026, the very first UL PESS Gala took place at ACES Limerick, bringing together students and staff from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences for an evening of celebration, recognition, and entertainment.

Hosted by Big Boss Events, the inaugural gala marked a fantastic new tradition for the department, and judging by the atmosphere on the night, it’s one everyone hopes will return for years to come.

A Stylish Start to the Evening 🥂✨

Guests arrived dressed to impress as ACES Limerick was transformed into the perfect venue for an evening of celebration. From catching up with classmates to taking plenty of photos before the festivities began, excitement filled the room from the moment guests arrived.

With great company, delicious finger food, and a relaxed atmosphere, the night got off to the perfect start.

Celebrating Success 🏆👏

At the heart of the evening was the awards ceremony, recognising the achievements and contributions of students throughout the year.

From heartfelt moments to plenty of laughs, the awards reflected the strong sense of community within UL PESS. Winners were celebrated with enthusiastic applause, while classmates and lecturers enjoyed sharing the occasion together.

Entertainment That Kept the Party Going 🎶🎷

Once the formalities were complete, the celebrations moved into full swing.

Madra Rua opened the entertainment, setting the tone for the evening with an energetic live performance that had everyone in great spirits.

The atmosphere only grew from there as DJ Eoghain Fitz took over, joined by the incredibly talented Robbie Doherty on saxophone. Together they created an electric atmosphere, keeping the dance floor packed and the energy high well into the night.

Capturing the Memories 📸🎉

No gala would be complete without plenty of photos, and the popular photo booth was busy throughout the evening.

Friends gathered to capture memories, strike a pose, and take home keepsakes from what proved to be a memorable first-ever UL PESS Gala.

A Fantastic First Gala 🌟

The success of the evening was a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in bringing the event to life. Hosted by Big Boss Events, the gala offered the perfect balance of recognition, entertainment, and celebration, giving students the opportunity to reflect on a fantastic year while enjoying a well-deserved night out.

From the awards and live entertainment to the dancing, food, and unforgettable atmosphere, the inaugural UL PESS Gala exceeded expectations.

Looking Ahead 🚀

If the first UL PESS Gala is anything to go by, this has all the ingredients to become a highlight of the university calendar.

Here’s hoping this was the first of many—because one thing is certain: the bar has been set incredibly high for next year’s celebration.