richanthon, Author at RichardKnows

Nov 30

PHOTOS: Pathway to Recovery is a highlight of Be Well Limerick Week

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Siobhán Wilmot, Mental Health Welfare Officer Limerick Youth Service, Richard lynch, ilovelimerick, Jen Ronan, jenronan.com Bobbi-Marie O’Callaghan, LYS, Andy Yu, LYS, Dr Eddie Murphy, Clinical Psychologist and Adam Coleman, thisboyknows.com. Picture: Cian Reinhardt/ilovelimerick

Running from Monday, October 31 to Sunday, November 6, Be Well Limerick Week is a youth-led mental health initiative that promoted positive mental health and well-being organized by the Limerick Youth Service. The week aimed to equip young people with a mental health and well-being first aid kit, tackling the stigma sometimes associated with mental health and promote a help-seeking culture. A talk with a leading mental health expert and a number of interactive and diverse workshops were just part of the busy programme.

This past Friday evening saw a variety of speakers at the Savoy Hotel share their personal experiences with mental health issues. Titled Pathway to Recovery, the evening included contributions from young people who addressed the crowd with tips on how to cope with mental health struggles.

Guest speakers included Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick, Operation Transformations’ Eddie Murphy, Jen Ronan, mental health advocate and blogger and Limerick Youth Services volunteers Bobbi-Marie O’Callaghan and Andy Yu.

Richard shared his own mental health journey at the event on Friday evening, speaking candidly of his time in New York, dealing with addiction and the emotional turmoil that results. Richard talked about using wild nights out as a form of escapism to escape the inner pain he was feeling, saying he has learned that, “if you’re partying to make yourself feel better, you shouldn’t be partying at all.”

Andy Yu, a volunteer from Limerick Youth Services gave tips on battling mental health problems commenting, “talking is your greatest weapon, your voice is meant to be heard.” The inspiring Jen Ronan spoke about her journey saying, “If you have a dip in your mental health, it’s not a bump, it’s not a detour – it’s part of the path”.

Limerick Youth Service remains committed to supporting and encouraging young people to be active participants in shaping their futures.

For more information on Limerick Youth Services, click here.
To read more about LYS, click here.

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Photos: Cian Reinhardt / ilovelimerick

Nov 30

PHOTOS: Spar Panto Beauty and the Beast launched at King Johns Castle

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The Spar Panto Beauty and the Beast cast in full costume for the launch of the show in King John’s Castle. Picture: Sean Curtin / True Media.

The star-studded cast of the SPAR Panto Beauty and the Beast, were out in force today to launch this year’s show which runs at University Concert Hall, Limerick from December 19. Set against the stunning backdrop of King John’s Castle in Limerick’s Mediaeval Quarter the fairytale cast, in full costume, looked very much at home.

Limerick comedian Karl Spain, most recently seen in RTÉ’s Celebrity Operation Transformation, joined other newcomers to this year’s panto at University Concert Hall -Aoibhin Garrihy and Tom O’Mahony – together with the host of long serving familiar faces which already include RTÉ’s George McMahon, Richie Hayes and Leanne Moore.

Hailed as “achingly funny” (The Sunday Times) Karl is a regular performer at Kilkenny Cat Laughs, the Galway Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has performed in Australia, the US and South Africa and has toured with Kevin Bridges and Ed Byrne. Aoibhin Garrihy became well known to Irish audiences as Neasa Dillon on Fair City and Lyndsey Conklin in BBC’s The Fall with Jamie Dornan. She recently appeared on stage at University Concert Hall in the sellout performance of Landmark Production’s Ross O’Carroll-Kelly’s play Breaking Dad. Ex-MMA fighter turned comedian Tom O’Mahony starred alongside the legendary Rik Mayall in RTE’s record-breaking hit comedy Damo & Ivor as the intolerable toff, Tarquin. He has since been a regular on Irish TV shows including Republic of Telly and Irish Pictorial Weekly.

