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The Leader Column October 16 2021 – Emerging Filmmakers complete an award winning year with numerous short films created.
Shannon Banks stars Richard Lynch as the titular character Shannon, a 57-year-old Limerick Tidy Towns volunteer with a sharp tongue and a great love for Limerick. Picture: Farhan Saeed/ilovelimerick
Tidy Towns Volunteer Shannon Banks is asking you to ‘Love Limerick, Don’t Litter’
Shannon pictured with her nemesis Kerry Owen played by Tracy Aspel. Picture: Farhan Saeed/ilovelimerick
An anti-litter comedy campaign has been launched by I Love Limerick and Richard Lynch. The six-part film series, ‘Shannon Banks’, stars Richard Lynch as titular character Shannon, a 57-year-old Limerick Tidy Towns volunteer with a sharp tongue and a great love for Limerick.
In each episode, Shannon Banks takes her audience to famous Limerick landmarks in an effort to keep them neat and tidy, including King John’s Castle, the Treaty Stone and various Limerick monuments such as Terry Wogan and Richard Harris.
Richard Lynch told I Love Limerick that the idea for the character Shannon Banks came from his own desire to keep the streets of Limerick clean.
“I just don’t understand why people destroy their own city, where we live, eat, play, and work,” said Richard. “I wanted to create an anti-litter campaign that delivers an important message, while also showcasing the best of Limerick and having a bit of fun.”
Each sketch focuses on a different element of litter such as plastic, cigarettes, chewing gum or dog poop. Tidy Towns warrior Shannon shows no mercy when she comes across a litterer at one of her beloved city landmarks, lecturing and lamenting them on their bad habits.
“I hope people find the message of love at the heart of each episode. Even though Shannon Banks is a bossy person, she also has a heart of gold and really loves Limerick,” tells Richard.
Shannon (centre) with Tidy Towns volunteers Pauline and Mohammad played by actress Brenda Aspel and real life Limerick Tidy Towns hero Mohamed Ferhat. Picture: Farhan Saeed/ilovelimerick
Directed by the talented Myles Breen and written by Richard Lynch and Tracey Aspel, the team aimed to create something smart but funny. The film crew included acclaimed young filmmaker Luke Culhane and makeup artist Jammy Makeup. Kris Luszczki shot beautiful drone footage of the city, showcasing Limerick’s beauty and glory in each episode.
Co-writer Tracy Aspel plays Shannon’s nemesis, Kerry Owen. Director and esteemed actor Myles Breen also stars, alongside upcoming actress Sarah Corbett Lynch. Mohamed Ferhat, a real-life Limerick Tidy Towns hero, portrays one of Shannon Banks’ Tidy Towns allies.
“Writing the series took a couple of months by the time we figured out what we wanted the message to be and how we were going to deliver it,” Richard reflects.
“From there, a lot of people were involved in the filming process. The series was complicated to shoot as it was all outdoors, with people regularly passing the set. It was a challenging shoot, but so worthwhile as we feel we really achieved our goal. I want to thank everyone involved.”
Richard was thrilled when Denis Allen, who co-wrote the Limerick anthem, ‘Limerick You’re a Lady’, allowed the track to feature as the ‘Shannon Banks’ theme song in each episode’s opening titles.“This song will always hold a special place in my heart and without a doubt is one of Limerick’s most famous and beloved songs,” Richard acknowledges.
While it is a comedy series, ‘Shannon Banks’ also has an important message that should ultimately be remembered – ‘Love Limerick, Don’t Litter’.
“We want those who watch the series to feel pride in their hometown. Shannon’s tagline at the end of each episode is ‘Let’s Keep Limerick a Lady’, and that message is at the heart of what we hope to achieve. We want people to see that littering is not cool, it’s trashy. Let’s not trash Limerick’s future,” declares Richard.
Richard, the ‘Shannon Banks’ crew and I Love Limerick would like to dedicate the comedy series to Helen O’Donnell, Limerick Tidy Towns Chairperson, Limerick litter hero Mohamed Ferhat and all volunteers who work tirelessly to make Limerick a brighter, cleaner and more beautiful place to live for all.
Episodes of ‘Shannon Banks’ will be released on I Love Limerick’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram TV weekly from Monday, October 25 for six weeks.
For more information on Limerick Tidy Towns, go HERE
For more News go HERE
Passing of Patrick McLoughney – Patrick was one of Ireland’s leading men’s fashion and lifestyle bloggers. Picture: Dermot Culhane.
Limerick fashion king Patrick McLoughney sadly passes away
Patrick pictured at the Brown Thomas Gifting Bear campaign for the Children’s Grief Centre and St Vincent De Paul Limerick. Picture: Orla Mc Laughlin/ilovelimerick.
Limerick has been rocked by the untimely passing of influencer, model, writer, actor and fashion king Patrick McLoughney.
The Tipperary-born, Limerick-claimed man was best known for his successful writing and blogging career. Patrick’s work has been published in countless newspapers and magazines, from the Limerick Leader to the Irish Independent, covering topics ranging from men’s style to self-care.
A male model, Patrick was well known within the Irish fashion industry, working with clothing giants GANT, Barker, Jack & Jones and Littlewoods. He was named Hi Magazine’s Male Model of the Year in 2017 and Most Stylish Man in 2019. Patrick also won ICHAS ‘Student of the Year’ in 2017.
Patrick was a qualified psychotherapist and took pride in this lesser-known side of his life. He was passionate about promoting positive mental health in Limerick City.
