Limerick Star News Blog

Social Welfare Targeting People Through Facebook - Sean O Neill (RSF)

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:06:00 +0000

NO PROBING OF BANKERS AS WELARE
OFFICIALS CHECK SOCIAL NETWORK SITES

Social welfare investigators in Limerick are now probing internet
personal networking sites such as Facebook in a new drive to cut
payments, a local community activist said today.

Sean O’Neill from Quinn’s Cottages in Prospect said that young
people are being questioned about their living arrangements
and holiday plans by officials from the Department of Social
Protection.

Single mothers seem to be the targets of this latest probe
by the investigators he said. One young mother was asked
why there were two toothbrushes in her bathroom.

In addition to highly personal visits where living space is
examined the officials are also using social networking
sites to gain information on some claimants.

In recent days I have had a number of people come to
me and say that they were asked about information on
social networking sites. One person was asked about
an upcoming holiday.

All this type of behaviour smacks of Big Brother and
it contrasts starkly with the way the criminal bankers
are being treated.

The poorest and most deprived segment of society is
probed in such a fashion by social welfare officials,
yet the bankers can waltz off with millions in tax
payers money.

This latest example of targeting the less well off is
misplaced and instead the officials should direct their
snooping to the bankers and developers who have
brought this country to the brink of financial ruin.

Star Spots:

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:47:00 +0000

The community of Moyross officially launched its own website this week. The site was launched by Minister Pat Carey (FF), you can view the site @ www.moyross.ie

The Limerick Tunnel is now open for business.

Gary Daly (23) of Ballynanty, has pleaded guilty to stealing copper piping from an industrial estate in Castletroy. The piping which belonged to Flextronics was stolen in November 2009. The case was adjourned for sentencing until September 28th at Limerick Circuit Court.

Limerick's Got Talent returns to Patrick Punch's Hotel this August after a very successful first year.

Power lifters from Southill have picked up five medals from the European Power lifting Championship, the five medal winners ares as follows,

Noel Kelly ( Junior ) - Gold
Jonathan Campbell - Gold
Jonathan Curtin - Gold
Barry Keelan - Silver
John Quinn - Bronze

Tommy Dillon was the Team Coach.

Mayor Byrne And Local Children Clean Up St Mary's Park

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:33:00 +0000

Children From St Mary's Park, are spending a portion of their Summer holidays painting derelict houses on St Munchin's Street with Mayor Maria Byrne (FG). The initiative which is called "lets get together" is being supported by the Limerick Regeneration Agency. The Civic Trust and St Mary's aid are providing enviorment workers for the project. The idea behind the project is to clean up and maintain 60 derelict houses, by painting them, and cutting the grass in the gardens, thus making them alot more presentable. "Kings Island" came first when they first entered the tidy towns competition in 1999. That category is now defunct, so St Mary's Park is entering the urban housing estate category this year.

Woman Dies In Fall From Flat - Update Victim Named

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:15:00 +0000

A 25 Year old woman, living on Clare Street, but originally from Fedamore in Co. Limerick has died after falling from the top window of her apartment. The accident took place in the early hours of this Morning. It is believed that the woman was impaled on Iron bars outside the apartment during the fall. Fire rescuers freed the woman and she was brought to the Mid Western Regional Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead from her injuries. Gardai from Henry Street are investigating the accident.

The victim has been named locally as Audrey Coffee.

Kevin Kiely's Time As Mayor Comes To An End

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:50:00 +0000

Kevin Kiely the 813Th Mayor Of Limerick ( and current Mayor )leaves the highest office in Limerick this week. Throughout his time as Mayor Of Limerick he has made some controversial statements, such as calling for all Unemployed EU Nationals to be deported, a change in licencing laws, and the re introduction of the death penalty, ( even though that would be next to impossible while Ireland is a member of the EU. )

Earlier this month he expressed an interest in a second term as Mayor Of Limerick. This week he even went as far as stating that "its there for him if he wants it" ( a second term as Mayor ). Despite this other Fine Gael Councillors have gone on record as saying the next Mayor Of Limerick will be Cllr: Maria Byrne (FG).

By the end of the week, we will know if there will be a new Mayor Of Limerick, or if indeed Kevin Kiely will stay on for a second term.

Limerick Milk Market

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:43:00 +0000

The Limerick Milk Market has been around since the 1800,s, this week it opened back up after months of work being done, which resulted in a roof being put over the market. In the past the market ran on Saturday morning, the new market will now operate three days a week, and eventually will open 7 days a week. In this post you can read all about the history of the Limerick Milk Market, from its inception right up to this present day.