The rest of the much loved UCH Panto gang are also back for what will be a completely hilarious take on this tale that is as old as time! Fair City’s George McMahon will play the selfie-obsessed Gaston, who professes to love the beautiful Bell, played by Leanne Moore, almost (but not quite!) as much as he loves himself! Richie Hayes will make sure the fun factor is high, playing Gaston’s loveable side kick Gascraic.

West End star, John Brannoch returns to his native Limerick to take on the role of the Beast. John has recently starred as Rudolpho in Matilda the Musical and is currently touring New Zealand in Pricilla. Dame Myles Breen returns for what will be his 20^th consecutive year starring in a Panto, with hilarious Ilovelimerick.com founder Richard Lynch becoming Montyesque as he asks Belle to Say Yes to The Dress!

The SPAR Panto, Beauty and the Beast, at University Concert Hall is now on sale with all seven school shows already sold out and limited availability on some performances in the general run.

There will be a Sensory Friendly performance on Friday 6^th January at 2pm. This show will be a little brighter and a little quieter, without any sudden, loud noises. There will also be plenty of room for audiences to move around and get comfortable, all of which will make it more accessible to some families.

SPAR, one of Ireland’s largest convenience retail groups, announced its title sponsorship of the 2016 University Concert Hall, Limerick Panto in August of this year. Representatives from all ten of the local stores involved were on hand to celebrate today’s launch. A SPAR “Hut”, set up in the courtyard of King John’s, provided the perfect pit stop for Gaston and Co. to refuel on their way to free Belle from “the Beast’s” imposing Castle.

Speaking at the launch, Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director said “SPAR is delighted to be the title sponsor of the 2016 University Concert Hall, Limerick Panto. SPAR stores are at the heart of Irish communities and events such as the UCH panto breathe life into local communities. This year the pantomime is expected to be one of the biggest and best yet. We wish everyone involved the best of luck.”

Director of University Concert Hall, Sinead Hope, welcomed invited guests to King John’s Castle for the launch saying “SPAR are the first title sponsors of our panto and I think it speaks volumes for how far we have come in the past 4 years – to be here, launching our 5^th production, and to have one of Ireland’s largest convenience retail groups joining forces with us. From starting as an unknown entity 4 years ago, we have since sold over 80,000 tickets and the Panto at University Concert Hall is now a “Must See” Christmas show and a guaranteed fantastic family day out!”

The Spar Panto Beauty and the Beast will be running from Monday December 19 until Sunday January 8.

Tickets for the Spar Panto Beauty and the Beast will be from €17.50 Matinee and Evening Shows

For more information visit www.uch.ie or call their box office 061 331 549

For more stories on the Spar Panto Beauty and the Beast click here

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Photos: Cian Reinhardt / ilovelimerick

Nov 30

PHOTOS: LMSR Black Tie Ball at the Strand Hotel

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The Spar Panto Beauty and the Beast cast in full costume for the launch of the show in King John’s Castle. Picture: Sean Curtin / True Media.

This past Friday at the Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick Marine Search and Rescue Service hosted a glamorous LMSR Black Tie Ball in celebration of their 30 years in service since their establishment in 1986.

Richard Lynch of ILoveLimerick.com hosted the event, “I am so thrilled to be here tonight and I’m honoured to work with Limerick Marine Search and Rescue. They protect us and keep us safe.”

Joe Morgan, Chairman of Limerick Marine Search and Rescue, who organised the LMSR Black Tie Ball, then presented Richard and the team of ILoveLimerick.com with a special plaque thanking them for the new website that they built for LMSR and the ongoing publicity and marketing they offer to the charity.

Joe spoke about the honour of working with LMSR, “I think it’s important to recognise that there has been a lot of members in and out of the service over the last thirty years. The one thing they had in common was to improve the service and to save lives in the water and bring people who are lost back to their families. I would like to thank each and every member, past and present, for bringing Limerick Marine Search and Rescue to the level it is at today.”

