Michael Houlihan facts for kids

Michael Houlihan is an important Irish lawyer and businessman. He used to be the leader of the Law Society of Ireland, which is a group for lawyers in Ireland. He is well-known for helping the south-west part of Ireland grow and develop.

Michael Houlihan was born in Ennis, County Clare. He came from a family of lawyers. He went to school at Cistercian College, Roscrea, and then studied law at the Law Society of Ireland.

Helping the Shannon Region Grow

Michael Houlihan played a big part in helping the Shannon Region of Ireland.

Leading Development Projects

He was the chairman of the Shannon Free Airport Development Company. This was a special group set up by the government to help Shannon Airport and the area around it. His job was to make sure the region grew and became better for people living there and for businesses.

He also led the Shannon Regional Tourism Board until June 2013. This board worked to bring more visitors and tourists to the Shannon area.

Supporting Education and Culture

Michael Houlihan was involved with the University of Limerick. He was a member of its main governing group and led the University's Foundation Board from 2006 to 2014. This board helped raise money and support for the university. He is also a director of the Limerick University Concert Hall, a place where people can enjoy music and performances.

He helped start the Glór Irish Music Centre, which is a place that celebrates and shares Irish music. He was also involved with groups like Ennis Civic Trust and Kilkee Civic Trust, which work to protect and improve local towns.

Community and Legal Roles

From 1977 to 1979, Michael Houlihan was the president of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce. This group helps local businesses in Ennis.

He was the main lawyer for Clare County Council from 1976 until October 2006. This meant he gave legal advice to the local government in County Clare.

In April 2023, the University of Limerick gave him a special award called an Honorary Doctor of Laws. This award recognized all his important work and contributions.

International Legal Connections

Michael Houlihan is an honorary member of the American Bar Association, which is a big group for lawyers in America. He is also a member of the International Bar Association, a worldwide group for lawyers. He used to be a leader in the part of this group that deals with legal disagreements.

He was also a member of the Board of The Ireland Funds. This is a group that raises money to support good causes in Ireland and around the world.