News Archives - Page 11 of 16

Apr 27

Limerick organisation Honouring Aaron raises over €19,000 for charities in last two years

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Deirdre O’Brien, Sophies Journey Foundation, John Cleary, Barrington’s Great Limerick Run, Mayor Kieran O’Hanlon, Cecilia O’Flaherty, Honouring Aaron, Karl Daly, Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Bernadette Kenny, Bluebox and Richard Lynch, Honouring Aaron Ambassador at the Honouring Aaron charity check presentations at the George Boutique Hotel Limerick. Picture: Johnny Baynes/ilovelimerick

Limerick organisation Honouring Aaron, previously titled ‘Remembering Aaron’, was established in 2015 in memory of Aaron O’Flaherty who tragically passed away in 2014 at Temple Street Children’s Hospital after an accident at the Blackhead Lighthouse, Co. Clare. The aim of Honouring Aaron is to raise funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital and also a number of children’s charities in Limerick.

 On Tuesday, March 28 at the George Boutique Hotel in Limerick, the organisation made check presentations to the value of €8,000 in honour of their fundraising efforts to their chosen charities for 2016.

 This was Limerick organisation Honouring Aaron’s second year of fundraising bringing their two-year fundraising total to over €19,000.

 In 2015, Honouring Aaron raised funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital along with two charities Bumbleance and Cliona’s Foundation, plus two Limerick based organisations, Claughauns GAA and Limerick Lakers Basketball. These were selected as they had touched Aaron’s life in one-way or another.

 For 2016,  Limerick organisation Honouring Aaron raises over €19,000 in funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital along with three Limerick children’s charities The Blue Box, Sophie’s Journey and Ian’s Trust. Checks to the value of €2,000 were presented to each charity.

 Cecilia, Aaron’s mom and founder of the organisation, remains entirely grateful for the work and support shown by the people of Temple Street during such a traumatic time “They were so good to him. They were all touched by Aaron in the time he was there and treated us with dignity and kindness,” Cecelia said.

 The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre provides trained professionals to Limerick schools and families to help children through difficult times using creative arts therapies.

 Ian’s Trust provides funds to support families of children who suffer from Acquired Brain Injury. Orla Cusack set up the trust in memory of her son who passed away in 2012 after suffering a severe acquired brain injury following a road accident in 2008.

 Liam and Stacey Mulcahy founded Sophie’s Journey Foundation in January 2015 in memory of their daughter who sadly passed away from kidney failure in 2014. They support families who are caring for children with life-limiting conditions.

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon who spoke at the check presentation event said, “Thankfully from out of a very sad tragedy for Limerick, people rallied together to do a lot of good and as a result, Aaron will never be forgotten. It means so much that the money raised is going to children’s charities in his honour. This really is a true reflection of the best of Limerick.”

 Speaking at the launch was the official ambassador for Limerick organisation Honouring Aaron, community activist and founder of ILoveLimerick.com Richard Lynch. “I am honoured to be representing Honouring Aaron. Each charity the Foundation has chosen to support offers invaluable support to families in aid, because children matter. Honouring Aaron is Cecilia’s way of giving back to a community that was so supportive of her, as well as a way to honour her late son, by doing something positive.”

 Cecilia, a Civil Defence officer, acknowledged the support offered by the people of Limerick saying that it has been “overwhelming”.  She added, “I am thrilled to announce that this May the #Aarothon will be taking place as part of the Barrington’s Great Limerick Run to raise awareness for Honouring Aaron, and raise vital funds for our selected charities and I am asking people to please take part in the run on our behalf. I am also pleased to announce that this year the Kids Run in the University of Limerick will be in honour of Aaron.”

Apr 27

Design dreams at Novas DIAL House for young Care Leavers with DFS, Gaisce and Roisin Lafferty

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Pictured at the announcement of the DFS Makeover for DIAL House in Limerick were Robert O Leary, Carragh Fisherson, Una Burns, Novas, Richard Lynch, Susan Murphy, Roisin Lafferty, DFS Ambassador and Gaisce winner 16-year-old Will O Callaghan, a 4th-year student from And Scoil Ris. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media.

Pictured at the announcement of the DFS Makeover for DIAL House in Limerick were Una Burns, Novas, Roisin Lafferty, DFS Ambassador and Gaisce winner, 16-year-old Will O Callaghan, a 4th-year student from Ard Scoil Ris. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media.