Joe invited Michael o’Hanlon, Mayor for Metropolitan District of Limerick to say a few words about the work the volunteers at Limerick Marine Search and Rescue do. “I honestly believe the people who volunteer for the service are very courageous people, I’m not too sure if many of us would do the same. The work they do takes commitment and dedication to put your own life at risk for somebody else in distress.

Other guest speakers included Ger O’Flynn from the Irish Coastguard and John Leech from Irish Water Safety who congratulated LMSR for their service, “I want to congratulate Limerick Marine Search and Rescue for 30 years of saving lives, body recovery and moving with the times and improving constantly in term and training and equipment.”

Martin Quinn, Jimmy Connors and Tony Cusack, the three founding members of LMSR were presented with three bronze trophies for their contribution to the history of the charity.

Jimmy said, “30 years on and we’re stronger than ever. We feel so proud that the people of Limerick helped to create it. We are so grateful to JP McManus and to the other people who have given us big donations to keep us afloat but also to the people of Limerick for keeping our dream alive. To see it grow from here, for it to go further, is incredible.”

Tony added, “It’s the next generation of volunteers like my son Tommy who will carry on the tradition and keep the work going that started with us 30 years ago. New volunteers are the lifeblood of the organisation and we welcome anyone to join us who have the passion and share our goal to keep the waters of our beloved River Shannon safe.”

Check out Limerick Marine Search and Rescue Service website here.

Follow Limerick Marine Search and Rescue on Facebook.

For our previous story on LMSR Black Tie Ball from I Love Limerick click here.

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Photos: Cian Reinhardt / ilovelimerick

Nov 25

PHOTOS – Garda Divisional Youth Awards 2016 in Woodlands Hotel

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(Back row) Grace, Culhan, Claire Culhane, Richard Lynch, Dermot, Culhane and Luke Culhane, Create No Hate and winner of Garda Divisional Youth Award. (Front row) Super Intendant Dave Sheahan and Super Intendant Derek Smart. Picture: Cian Reinhardt/ilovelimerick

Youths throughout a number of Limerick communities were praised this week at the third annual Garda Divisional Youth Awards 2016.

Limerick Gardaí, in association with Garvey’s Supervalu and Centra, presented the awards at the Woodlands Hotel in Adare, celebrating young people for the positive contributions they have made to their families, schools and communities.

Chief Superintendent David Sheahan commended the Garda Divisional Youth Awards 2016 winners, praised the work and effort made by the families of winners and called on recipients to “continue to innovate and make a difference” in their communities.

Limerick City and County Mayor Kieran O’Hanlon attended the Garda Divisional Youth Awards 2016 in a show of support, praising the “tireless work to help their communities and helping others.”

Among the winners was Luke Culhane, a second year student at Castletroy college. In February 2016, having been cyber bullied he made a video called Create No Hate to show how it feels to have been cyber bullied and to explain to people that there are many things you can do to stop and prevent it. Thinking that if he could help one person he would achieve something, little did he know that the video would go viral and it now has over 5 million views worldwide. As a result, Luke has appeared on many international TV stations and radio channels and most recently has offered his advice via skype to students in a school in Cape Town, South Africa. By his actions, Luke has shown how to deal with cyber bullies, not to let them dominate your life but to stand up, speak out and challenge them. Speaking to I Love Limerick after he received his award, Luke Culhane said: “I got loads of recognition all over the world, but it is especially nice to receive recognition from my home county Limerick.”

Another recipient included the Express Yourself Mental Health group from Limerick Youth Service, which played a big part in Limerick’s Mental Health Week. The group is based in the Northside Youthspace in Ballynanty and consists of young people between the ages of 17 and 19. Led by Siobhan Wilmott, they are raising awareness about youth mental health and promoting positive mental health attitudes among young people. The group has made presentations at an EU summit in Amsterdam and have engaged in debates with local politicians to ensure that this very important subject is raised at the highest levels in the Dail. They have organised events for young people during mental health week and were successful in securing funding for Limerick Youth Service to provide staff for a mental health team. They continue to volunteer their time to many community events around mental health and are making a valuable contribution highlighting awareness and educating people on how to deal with it in a positive manner.

