VIDEO: Countdown to opening of Athlone's new technological university

Athlone IT will no longer exist from this Friday, October 1, when it will become part of the new Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS).

An opening ceremony to mark this landmark development in the educational history of the region will take place on Friday in the Athlone IT International Arena and in the Millenium Theatre on the Moylish campus of Limerick IT.

This short promotional video has been released, counting down to the official opening:

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins and inaugural TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane will be among the keynote speakers for Friday's opening ceremony, which will be streamed live to all six of the technological university's campuses (Athlone; two in Limerick; Clonmel; Ennis and Thurles).

"The official opening will be a pivotal and momentous occasion that celebrates and recognises the great collaborative effort that has brought us to the point of becoming a Technological University," said the incoming president of TUS, Vincent Cunnane.

"It is a tremendous achievement that will truly transform and bolster our region both from an education and economic perspective for generations to come."