DIAL House is a life-changing service, which celebrates 10 years of existence this year and is run by Novas, the largest provider of homeless services in the Mid-West region. An extraordinary six-bed residential facility, it accommodates care leavers who are at risk of homelessness. Residents are all aged between 18 and 25. Most of the estimated 100 plus young people who have passed through its doors in the past ten years have not been given the easiest start in life. The service was set up to “mirror a home environment and not an institution” after identifying an urgent need in Limerick to develop a specialised service for young care leavers.

To mark its first anniversary of successful trading in Limerick, DFS, the sofa retailer, is working with its charity partner Gaisce and its Brand Ambassador, award winning Interiors expert Roisin Lafferty, to give DIAL House residential home a new look to really mirror a family home environment. Roisin recently hosted a hugely successful event in the DFS Store in Limerick supporting the work of Novas where €1096 was raised.

“I feel very passionately that where you live really impacts on your mood and how you feel, so I’m really excited about this makeover project. Novas Limerick offers an invaluable service to the community of Limerick. Homelessness is a cause very close to my heart and I am honoured to be able to aid such an important charity and to work with the young people here who live at DIAL House, Will O’Callaghan, a talented young designer and Gaisce Awardee, DFS and my team at Kingston Lafferty Design to make this house somewhere even more special.” Roisin said.

DFS is a Gold Charity Partner with Gaisce, the President’s Award enabling hundreds of young people to benefit from the life-changing Gaisce experience.

Pictured at the announcement of the DFS Makeover for DIAL House in Limerick were Susan Murphy, Roisin Lafferty and Carragh Fisherson discussing ideas for the makeover. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media.

Will O’Callaghan, a 4th-year student from Ard Scoil Ris said, “I am seriously considering a career in Architecture or Interior design and am excited at this opportunity to work with the very successful Roisin Lafferty in remodelling DIAL House.”
Novas is thrilled to be associated with this event with Communications Manager Una Burns stating that: “We try to provide homes for families and single people every day. We are extremely grateful to DFS and to Roisin Lafferty for decorating our DIAL House service in the city.”

To read about the DFS Novas Fundraiser with Roisin Lafferty click here

For more information on DIAL House click here

Apr 27

VIDEO DFS Novas Fundraiser with Roisin Lafferty is a success!

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Pictured was Richard Lynch, ILoveLimerick.com, Luke Culhane, Micheal Goulding, CEO of Novas and Roisin Lafferty, Director of Kingston Lafferty design at the DFS design evening. Photo: Oisin McHugh

Over 100 people turned out in style for the DFS design evening in the Limerick store last night on Thursday the 23rd.

Pictured was Roisin Lafferty, Director of Kingston Lafferty design speaking to people who had turned out for the DFS design evening. Photo: Oisin McHugh

Attendees were treated to a lively presentation packed with design tips and secrets from DFS Ambassador and award-winning interiors expert Roisin Lafferty, Director of Kingston Lafferty design. Many guests availed of the opportunity after the presentation for one on one style advice from Roisin and her team.

Roisin has previously expressed her happiness at the choice to support Novas through this one of a kind event, “Novas Limerick offers an invaluable service to the community of Limerick. Homelessness is a cause very close to my heart and I am honoured to be able to aid such an important charity. This event shows the importance of a happy home for everybody.”

Guests also enjoyed canapés and drinks, including Wild Orchard juices, from Hook and Ladder, a complimentary copy of Image Interiors and Living magazine and 10% off everything in-store.

The evening was run in association with local charity Novas, who are the largest provider of homeless services in the mid-west region. It was a huge success with €1094 raised for the charity.

Pictured, from left, was Moya Farrell, Beckey Russell and Roisin Lafferty, Director of Kingston Lafferty design speaking to people who had turned out for the DFS design evening. Photo: Oisin McHugh

Deborah Geraghty of Caherdavin won a sofa and Louise Creamer an Interior Design Consultation with Create at Kingston Lafferty design. Limerick people are already looking to the next DFS event.

Novas is thrilled to be associated with this event with Communications Manager Una Burns stating that, “we try to provide homes for families and single people every day and an event like this highlights the importance of a happy home for everybody. We are extremely grateful to DFS and to Roisin Lafferty for hosting this lovely evening and for decorating our DIAL service in the city.”