Among the other recipients of the Garda Divisional Youth Awards 2016 were the Crescent Comprehensive TY Students 2016, Sarah Duggan, Coláiste Chiárain Ambassadors of Strength in Adversity Group, Áine O’Connor, Luke, Phillip and Jake Kinsella, Cian O’Grady and Lee Quinn.

Crescent Comprehensive TY Students

Hugh Conlon, Adam Earlie, Kevin Le Gear, James Mullins and Luke Reilly completed transition year in May of this year. During that time, they had done some volunteering work in Milford Hospice and St. Camillus Hospital. However, during the summer, on their own initiative, they decided to embark on an epic journey by cycling all the way from Malin Head to Mizen Head to raise funds for Milford Hospice. They trained diligently every week, cycling from Limerick to Nenagh and back to prepare themselves for the 800km trip. It took the boys eleven days to complete the trip from Donegal to Cork raising over €1,700 for Milford Hospice. Rather than taking it easy during the summer these young men took on and succeeded in a challenge that resulted in a major contribution to a charity that hugely supports the local community.

Sarah Duggan

Sarah from Mungret, Co. Limerick is a student in Colaiste Mhuire in Askeaton. For the past five year’s she has been a central figure in the raising of funds for her local GAA club, Mungret St Pauls. Every week without fail she has sold lottery tickets in her area and to date has individually raised over €12,000 which helps to support the juvenile section of the club. When not involved with her club, she has found the time to volunteer in a local charity shop in Limerick, raised funds for MS and also helped out the Limerick Panto Society. A recipient of a Bronze Gaisce award, whenever Sarah is involved in a task she will always be enthusiastic, energetic and committed.

Coláiste Chiárain Ambassadors of Strength in Adversity Group

On arriving in Ireland, Hassatou Diallo from Guinea, Merveille Mangidi Ntoya and Moise Kahu-su from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Isaac Wairimu from Kenya, were each faced with common challenges such as learning a new language and adapting and integrating into a new culture. These student ambassadors despite personal sacrifices continue to overcome adversity through their resilience, strength of character, positivity and determination. Showing a true dedication to their academic attainment they also excel in the fields of sport, music and the arts. Through education they aim to realize their full potential and embrace the many opportunities which await them in their very bright futures. They are all ambassadors of ‘Strength in Adversity’. Each of these students, fully reflect the spirit, ethos and vision that is encapsulated in the Coláiste Chiaráin school motto, “Ad agusta per angusta” (Achievement through effort).

Áine O’Connor

Áine from Lisnagry, Co. Limerick is a student in Castletroy College. This year Áine began a fundraising campaign in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, a cause very dear to Áines heart. As part of this campaign she raised €400 in sponsorship and cut off 10 inches of her hair so that wigs could be made for people suffering from cancer. She is currently an active member of the St John’s 3/14 Scouts in Limerick, holding numerous badges in many different disciplines and is a leader with the cubs and beavers. A young person with a great sense of community spirit and willingness to help others, Áine is also in the process of completeing a short film called ‘Don’t Tell Mom’ which she hopes to enter in next year’s Fresh Film Festival.

Luke, Phillip and Jake Kinsella

In December 2015, the Springfield, Clonlara area of County Clare was devastated by flooding. The Kinsella’s home was amoung the houses in danger. As Mike Kinsella, had passed away in 202 it fell to his sons Luke, Phillip and Jake to help their mother Bridget engage in a course of action to save their home. For the next eight weeks, the boys worked day and night manning pumps and monitoring sandbags to ensure that the water did not break through. They faced many obstacles during the ordeal, taking it in turns to stay up all night manning their station. Despite Phillip suffering an asthma attack which resulted in a visit to the hospital, he was back helping the family the following day. Eventually in late January 16, the flooding subsided without breaking through the barriers. The boys then had to return to their studies they all obtained excellent results. The family wish to acknowledge the support of Mike’s parents, Mike and Mona and the help of their neighbours and friends, members of the civil defence, army and fire brigade, Clare County Council and the Gardai during their ordeal. Luke, Phillip and Jake Kinsella faced many challenges during that time. They overcame them with a display of immense dedication, strength and perseverance and their actions are an inspiration to everyone.