The text below is credited to www.milkmarketlimerick.ie

History of the Milk Market

In the 1840s there was a belief that the dispersal of markets throughout the city, their fitness for purpose, and their general constitution and management, was not the best solution for the City and the Limerick Market Trustees was set up by an Act of the British Parliament, passed in 1852, to expand and manage the affairs of markets within the city boundary and its environs.

The Trustees consisted of representatives from three corporate bodies, the Corporation, the County Grand Jury and the Chamber of Commerce. Each body elected 9 representatives who would serve on the board for a twelve month period. The first board of Trustees was elected in July 1853 and the first chairman of the Limerick Market Trustees was John Croker of Ballynagarde who represented the County Grand Jury.

In order to fulfill their charter the Trustees raised finance and acquired a large parcel of land in the Garryowen area of the city where many of the markets were relocated with the original market properties disposed of. The Butter Market, the Pig Market and the Hay Market were transferred to the new market area but the Potato Market and the Corn Market (latterly known as the Milk Market) were retained. The Linen Hall, was an early victim of commercial change as the Linen industry in North Munster collapsed after the Famine, mainly because many of the Linen Mills were adapted for the grinding of Indian Corn which was brought in for Famine Relief.

In 1858 the National Bank transferred the mortgage to the Economic Life Assurance Society and the Trustees were required to service this mortgage by agreed payments. In 1897, however, the Trustees defaulted in their payments to the Society, who immediately sought a court judgement against the Limerick Market Trustees. This court action triggered a number of other claims against the Trustees. Eventually, in 1898, after the intervention of Limerick Corporation a receiver was appointed by the Court of Chancery to manage the affairs of the Market Trustees. Limerick Corporation now effectively became the official Receiver for the Market Trustees.

The Limerick Market Trustees were to continue in this economic limbo for ninety years during which time huge economic change occurred. The advent of co-operative creameries effectively spelled the end of the open marketing of butter on a large scale. The pig market went into decline long before Limerick’s four bacon factories closed their doors. The Hay market became a victim of the improved means of motorised transport and it came to an end in the 1930s. A vibrant cattle market was instituted, however, and this lasted well into the 1970s. The Potato Market lasted into the 1940s before it also became redundant. The Corn Market or Milk Market, however, continued to thrive even if the nature of the produce traded there had changed. In addition to the sale of fruit and vegetables there was a lively trade in fowl, homemade butter and homemade breads and cakes. It was not until the 1950s that the market for bedding plants and shrubs began to grow and this range of produce expanded rapidly in the 1960s. Another feature of the Market during this period was the Christmas market for turkeys.

All that time and, regardless of the market activity, the Limerick Market Trustees remained in receivership

In 1982 Limerick Corporation sought a new site for the city fire brigade as the existing premises in Thomas Street was found to be unsuitable because of the traffic flow in the city centre. Because the City Manager was the instigator of the purchase the price to be paid had to be set by independent arbitration. The final sum agreed was in the region of €508,000. This was a sum sufficient to pay off the outstanding debts of the Market Trustees. In February 1988 the receivership was terminated having gone into the record books as the longest receivership in Irish commercial history.

Following the release of the Trustees from receivership an ambitious renovation of the Milk Market was undertaken. This project won a European Heritage Award and it was reopened on September 1st 1995.
In keeping with the need to adapt to changing requirements the Trustees, in 2004, identified the need and the opportunity to undertake significant new works at Milk Market, in the heart of Limerick City, to make it into one the finest markets in Ireland. It was clear at that time that there was growing consumer interest in markets and the quality and range of new local produce that could be offered to the consumer. Since that time the Trustees worded on advancing their plans, which were realised in June 2010, with the opening the redeveloped Milk Market as an all-weather, all year round market space, accommodating major markets on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; occasional markets at other times; a new Food Pavilion and events.

Star Feature: Keith O Donnell

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:38:00 +0000

Check back soon for a detailed feature of Keith O Donnell from Kileely who was convicted last week for sex with a minor.

Mobile Post: Test Two

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:38:00 +0000

This is a mobile post. If mobile posting works out i will update the blog on a more regular basis. All mobile posts will be marked. This is a test post. Check back soon for more.

Advice For All Meteor Mobile Customers

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:09:00 +0000

This post will be available on the blog soon. When it becomes available please copy and paste to Facebook, Myspace & Twitter etc. Please credit the Limerick Star www.limerickstar.blogspot.com

Statement From Sean O Niell - RSF

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:08:00 +0000

HSE CUTBACKS HIT HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

Handicapped children are now being targeted by cutbacks
by the HSE in Limerick with families being forced to cope
without respite care, a local Republican spokesman said
today

Sean O’Neill from Quinn’s Cottages in Prospect said that
already vulnerable children at the Bawnmore facility have
been told that certain respite services will no longer be
available.

