The University of Limerick is to host a public address by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama on Thursday, 14th April 2011.  The event is being organised in conjunction with the charity ‘Children in Crossfire’ established by Richard Moore, a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama, and two non profit organisations, Spunout.ie and Afri.  

The University of Limerick address will be the final engagement for the Dalai Lama who will be in Ireland for just two days in April as a guest of Richard Moore and ‘Children in Crossfire’.  The charity was established in 1996 by Richard Moore from Derry, who in 1972, aged 10 was blinded by a rubber bullet and has since become a leading international advocate for the rights of children suffering from the injustice of poverty.

Richard was awarded the Harry McKillop Irish Spirit Award for his humanitarian activities.  ‘Children in Crossfire’ envisages the creation of a safe environment where all children can realise their rights, develop to the fullest and reach their potential. By improving early childhood care for development, the charity, of which the Dalai Lama is Patron, strives to empower young children and their communities to build a better future.

Civic and community leaders will be invited to hear His Holiness speak on the theme of ‘The Power of Forgiveness’ and the event will include ritual chant and music performances by students and faculty of the Irish World Academy at UL as well as performances by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.  Limerick primary and secondary school children involved in the ‘Music as an Instrument of Social Change” programme will also perform.  This programme aims to bring music into the culture of schools, particularly those in the Regeneration areas.  

The event, which will take place from 9:30am to11:30am, is open to members of the public.  Tickets for this event will be on sale at a cost of €25 and are subject to booking fees and online charges. All proceeds from the event will support a Dalai Lama initiative to be established at UL.  Tickets will shortly be available for purchase.  Those interested in purchasing tickets can register their interest by accessing www.ul.ie/dalailama