Novas are a local non-profit organisation working with single adults, families and children who are disadvantaged and socially excluded, primarily homeless people or people at risk of being homeless. More than half of these were from Limerick. The organisation provides a range of services in the city including temporary accommodation, a family service, an out-of-hours service, long-term housing and a street outreach.

To read more stories about Novas click here

For more information on charity events in Limerick click here

Apr 27

VIDEO Limerick Person of the Year 2016 winner is Luke Culhane of Create No Hate

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Pictured at the Limerick Person of the Year Award 2016 were Claire Culhane, Richard Lynch, Grace Culhane, Luke Culhane, winner of the Limerick Person of the year Award 2016, Olive Foley and Dermot Culhane. Picture: Cian Reinhardt/ilovelimerick

The 14-year-old Limerick boy, Luke Culhane, whose viral video warning against cyberbullying and the late Anthony Foley – posthumously receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award – were today the top recipients at the Limerick Person of the Year 2016 awards.

The creation of a powerful video – ‘Create No Hate’ – saw Luke Culhane, from Castletroy View, selected as the January award recipient and made enough of an impact to have him selected all of 12 months later for the Limerick Person of the Year 2016.

Luke Culhane, whose viral video warning against cyberbullying went viral was named Limerick person of the year 2016. Photo: Sean Curtin True Media.

A budding filmmaker and blogger, Luke was motivated to create the video after being a victim of cyberbullying himself and, with over 500,000 views, its success was such that the story was picked up by Sky News, BBC, MTV, Fox, RTE and UTV, among others.

The international admiration for his efforts stretched all the way to December when he was named Young Person of the Year by prominent French newspaper Mon Quotidien.

Accepting the award, Luke Culhane said: “Thank you so much to everyone that supported the video, the main thing is that helped loads of other children after I Skyped a school in South Africa it inspired them to make their own video. It’s not just me that won, it’s the whole of Limerick.”

Today’s event, held at the Clayton Hotel, Limerick, also saw Olive Foley, wife of the late Anthony Foley, receive a Lifetime Achievement award on behalf of her husband, whose death on October 16th last led to one of the single greatest outpourings of sadness ever experienced across Limerick.

The legendary Shannon, Munster and Ireland No. 8 Anthony moved with his family from Murroe to Killaloe when he was 3 years old but had an indelible connection with Limerick over the years. He was schooled at St. Munchin’s, where he first gained prominence as a schools rugby star, before going on to become the most coloured captain in the history of Shannon and Munster rugby.

Speaking at today’s event, Limerick Leader Editor Eugene Phelan said: “It’s fair to say that the two recipients today were utterly inspirational in very different ways but we are here with mixed emotions in relation to them today.

“We all marvelled at Luke’s courage and, indeed, technical ability in putting this video together. It relates to an area that all of society is exercised and very concerned about but when it is a 13-year-old member of that society, as he was then, we are all humbled by what he did. Luke is clearly a leader and I suspect that this is the start of what will be a hugely successful career in film and one that, will no doubt, leave its mark in a very positive way on society.”

Speaking of the award to Anthony Foley, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said: “With regard to Anthony Foley, all of us who love rugby and sport generally were totally shocked by news of his death. I don’t think I have ever seen anything like the collective sense of loss that greeted this. He was an incredible man both on and off the field.

The 14 year-old Limerick boy, Luke Culhane, whose viral video warning against cyberbullying and the late Anthony Foley Ð posthumously receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award – were today the top recipients at the Limerick Person of the Year 2016 awards. Photo: Sean Curtin True Media.

“We all celebrated his rugby achievements and got so much joy here in Limerick from that. But the other side of Anthony was what he did off the field, his charity work and just how he held himself as a person. He was arguably the most modest sports star and this is an acknowledgement that he totally deserves.”

Speaking at the event, Olive Foley said: “I’m pretty sure Anthony would be recoiling with the attention here today. He was very proud of his association with Limerick and from a sporting perspective will always be associated with Munster and Shannon, with many of his greatest rugby moments here in Limerick.

“We know that everyone here misses him and it goes without saying that we do. But we really appreciate the fact that he is thought of and remembered so fondly, including with this Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Now in its 16th year and sponsored by The Limerick Leader, Southern Marketing Design & Media and the Clayton Hotel, the Limerick Person of the Year Award was set up to honour the achievements and success of local people.

Pat Reddan, General Manager, Clayton Limerick Hotel said: “We are delighted to sponsor such an event that showcases the very best of Limerick and the people who call it home, they truly are all inspirational.”