Cian O’Grady

Cian is from Herbertstown in Co. Limerick and is currently a student in Waterford IT. His commitment to community work knows no bounds. He has volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in Limerick City, raised funds for Mid West Simon community, helps in the local nursing home and assists his local soccer club raising funds and coaching the younger players. Whenever an event takes place in his community Cian is involved. He has organised family fun days in Herbertstown and is a volunteer waiter at the local monthly parochial dinners for the elderly. Cian has already been recognised for his community work as he was the Irish winner of the Pramerica Spirit of Community Award in March 2016.

Lee Quinn

Lee from Moyross, Limerick City is a man on a mission. Having faced several personal challenges in his earlier years, Lee accepted support from a number of key agencies in the area. Two years ago, having finished his education he applied for the Trainee Jockey programme with RACE (Racing Academy and Centre of Education) in Kildare but was not successful. Such was his determination to get a place on this world renowned programme that Lee put in a year of effort working on his fitness, personal development and gaining work experience in Jim Bolger’s yard and in Leopardstown Racecourse. He reapplied for the course in 2016 and was successful in securing a place and is now three months into this very challenging but rewarding programme. He is a young man that is clear about his goals and has shown that hard work, perseverance and determination can bring its rewards.

Read more about the Garda Divisional Youth Awards 2016 here.

To read more about previous years of the Garda Divisional Youth Awards from I love Limerick click here.

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Garda Divisional Youth Awards 2016. Photos: Cian Reinhardt / ilovelimerick

Oct 17

St Augustines School Mental Health Awareness Week

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St Augustines School Mental Health Awareness Week has been running for the last three years and this year they coincided with the work that is being done across the city for Mental Health Awareness Week.

St. Augustine’s School, located on Sexton Street is one of five Youth Encounter Project schools in Ireland and was established in 1977. David Dineen is the principal and the school provides an alternative model of education providing Junior Certificate exams and the Junior Cert Schools Programme.

St Augustines School Mental Health Awareness Week was organised to coincide with Limerick Mental Health Awareness week. World Mental Health Day was October 10.

“During Mental Health Awareness week we aim to link our lessons to Mental Health providing an avenue to explore and talk openly about Mental Health,” explained Alma Mudd, a teacher at St Augustines.

Alma spoke to us about the benefits of having a Mental Health Awareness Week in their school. “I think it’s great that mental health is something that is becoming openly talked about and you see it on the news, facebook and billboards. There really is a recognition that mental health is something that we all have a responsibility to mind for ourselves and for each other. I think it’s amazing that the curriculum is incorporating mental health into schools.”

As part of the week, they participated in the Children’s Art exhibition at The Hunt Museum during Limerick’s Mental Health Awareness Week which was facilitated by Amanda Clifford. The art exhibition was open daily from Monday, October 10 until Sunday, October 16 at 10-5pm.

St Augustines School is working on achieving the Amber Flag and brought in Richard Lynch as a guest speaker to talk to the students about mental health on Thursday, October 13. The Amber Flag initiative aims to promote positive mental health issues in schools, colleges, clubs, societies and organisations throughout Ireland.

During our visit, Richard spoke to the students of St Augustines about positive mental health and spoke openly about his experiences with bullying, addiction and the struggle of dealing with his mental health and well-being throughout his life. He stressed to the students the importance of avoiding toxic people and instead interacting with people that enhance you as an individual. He also spoke about how maintaining good physical health and looking after our bodies can also help our minds. Going around the room, Richard asked each student what their passions were and encouraged the students to embrace their talents.