To date the canteen has been closed and a meal
service withdrawn and parents have also been
informed that they will have to pay for transport
costs in future.

The fact that the level of respite care is being so
widely affected is bad news for these parents who
have children in sheltered accommodation.

A number of parents have also been informed
that there will be cut backs in sheltered facilities
and the prospect of sending handicapped children
back to their homes is also a possibility.

The parents of handicapped children deserve
all the support the HSE can give rather than
have to suffer cutbacks and reductions in
basic services.

It is obscene at a time when politicians are
drawing down vast sums in expenses that
the HSE is cutting back on the services to
the handicapped. The fact is the expenses of one politician
would ensure the provision of these services
for all the children affected.

www.rsflimerick.com or www.rsf.ie

Blast From Limerick's Past - The History Of St Mary's Band

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:02:00 +0000

St. Mary’s All Ireland Fife & Drum Band, Limerick.

By Patrick J.McNamara, Hon Life Member.

www.limerickhistoricalpublications.com

In the autumn of 1885, just twenty years after the end of the American Civil War, St. Mary’s Fife and Drum Band was founded. From its humble beginnings in the Yellow Driller on the Kings Island, it progressed next to Nicholas Street then onto Barrington’s Mall, Fish Lane and finally in 1922 the new band room was built in Mary Street. The brainchild of Patrick ‘Todsy’ McNamara, an Abbey Fisherman, many of who formed the original band.

Among the founding fathers of the band were Paddy Salmon, Steve Collins, Patrick and Michael McNamara (two of the famous McNamara’s Band quartet) Paddy (Halley) Kennedy, Jack Gogarty, Jim Ring, Paddy (Sparrow) O’Donoghue and his two brothers, Ned Walsh, John Lynch, Tom Forward, Jack McNamara, John Hayes, Jim Doyle, Gerry, Michael and Jimmy Frawley.

The musical talent of the band must have been unique, at its first attempt in September 1885, the band won the All Ireland Championship under the baton of maestro Steve Collins. The band line up on that occasion was J. Hayes, J. McNamara, J. Ring, J. Sullivan, T. Forward, J. Gogarty, J. Donoghue, P. McNamara (Bandmaster) J. O’Donovan and J. Salmon. Other championship successes were to follow; Limerick 1908, 1909, 1919; Waterford 1911, 1912; there were no contests during World War I or the years during the Anglo – Irish and Civil Wars.

The Great War saw the involvement of members of the band and the death of three of them. All three were members of the Royal Munster Fusiliers and all three were killed in action within six months of each other in 1915.

The band again achieved success at Limerick in 1927, 1928, and 1930. Cork in 1931, Limerick 1947. In 1963 and 1964 the band were again winners at the Limerick and Waterford venues. Dublin 1965 and Waterford in 1975 where the band “stole the show", winning 1st prize in all categories as well as the prize for Best Conductor, the late George Tweedle. In 1988 the band was again successful under the baton of John McNamara. There are only three surviving members who won six Republic of Ireland Championships with the band—Paddy ‘Whacker’ Casey, Jack McGrath and John McNamara.

In 1985, the late W.W. Gleeson, a local historian and honorary band member wrote the following passage in the bands centenary commemorative booklet published that year: I well remember the early days of 2RN (Radio Eireann) when listening in St. Mary’s Band room to parish-born Paddy O’Donovan–Reid, recording to the accompaniment of his wife, the former Ms Elizabeth Clifford his favourite piece, Bird Songs at Eventide, The same afternoon, two young officers from the Army School of Music, called to the home of Patrick Salmon, seeking his aid in the collection of traditional Irish ballads and classical music, at the request of Col. Fritz Brasse. As was to be expected from a man of Salmon’s kind-hearted nature, the request was granted.

In 1922, a proposal was made to visit America with the intention of taking part in the famous New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade; alas, due to civil unrest in the City, this was not to be, it would take another 70 years for the dream to come a reality! It finally happened In March 1992. The bands first American engagements were in New Haven and Meriden, Connecticut, where they participated in the local St. Patrick’s Day Parade; this was followed by the fulfilment of their 70-year-old dream, to play in the New York Parade on St. Patrick’s Day. This was an experience to be savoured and never forgotten.

During their American tour the Band journeyed to Glastonbury, Connecticut, to pay tribute to a fellow ex-band member, Michael Danford, who had emigrated to the United States some years previously. Presentation were made on behalf of the band to Michael, who delighted in hearing the band playing some of his favourite marches, alas, Michael is now longer with us. Beannacht De lena anam.