Patrick worked with many mental health organisations. Pictured at the the launch of the ‘Time to talk’ initiative with Kevin Downes, Meghann Scully, Ursula Mackenzie, Amanda Clifford and Richard Lynch. Picture: Conor Owens/ilovelimerick.
The definition of a doer, Patrick also had a string of acting credits to his name. He appeared in films such as Love Rosie and Penny Dreadful, as well as television staples The Mario Rosenstock Show and Fair City.
Many saddened Limerick locals have taken to social media to pay tribute to Patrick.
Limerick suicide prevention group Community Crisis Response Team, who Patrick worked for as an ambassador, said on Facebook; “We are deeply, deeply saddened at the passing of our much-loved ambassador and friend Patrick McLoughney. Patrick worked tirelessly on many projects with us, all across the country, and cared deeply about suicide prevention. We will miss him dearly.”
“So shocked to hear the sad news about Patrick McLoughney. What a gent he was, a really nice guy in person or connecting on social media. Thinking of his family. RIP Patrick,” added Limerick councillor, Olivia O’Sullivan.
Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick speaks highly of Patrick, sharing memories of their time together.
Patrick pictured at the Hunt museum for the promotion of the Lavery and Osborne Exhibition with Leanne Moore, Richard Lynch, Sinead O’Brien and Meghann Scully. Picture: Conor Owens/ilovelimerick.
“I was very honoured to call Patrick my friend. He was such a loyal, kind and loving person, always there to support me unconditionally. We worked together on so many projects over the years. I helped Patrick to secure his column in the Limerick Leader, which he wrote for over three years.
“We were steadfast friends and worked on countless mental health projects together. Patrick was always on hand to help any charity he could and was kind hearted and supportive. He was I am filled with sadness at his passing. I’m wishing love to all his family and friends and thinking of them at this very sad time.”
Patrick will repose at his home in Ardcroney, Tipperary on Friday evening, October 15, before being laid to rest on Saturday, October 16, following a funeral mass at Ardnacroney Church, Tipperary.
I Love Limerick would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the McLoughney family and all of Patrick’s friends.
For full details on Patrick’s funeral, go HERE
For more News go HERE
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The Leader Column October 9 2021 – A tribute to Limerick sing-song entertainment legend John O’Donnell.
John O Donnell, beloved Limerick entertainer pictured above at his 80th birthday in 2015. Picture: David Woodland/ilovelimerick
A tribute to Limerick singsong entertainment legend John O Donnell
John pictured in the 1980s onstage with Florence at Eric’s on St Patrick’s Day
There is huge sadness following the passing of John O Donnell, beloved Limerick entertainer at the age of 86. Late of Ranks, Tobacco Land, Young Munsters R.F.C. and the Naval Association, John died peacefully, at University Hospital Limerick.
John O Donnell, formerly of Vizes Field, Limerick, provided years of great entertainment to the people of Limerick as the musical MC of ‘Erics’ on St Joseph’s Street for over 40 years.
In these days of so-called ‘super pubs’, night clubs and gig venues, it is easy to forget that in times past one of the only places to listen to music was the local pub. Nowhere was this more true than in Eric Lynch’s pub, a name many of an older generation in Limerick will hold synonymous with good times, great atmosphere and above all, a first rate music scene. People came from all over to experience the music and welcoming atmosphere of this family run pub.
Many Limerick people have wonderful, nostalgic memories of John at Eric’s Pub. Eric’s was famous for its song culture with John at the helm as the MC and Florence Lynch at the piano. John would sing, tell jokes and stories and would call all the customers up to sing their favourite songs. John was a natural on the stage. His greatest gift was that he could just walk in and light up a room as he was such an amazing entertainer. When the pub closed in 1997, Florence and John took their act to the Old Stand pub as the culture of music was such a huge part of their lives and they could not let it go. There they continued the singsong tradition for another number of years.
John pictured singing in the 1960s at Eric’s with Florence and Eric Lynch
John was a character about Limerick who brought warmth and good energy wherever he went. Many have taken to social media to pay tribute to him, remarking on his fantastic singing voice and his witty sense of humour, crediting him with being an entertainment trailblazer during the singsong heyday of Limerick.
Cam Davern who managed Eric’s Pub for over forty years said, “He had a high spirited personality who could sing at the drop of a hat. He meant so much to people as he brought so much joy and laughter to everyone he met.”
Maeve Lynch, his goddaughter said, “We are losing a really good soul. He is a Limerick legend and will never be replaced. He was an incredible godfather, an incredible person and so much fun. He was great at telling jokes and to this day I still remember the jokes he told and still laugh out loud.”
Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick said, “My Uncle John was one of the greatest people I have ever known and had such a huge impact on my life. He was such an amazing talent and a brilliant role model and helped shape me into the person I am today. He was so kind, non-judgemental, generous and supportive. He was also a fantastic entertainer. I will forever think of him and smile.”
Very deeply regretted by his loving wife Phil, sons Pat and Gary, daughters Linda, Marie and Sinead, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sisters Chrissie, Bernie and Marie, daughter-in-law Mary, other relatives, friends and neighbours and his many friends.
For more News go HERE
For John’s funeral details go HERE
John pictured with his beloved family at this 80th birthday party. Picture: David Woodland/ilovelimerick
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The Leader Column October 2 2021 – John McNamara takes part in the Mrathon Des Sables in aid of Cliona’s Foundation
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The Leader Column September 25 2021 – A GoFundMe has been set up to help Ellie, who is facing blindness due to a tumour on her optic nerve.
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The Leader Column September 18 2021 – ILoveLimerick, the mayor and LEO ask shoppers to “Look for Local”.