For more stories like St Augustines School Mental Health Awareness Week from I Love Limerick click here.

Oct 17

Pippa O Connor book shares her life and style

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Pippa O Connor book signing meet and greet happened on Saturday, October 15 at O’Mahony’s Book Shop for her Pippa, Simple Tips to Live Beautifully Book Tour.

People traveled up to five hours to meet Pippa and get their book signed and a picture. The audience ranged from young, enthusiastic bloggers to working mothers who enjoyed Pippa’s tips and tricks in her book.

The Pippa O Connor Book, Simple Tips to Live Beautifully, Pippa shares her secrets for looking good, living well and feeling great. Stuffed with practical tips and inspirational advice, Simple Tips to Live Beautifully is a book for everyone, aged 16 or 60, who wants to discover their own personal style and to build the confidence to celebrate it.

Before her signing, Pippa spoke with Richard Lynch about her book, blog and new denim line ‘Poco by Pippa’ which was released that morning.

“The book is a reflection of pippa.ie and I was getting a lot of messages all the time asking the same kind of questions. What’s appropriate to wear to a wedding? How do I dress for an interview? How do I make my living room really chic looking on a budget? I just thought, ‘I’m going to put all of this into a beautiful book’.” said Pippa O Connor, “With a book like mine you want the tips to be practical and things you can actually do and achieve yourself whether it’s how to do the winged eyeliner or how to get ready in ten minutes.”

Pippa O Connor’s website, pippa.ie, has grown enormously since it started four years ago and has gained a substantial audience. Pippa admits that it all began as a hobby while she was pregnant with her first son Olly and just grew bigger over time.

When asked about how to juggle between having a career and being a mother Pippa said “I think when you’re doing something that you love, you don’t mind getting up earlier in the morning and going to bed later at night. I’m just thriving on everything I’m doing because I’m so passionate about it but I suppose my one bit of advice is to try and get a bit of balance.”

Poco by Pippa, Pippa O Connor’s new denim range was released on Saturday morning and gained huge excitement from all of her fans. “People are really excited about it which makes me so excited! I’ve been thinking about this myself and with my team for a long time now so to finally have it out there is like a big relief off my shoulders. It consists of five styles of denim, something for every woman. We’ll start off with there and who knows what will happen in the future!”

To purchase Pippa O Connor book Simple Tips to Live Beautifully click here.

Check out Pippa’s website here.

Follow Pippa’s latest news on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For more of the latest books from I Love Limerick click here.

To watch the Pippa O Connor book signing interview with Richard Lynch click the video below!

Oct 14

Limerick Going for Gold 2016 winner is Glin!

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Limerick Going for Gold 2016 winner is Glin!

The West of Limerick is awake and celebrating after Glin was announced as overall winner of Limerick Going for Gold 2016.

There were jubilant celebrations in The Strand Hotel this evening (Tuesday 11 October) as the residents of the village claimed the top prize.

Richard Lynch of ILoveLimerick.com hosted the event and said,”I am honoured to be involved with this initiative for the past 5 years. It is my favourite event of the year!”

Limerick Going for Gold’s mission is to make Limerick a brighter, better, cleaner place to live, work and visit. Limerick Going for Gold 2016 winner

The competition fosters and nurtures community spirit and it’s plain to see in every town, village and estate that it’s flourishing.

A total of twelve communities made the final of the Limerick Going for Gold Challenge Category. Limerick Going for Gold 2016 has a prize pool of over €76,000, courtesy of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation.

Prizes were also awarded in five other Going for Gold categories, including Limerick in Bloom, Best Estate/ Residential Area and Endeavour Award.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon congratulated the participating communities: “It’s through the hard work and the commitment of the local communities that ensures that Limerick Going for Gold continues to be a tremendous success. Who would have thought that the competition, which began in 2010, would have grown so much and captured the imagination of everyone, and become the success that it is.”