During the Band’s visit to New Haven in 1992, they established strong links with the Stony Creek Drum Corps (who visited Limerick in 1996). The Stony Creek Band was formed in 1886, one year after the foundation of St. Mary’s Band. The American contingent also included top representatives from several other American marching bands including Lancraft and the Westbrook Drum Corps. Also included in the group were members of The Connecticut Governor's Guard, they were welcomed in a special ceremony held in St. Mary’s Band Hall. The visitors made presentations to St. Mary’s, including greetings from the Governor of Connecticut, the Key to the City and various gifts of band memorabilia; their American hosts also presented them with photographs and citations. St. Mary’s in return presenting their American guests with similar mementos from Limerick. In his welcoming speech, the St. Mary’s Band President, Jack McGrath, noted that North Haven was a fishing area in Connecticut and the relationship between the two bands was appropriate because St. Mary’s Band was originally mainly made up of old Abbey Fishermen.

Another first for the band was the official opening by Junior Minister Willie O’Dea in 1993 of the St. Mary’s Band Museum. The museum features all the memorabilia, trophies and prizes won since 1885, covering 120 years of music by St. Mary's. The museum was named in honour of Patrick McNamara, the person who first had the vision to suggest developing and building their own band room and dance hall.

Michael Burke, The band’s Honorary President up to the time of his death, was also honoured and remembered by having one of the display cabinets named in his memory. An appeal at the official opening was made to the general public who may have any artefacts associated with the band to consider donating them to the Museum. Junior Minister Willie O’Dea, in his remarks at the opening said “It’s great to see tradition, particularly in this historic part of Limerick being preserved in such a wonderful manner ". Band President Jack McGrath added “it was up to the present members to keep the tradition going and pass it on to those coming in after them”

The band is recognized world-wide due to its participation in the International Band Parade, held in Limerick every year, during St. Patrick’s week. The following is a translation of an article from the French journal Flutes du Monde, published 1993:

A fine example of the Irish flute & drum band is provided by a remarkable hundred-year-old band, The St. Mary’s All-Ireland Prize Band in Limerick. The band (founded in 1885) won the All-Ireland Championship for flute & drum bands twelve times between 1885 and 1947 as well as the Republic of Ireland Championship in 1963, 1964, 1975, 1986 and 1988. In 1992 the band put into effect a project proposed in 1922: a trip to the U.S. to take part in the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The band now has 30 or so players. The repertoire of the St. Mary’s All-Ireland Prize Band includes classical pieces, marches and traditional Irish tunes.

Since its foundation in 1885, the Band has had just five Presidents. They are Patrick McNamara, Paddy O’Mahony, Michael Burke, Aidan Hurley and Jack McGrath. Some of the honorary members include W.W.Gleeson, Joe "The Dane" Hayes, Frances Condell, First Lady Mayor of Limerick, Jim Kemmy, Christy Nash, Isle of Wight, Monsignor Bourke and Jack County of Hew Haven, Connecticut.

Loyalty to the band is reflected in the long service given by its members; Paddy "Whacker" Casey who is the longest serving member, with over 65 years service and Colm McGrath former Vice President and current Honorary Sec. for the last 55 years.

Ever since its foundation in 1885,St. Mary’s Fife and Drum Band has honoured the unique custom of parading through the ancient Parish of St. Mary’s on New Year’s Eve and thence to St. Mary’s Cathedral to ring the old year out and the New Year in. It may not be the longest established Band in the City of Limerick but it holds the unique distinction of continuous establishment ever since its foundation; an unrivalled record. The Band can be rightfully and justifiably termed a great Parish and Limerick musical institution.

The first Sunday in November is a day set aside by the band for a Mass of Remembrance for deceased members, celebrated in St. Mary’s Church. In the story of St, Mary’s Fife and Drum Band, proud tribute must be credited to the numerous members who helped to keep the continuity of the band together for over a century.

Some of the past and present members who gave very long service to the band include:

Christy Nash (75 years), Gerry Clancy (73 years), Michael Burke (67 years), Paddy Casey (66 years), Michael Hayes (64 years), Sean Meehan (63 years), Miko Ryan (60 years), Colum McGrath (55 years), Michael Kelly (52 years), Jim Ring (45 years), Jack McGrath (43 years), Joe Sheehan (43 years), Aiden Hurley (42 years), Cyril Kiely (42 years), Paddy Kennedy (40 years), Tony McGrath (37 years). John McMahon (38 years), Joe McNamara (34 years), Jackie Harris (33 years), Christy Kiely (31 years), Kevin O’Donnell (31 years), Sean Cronin (30 years), Christy O’Connor (30 years), Derek Mulcahy (30 years), Noel Malone (30 years), and Gary O’Brien (30 years).

Most notable Conductors and Bandmasters from 1885 to the present:

Steve Collins, Pat McNamara, Jim Ring, Patsy Salmon, Miko Ryan, Christy Nash, Danny Flynn (uncle of Limericks famous poet and author, Criostoir O’Flynn), Gus McNamara, George Tweedle, Jimmy Daly, John A. McNamara and Derek Mulcahy

McNamara’s Band

My name is McNamara, I'm the Leader of the Band,

And tho' we're small in number we're the best in all the land.

Oh! I am the Conductor, and we often have to play

With all the best musicianers you hear about to-day.

There are few who are not familiar with the well know musical composition, McNamara’s Band. But how many know the world-wide celebrated musical ensemble got its name from four Limerick Brothers: Patrick, John, Michael and Thomas, all of who were born in the latter part of the last century in Meat Market Place, Old Thomas Street, off Athlunkard Street.

All four brothers played in one row with St. Mary’s Fife and Drum Band. Michael, a Boer War veteran, was an instructor and sergeant in the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He retired with the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major, and died in Devon, England in 1962.

John was a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers and was also attached to a regimental band. He previously had served in the South African Campaign and re-enlisted in August 1914, at the outbreak of World War I. On 9th May 1915, he was killed in action, at the Battle of Aubers Ridge in France; on that day, 139 members of the 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, including 30 Limerick men, were also killed. After the battle, none of the bodies were recovered; they are commemorated on the Le Touret` Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

John was posthumously awarded the 1914 – 15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

On 18th July 1965, Thomas McNamara - the last of the quartet - paid his second and final visit in 64 years to the spot where he was born and reared. In May 1978, he passed to his eternal reward, the last member of the McNamara brother combination that had won the All-Ireland Championship in 1895.

Of Patrick, musician and composer, it could be said that there were few who could claim to be his peer, with the honourable exception of his good friend and neighbour, Patsy Salmon of Church Street.

Patrick was the bandmaster on the occasion of the 1895 championship. In 1905, when he emigrated to the United States, he carried with him this great musical tradition, where his band continued to be known as "McNamara’s Band." Reunited with his brother Thomas, who arrived in the States in 1901, the combination soon caught the imagination of a great songwriter and so, the famous ballad was born. Thomas returned home just before the out-break of World War I and joined the British Army; after the war he returned to America. Thomas was one of a group who helped to smuggle Eamon de Valera out of Ireland to the United States during the troubled days of 1920

In latter years, the McNamara Trio cut many records for Voralion Records: Thomas on the piccolo, Patrick on violin and Patrick’s daughter, Eileen on the piano. In 1921, The Aeolian Co. cut a number of other recordings.

The death of Thomas McNamara in 1978 ended the world-renowned saga of McNamara’s Band. Those who gave it the name and the musical life had all gone to their eternal reward.

Copyright & Credit: www.limerickhistoricalpublications.com & www.limerickslife.com

Two People Arrested

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:46:00 +0000

Two people have been arrested and taken to Roxboro Garda station, after being caught with knives, cash and former legal highs. The arrests were made after Gardai stopped a car during a routine Garda check at the Roxboro Shopping Centre after 9.00 PM last night.

The legal highs seized were once legal until Mary Harney put a complete ban on them back in May. This should serve as a reminder to anybody who may have bought the once legal highs when they were legal, that they are no longer legal. If a person is caught in possession of the former legal highs they could end up with a big fine and/or a lenghty prison sentence.

Some Hope For Family Of Missing Limerick Man

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:26:00 +0000

The family of missing Limerick man Aengus 'Gussie' Shanahan believe they are close to locating his body after receiving an anonymous call on a confidential line set up on the 10th anniverary of his disappearance last month.
The Shanahan family made an appeal for information on Radio Limerick and through other media organisations in April as they continued to hope for some news on their sons disappearance.

Gussie's father Bob ( a retired bank manager ) is certain the anonymous call was made by the same person who called with information six years ago.
The caller suggested that 20 year-old Gussie had been involved in a skirmish that went too far and told the family to concentrate their search on a specific area of Limerick City.
However, Bob says they need more information and hope to hear from the caller again

For further information check out www.missing.ws

Sunday World Pub Spy Comes To Limerick

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:18:00 +0000

The Pub Spy from the Sunday World newspaper recently made a visit to Limerick, see what they thought of the pubs they called to.

5 pints to The Steering Wheel

4 pints to The Square Bar

3 Pints to The Launch

2 pints to Frawley's Bar

When the full article becomes available online i will post it here check back soon.