“I would like to that Limerick City and County Council and the JP McManus Charitable Foundation for organising the initiative, as well as the event supporters and sponsors including Limerick’s Live 95FM, The Limerick Leader and The Limerick Chronicle, The Limerick Post, Parkway Shopping Centre, I Love Limerick and Southern Marketing Media and Design.”

“Going for Gold’s mission is to make Limerick a brighter, better, cleaner place to live, work and visit and every community who participated in this campaign, as well as the event sponsors and supporters continue to contribute to that mission,” added Mayor O’Hanlon.

The Challenge Category final was made up of 12 groups from Limerick city and county who were decided by a combination of local judging and results from the national Tidy Towns Competition.

Finalists were chosen by popular vote on Live 95FM over a five-week period. The finalists were Hospital, Kilteely, Murroe, Newcastle West and Patrickswell.

They were joined by seven wildcards – Adare Bruff, Croom, Feenagh, Glin, Moyross, and Rathkeale – which were selected by the Limerick Going for Gold judging panel of David Hurley (reporter with The Limerick Leader), Nick Condon (Tidy Towns Adjudicator) and Gerry Behan (retired Director of Service, Limerick County Council).

Following visits to each of the locations and lengthy discussions between the judges, this year’s Limerick Going for Gold 2016 winner is Glin.

They receive the top prize of €10,000, with Kilteely receiving €7,000 for second and Adare getting €5,000 for third.

All finalists receive prizes to help them continue their good work.

Going for Gold 2016 Limerick in Bloom Category’s Overall winner was Ardpatrick (€5,000) with Strand in runners-up position (€3,000).

Prizes were also awarded to Tidy Towns groups based on their Tidy Towns score.

Rockhill received €3,000 for being the Most Improved Tidy Towns group.

Glenbrook Glendale Glendale Lawn scooped the €2,000 first prize in the Estates/ Residential Area category.

Endeavour Awards of €1,000 each to encourage and/or support ongoing work on the environment were presented to Limerick Youth Service Centre, Back2New Upcycling, Newcastle West and PALLs, Probation and Linkage in Limerick Scheme Dock and the Adapt Shop on Sarsfield Street for their joint Upcycling Initiative.

The Garden Competition Category was sponsored by the Parkway Shopping Centre and featured a prize fund of €1,000 in shopping vouchers. Roger Beck from the Parkway Shopping Centre presented the top prize to Mrs Nellie Barrett, Ballintubber, Newcastle West.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gerry Boland of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation said: “Individuals, Tidy Towns Groups and Residents’ Associations from across Limerick city and county have once again come out in numbers to support this initiative. One hundred and forty four groups participated this year and your participation and the voluntary work that you are doing creates a real sense of community in your local areas.

Gordon Daly, Director of Service Operations with Limerick City and County Council said: “Going for Gold is one of the premier community awards in the country and that is down to the supporters and sponsors of the competition, the generosity of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, and, in particular, the hard work and dedication of the large number of volunteers across our communities in Limerick. We are delighted that this annual event affords the opportunity to recognise the contribution they make to enhancing the quality of life in Limerick.”

List of Categories, winners and awards:

Going for Gold Challenge
1st Place          €10,000           Glin
2nd Place        €7,000             Kilteely
3rd Place         €5,000             Adare
4th Place         €3,000             Patrickswell
5th Place         €2,000             Newcastle West

Finalists (each receive €1,000)
Bruff
Croom
Feenagh
Hospital
Rathkeale
Moyross
Murroe
Limerick in Bloom
1st Place          €5,000             Ardpatrick
2nd Place        €3,000             Strand
3rd Place         €2,000             Knockainey

Highly commended (each receive €1,000)
Annacotty
Athea
Galbally
Doon
South Limerick City and
Foynes