Statement From Joe Lynch - (RSF)

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:13:00 +0000

NUCLEAR PLANT HAS POTENTIAL
FOR VOLCANO TYPE DISASTER

The current severe restrictions on air travel and the loss to the
people, airlines, tour companies and indeed the general economy
by the Icelandic volcano eruption highlights danger of such major
disasters but also brings into focus the potential for damage from
establishments such as the Sellafield nuclear plant across the Irish
Sea, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Fein said today.

Joe Lynch from Beechgrove Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston in
Limerick, the RSF chairman in the south side of the city said that
while the current focus is on the fallout from the Iceland volcano
the danger from Sellafield is also a disaster waiting to happen.

There have been serious scares from Sellafield and indeed leaks
into the atmosphere of radio active material but the real danger
is from a meltdown and no one seems to be taking the potential
of such an incident seriously he said.

The fact is Sellafield is just a short distance across the Irish Sea
and if a volcano in Iceland can close all European airspace just
what would the implications be for a similar incident from a
nuclear plant?

Now is the time to draw up a major emergency plan in
the event of a spill from this British nuclear plant because
it does not have a good safety record.

There is no use waiting until a nuclear incident happens.
A plan for coping with such an eventuality must now be
drawn up and the safety of Irish people placed at the top
of the political agenda.

www.rsf.ie or www.rsflimerick.com

The Bus To England

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:56:00 +0000

People in Limerick effected by flight cancellations are taking the bus to England. Bus Eireann in Limerick have reported a huge rise in demand for its Irish sea service due to flights being grounded over volcanic ash. Thousands of people are making alternative decisions due to ongoing flight cancellations.

Limerick Video's

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:39:00 +0000

I have come across some videos of Limerick on YouTube, the videos were uploaed on the Limericks Life YouTube Channel. To watch the video please copy and paste the link below into your browser, the channel also contains other related content.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Limerickslife

There is also a Limericks Life website online which has great content about Limerick on it's website, to visit the website log on to www.limerickslife.com

Limerick Events

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:33:00 +0000

LIMERICK CITY MACRA is a social club for young people. Macra consists of a nationwide network of 300 clubs with 6 key areas of activity: sports, travel, public speaking, debating, performing arts, community involvement and agriculture. The vehicle for all this is your club. LIMERICK CITY MACRA will be meeting in Collins Bar Dooradoyle Wednesday 14th April at 8:30pm. NEW MEMBERS EVERY WEEK.

If you have an event that you would like listed on the Limerick Star for FREE, please e-mail all deatils to limerickstar@gmail.com

Pike Rovers Thrown Out Of FAI Junior Cup

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:20:00 +0000

A leading soccer club in Limerick is considering its legal options after being thrown out of the FAI junior cup. Pike Rovers could seek legal action in their bid to be returned to the league.

The FAI Senior council today upheld an appeal by Tipperary team St Michael's against the result of a quarter final match between the teams which was won by Pike Rovers. The decision was based on the eligibility of one player.

Pike Rovers have not ruled out the involvement of the high court, as the club committee prepares to meet later tonight.

The secretary of Pike Rovers Gerry Smith has said "no decision will be made until all club members have been consulted".

Motor Madness - Joe Lynch (RSF)

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:17:00 +0000

CALL FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT INSTEAD
OF MINISTERIAL MOTORCADES

The convoys of Ministerial cars speeding through urban areas
on busy roads is a potential danger to other motorists and the
practice must be curtailed, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Fein
said today.

Joe Lynch from Beechgrove Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston in
:Limerick said that the most recent case he came across was on
Thursday last when the 26 County Administration Justice Minister
was in Limerick.

In the mid afternoon the Ministerial convey swept along the main
Limerick to Dublin road and it was akin to a United States
Presidential motorcade, he said.

The reason seemingly why the Minister was in Limerick was to
inspect or unveil a plaque but his hurry to leave the city was only
too obvious to other road users.

In fact for such a visit surely the politicians could use the train.
At at time when the Green Party is in Government and some of
their Ministers cycle to work, the practice of these large
motorcades must be questioned.

Not only is it a waste of public money there is an inherent
danger to members of the public who are also using the
main roads.

The use of police outriders on these occasions is purely
for show and they serve no useful purpose. It is time that
the politicians came down to earth and used public
transport.

www.rsf.ie or www.rsflimerick.com

Blast From Limerick's Past

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:25:00 +0000

Profile Of A Limerick Showman.

A proud �soda cake�, Joe Malone was born in Thomondgate and spent his youth around the Island Field, now known as St. Mary�s Park.