Garden Competition (trophies and vouchers from Parkway Shopping Centre)
1^st place                       Mrs Nellie Barrett, Ballintubber, Newcastle West
2^nd Place                      Christine Ronan, Pallasgreen
3^rd Place                      Gerry Ryan, Rosbrien

Endeavour Awards (€1,000 for each organisation listed)
Limerick Youth Service Centre
Back2New Upcycling, Newcastle West
PALLs, Probation and Linkage in Limerick Scheme Dock and the Adapt Shop on Sarsfield Street for their joint Upcycling Initiative

Tidy Towns Incentive
Highest scores across the following categories (€1,000 each)
Tidiness and Litter Control                 Castleconnell
Sustainable Waste Management       Kilmallock
Wildlife & Natural Amenities             Broadford and Mountcollins
Landscaping and Open Spaces           Ardpatrick and Adare
Most Improved in each Municipal District (€1,500 Each)
Limerick Metro                       Gouldavoher
Adare/ Rathkeale                    Rathkeale
Newcastle West                      Athea
Cappamore/ Kilmallock          Glenroe

Most improved overall in Tidy Towns 2016 (€3000)
Rockhill
Estates/ Residential Area
1st Place          €2,000             Glenbrook Glendale Glendale Lawn
2nd Place        €1,500             Caherdavin
3rd Place         €1,000             Monaleen Park

Highly commended (each receive €500) Limerick Going for Gold 2016 winner.
Cappamore Estates
Castletroy View Residents Association Limerick Going for Gold 2016 winner.
Kyleafea/ Caemore Court Residents Association
Meadowbrook Residents Association
Rosmor Residents Association
Spring Grove Residents Association
Verdant Crescent Residents Association
Woodlawn Residents Association

Paul O Connell book ‘The Battle’ is set to be a huge hit!

by richanthon in Culture, Entertainment, News, People, Promo, Sports 0 comments 3274 0

They queued for four hours in advance to meet the man who is without a doubt a true Limerick legend.

Coinciding with the release of his much-anticipated autobiography, Paul O’Connell signed copies of his book, The Battle, in O’Mahony’s Bookshop .

Over 500 people queued for hours to meet former rugby legend Paul O’Connell at his book signing in Limerick city this past Sunday, eager to get a signed copy of his book The Battle.

The book signing was due to begin at 2pm, however after The Battle author observed images of the lengthy queues on I Love Limerick’s social media, he arrived early so as not to disappoint fans on his home ground in the Treaty City.

Paul O Connell book signing at O’Mahony’s Bookshop. Picture: Cian Reinhardt/ilovelimerick

Even before he was due to meet his legions of fans, he had planned to sign more than 200 copies of The Battle, which were pre-ordered by customers who couldn’t attend the signing.

The Battle was co-written with Alan English, former editor of the Limerick Leader and current editorial director of Iconic Newspapers, which own the Leader. He also attended the signing along with many family members.

I had the honour of interviewing Paul at the book signing. With typical modesty, when asked how he felt about the phenomenal turnout, he joked that the book might be an easy Christmas present for people, as many queued to purchase several books for friends and family members.

The former Munster, Ireland and Lion’s captain described The Battle as “the full story. I think it’s very honest and I hope people will enjoy it,” he said.

I asked him what exactly was ‘The Battle’ he faced, he revealed, “the battle was mainly with myself, the injuries, playing high-pressure games, trying to win things, trying to be successful,” and told me, “blaming myself when we lost a game made me better.”

I asked him how it felt to be so loved by the people of Limerick, “I am very proud of my Limerick roots. I love living here, the sense of humour the people have, what a great place to live.”

I admire Paul so much, not just for his sporting achievements, but for his soul. Paul is a man who is truly proud of our beautiful city as he has said himself on numerous occasions and proved undoubtedly over the years through his involvement with positive campaigns and charity work. Congrats Paul. All of Limerick are rooting for you!

You can find out more about the Paul O Connell book, ‘The Battle’, here.
Here you can read more stories about Paul O Connell.

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