��It was here in St. Mary�s Parish that I first started to sing. Every night a crowed of us would gather at one of the local street corners to sing in harmony. Musical talent was in abundance in the area.��

One of Joe�s first jobs was as a pageboy in the Savoy Theatre, Bedford Row. The year was1949, post Second World War, and Joe who was not yet 14 years old, began a career which was to influence the reminder of his life.

��My love for the cinema began, a love which has continued to this day,�� said Joe, who admits to still being a cinema addict when as a Pageboy I watched three films every day except Sundays when all cinemas remained closed.

��As a cinema employee I also had free entry to all other cinemas in town.��

Joe�s family were also involved in the cinema as several of his brothers worked as Pageboys in the Savoy.

Room
This period could be regarded as a boom time for entertainment in Limerick city with ten cinemas in the town catering for audiences of 7,500 every night. ��Such was the popularity of the cinema in that area that many of these theatres recorded full houses regularly.��

Joe recalls the Tivoli and the Thomand Cinemas- the famous �bug houses� as they were known- which were the haunts of the real cinemagoer.

��The pattern was, Thomand on a Monday night, and the Tivoli on a Tuesday night, and this was a lifetime tradition.�� A sure sign that all the popular cinemas were full when you would see the discerning cinema goer heading downtown towards the Tivoli or the Thomand.��

Admission was cheap- four old pence and seven old pence and some people went twicw a day.

Fantasy
��The movie world of our era was based on fantasy. We went for entertainment and we believed everything we saw without question.

��It was taken in poor taste if you mentioned the films of Charlie Chaplin or the Marx brothers as your favourites as they were regarded then as �B� type films- they were the ordinary persons� heroes. Today they are regarded as first class films.��

Joe is totally against violence in the movie world. ��It is difficult to come to grips with the amount of violence that is portrayed today. In the early days the cinema was fantasy, purely a means of escape and entertainment. With the introduction of violence in the movie world everything changed.��

Live theatre was also featured regularly at the Savoy where Joe assisted many of the all-time greats including Jimmy O� Dea, Maureen Potter, Josef Locke and Eamonn Andrews. These were known as the Cine-Variety days. Cinemas were heavily taxed and the more live shows presented, the less tax the cinema had to pay.

Seeing these live shows imbued Joe with a flair and a great love for the theatre.

After leaving the Savoy, Joe went to work in Ranks where he helped to form the Shannon Mills Male Voice Choir. Soon after their formation the choir performed on RTE radio in a programme titled, ��Beginners Please.��

The choir also performed at the Savoy with the No. 1 Army Band and with famous continental soprano, Madame Elaix Paix.

Joe was also a member of the Augustinian Choir under Fr. Oliver O� Brien.

Trained
After his vast experience with these choirs, Joe decided to have his voice trained. His teachers included Mrs. Baker, O� Connell Street; Eithne Pearse Troy, Michael O� Higgins and Anne Marie O� Sullivan who were based in Dublin.

Later he went on to win a gold medal at the All Ireland Feis Ceol, a silver medal at the Sligo Feis and the Sligo Cup for Operatic Singing. Joe also won the Todd Cup for German Lieder at Feile Luimni.

Television was his next big step with regular features on the Joe Linnane and Brendan O� Reilly show. Joe also featured with the Limerick Singers who recorded their own programme from Cork which ran for six weeks on Radio Eireann. He toured Germany with the Limerick Singers.

In the late1970s, Joe was featured in a film with Makem and Clancy at Bunratty Castle which has been shown all over the world.

He regularly produced shows at the Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick and describes the Belltable as the last grip we have on live theatre here in Limerick. ��If the Belltable were to close, Limerick would die as a theatre city forever.��

Joe feels that if we are to capture the interest of the young people theatrically and then develop this interest we must do so while they are still at school.

��Theatre must be portrayed as lively and exciting and The Belltable must be commended for their selection of plays . Also they are not adverse to giving local playwrights a chance. This modern theatre should interest all young people.��

St. John�s Temperance, St. Michael�s Temperance, the College Players, the mechanic�s and the Rural Drama Players were the natural haunts of the theatre fans in the area.

Regular
Many well known opera companies visited the Limerick area on a regular basis. Joe attributes these visits as a mark of our quick recovery foodwise after the Second World War- this prompted the companies to visit here in preference to other European countries.

��Mac Liammoir and Hilton Edwards were regular to the area. However, their favourite place was the Colisseum.��

Joe, famed also as a well known publican from 1971 to 1982, at his premises in Denmark Street, simply known as �Joe Malone�s.� ��The pub was closely associated with traditional music in Limerick and many poetry readings were also held here.��

Visitors to the region always included Joe Malone�s in their itinerary as did the All Blacks rugby team in 1979.

��Michael McNamara of RTE 2 fame began here with his first interview.��

Joe has contributed several articles to the Limerick Journal including one titled, ��The Leaving of Thomondgate.��

A keen gardener, Joe now devotes much of his time to this favourite hobby - reading.

''I am at present reading the short stories of Harry Secombe and J.B Keane's short stories are among my favourites.''

Joe loves the entertainment business and for him it�s not a business but a deep and affectionate interest, which visibly comes from the heart.

This post is copy right of the Author Joe Malone.

St Patricks Day Theme 2010

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:18:00 +0000

The Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade 2010 is set to be one of the biggest ever seen in the city. Crowds in excess of 60,000 are expected to line the O’Connell Street route to watch Ireland’s second largest parade.

The theme for the St Patrick’s Day Parade is ‘I Love Limerick’ and parade performers are being encouraged to wow the crowds with the things they love most about our great city.

This is an opportunity to display our civic pride and to celebrate all that’s great about our culture and heritage.

All sporting, cultural, community, business and social organisations are invited to take part in the event which takes place on Wednesday, March 17th.

RTE Sham - Joe Lynch (RSF)

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:16:00 +0000

LIMERICK PRIME TIME A SHAM AND CHARADE

The RTE Prime Time programme on the Regeneration
of troubled areas in Limerick was a sham and a
charade unworthy of investigative journalism a
spokesman for Republican Sinn Fein said today.

Joe Lynch from Beechgrove Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston
the RSF chairman in the southside of Limerick said the
programme was an insult to the people the Regeneration
Boards are supposed to assist.

The fact is the Boards have lost the confidence of the
people of the areas where crime, drug dealing and anti
social behaviour are rife.

I am speaking out as a former member of an advisory
committee to the Board. Because of a lack of concrete
progress I resigned in protest. The Boards are now
more concerned with public relations and media coverage
than in doing the job given to them by the politicians.

The latest abuse of those living in hope of a new future
free from the crime gangs was the Prime Time programme.
Officials from the Board were seen driving through the
Clarina Park area of Ballinacurra Weston. They did not
even get out of their expensive cars to talk to the local
people.
Like some Roman Pro-Consul the Regeneration Board chief
drove through a troubled area but never once stopped
to walk among the ordinary people.

The Prime Time programme however served one useful
purpose...it showed how far removed the Boards have
become from the long suffering people they are
supposed to serve.

Good Friday Confirmed As Match Day

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Good Friday has been confirmed as the day Munster will take on arch rivals Leinster in Thomond Park. The city usually benefits hugely for Munster's home matches, however it is not to be this year, as pubs around the city will loose out due to licencing laws, which permits the sale of alcohol on Good Friday in pubs.

Cllr Gerry McLaughlin (Labour) said "its a pity the match is being played on Good Friday"

Cllr Maria Byrne ( FG ), whose family own and operate Bobby Byrnes's Bar in the city has said "the Limerick economy will loose out hugely and the atmosphere wont be the same as previous match days in the city"

The Mayor Of Limerick Kevin Kiely ( FG ) has blasted it as,

"outdated" and "stupid" laws which prevent alcohol being served on Good Friday.
We have to move on from this situation. As far as I am concerned, these laws are outdated and ridiculous, and if we have to compete as a modern European city, we have to forget about these stupid laws"

The only Establishments allowed to sell alcohol on Good Friday in Ireland are hotels. They are allowed to sell alcohol to their guests staying at the hotel and to customers eating in the hotel restaurant.

Star Spots

noreply@blogger.com (LimerickStar) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:07:00 +0000

The Gardai in Limerick have welcomed the new digital radio system which cannot be hacked into according to, telecommunication expert Sgt John Delaney who said the new system cannot be hacked into by criminal elements. The Chairman of the Joint Policing Committee Cllr Liam Galvin welcomed the new system also. Over 600 new digital radios will be issued to Gardai across Limerick city and county. The Limerick Garda division is the first outside Dublin to receive the new digital radios. Supt Frank O Brien welcomed the new radio system in the fight against serious crime in the city.

A woman was taken to hospital after a seven car accident on the Raheen exit to the M20. The accident happened in the very early hours of Sunday morning. The woman's injuries were not life threatening and it is believed she was released from hospital hours after the accident.

The Minister For Justice Dermot Ahern T.D. ( FF ) has praised the success rate of the Gardai in Limerick in solving serious crime. He was speaking in the Dail after Kieran O Donnell T.D. ( FG ) called for extra Gardai for Limrick city.