Congratulating all nominees, Dave O’Hora of Southern Marketing Design & Media said: “each of the nominees have in their own way made an outstanding contribution to the cultural, sporting, business and community scene in Limerick, today Limerick celebrates and it should.”

Past winners of the title include philanthropist JP McManus, world champion boxer Andy Lee, rugby stars Paul O’Connell and Tony Ward, author Donal Ryan, transatlantic rower Paul Gleeson and Thomond Park developer Pat Whelan.

The Limerick Person of the Year 2016 judging panel consisted of Eugene Phelan, Editor of The Limerick Leader; Conn Murray, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council; and Cllr. Kieran O’Hanlon, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick.

For more information on Create No Hate click here

To read past stories on Limerick Person of the Year click here

Apr 27

Romantic GladRags 95 Minute Challenge has a winner!

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Pictured at House Limerick for the Romantic GladRags 95 Minute Challenge, Richard with Louise McCormack and Lydia Doody, winners Siobhan O’Dwyer and Ian Womack (back), Nadia Sakni, Limerick’s Live 95fm and Celia Holman Lee (front). Picture: Brian Arthur.

Second-hand charity shops can be a treasure trove of interesting fashion and accessories. They are a great way of reusing and upcycling unwanted items and also helping to reduce the amount of clothes that are thrown out and end up in a landfill.

Pictured outside the ADAPT Charity Shop for the Romantic GladRags 95 Minute Challenge – contestants Siobhan O’Dwyer and Ian Womack and Louise McCormack and Lydia Doody. Picture: Brian Arthur.

In order to raise the profile of second-hand retail charity shops and highlight their great value, Limerick City and County Council joined with ADAPT Charity Shop on Sarsfield Street in the city centre and Limerick’s Live 95fm for a unique ‘romantic’ challenge called the Romantic GladRags 95 Minute Challenge. Two couples had to find outfits in the charity shop to be worn on a romantic evening out and each couple was given €95 to spend and 95 minutes to shop.

Last Saturday, I greeted the two couples at House Limerick before they went to the ADAPT Shop to search for outfits, purchase outfits, dress and make their way back to House Limerick to present themselves to fashion icon Celia Holman Lee who picked the best-dressed couple.

Congrats to Siobhan O’Dwyer and Ian Womack who won the top prize, an overnight stay, and dinner at No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa. Our runners up couple Louise McCormack and Lydia Doody also received dinner for two at Limerick Strand Hotel. The two couples were taken on the horse-drawn carriage through the city to their destinations and had an amazing time. It was a wonderful day and a fantastic worthwhile initiative.

Pictured at House Limerick for the Romantic GladRags 95 Minute Challenge – Richard and Celia with the couples who took part in the GladRags 95 Minute Challenge and representatives from ADAPT Charity Shop and Limerick’s Live 95fm. Picture: Brian Arthur.

Sinead McDonnell, Environmental Awareness Officer with Limerick City and County Council said: “The council is always looking for new ways to highlighting the importance of Waste Prevention. It is always better to reuse clothing that is in good condition than to recycling them. I hope it will encourage more people into Limerick charity shops to find fabulous pre-loved fashions for themselves.”Frances Quinn from ADAPT Charity Shop said, “the GladRags 95 Minute Challenge was a great way for our ADAPT Shop to showcase our range of fashion and accessories.”

Frances Quinn from ADAPT Charity Shop said, “the 95 minute GladRags Challenge was a great way for our ADAPT Shop to showcase our range of fashion and accessories.”

Our winning couple was Ian Womack and Siobhan O Dwyer, who spent a total of €61.

Ian Womack – Shirt €8, Trousers €2, Tie €2, Jacket €20 Total -€32
Siobhan O’Dwyer – Skirt €8, Top €9, Belt €1, Jewellery €1, Bag €10 Total -€29

Runners up – Total cost €92

Louise McCormack – Dress €25, Shoes €15, Bag €2, Jacket €4 Total – €46
Lydia Doody – Hat €4, Coat €15, Dress €20, Jewllery €1, Bag €6 Total – €46

To read more about ADAPT Charity shop click here

To read more about events in Limerick click here

Photos: Brian Arthur

Apr 11

Clionas Foundation 10th Annual Celebratory Night

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Clionas Foundation 10th Annual Celebratory Night – Richard Lynch pictured with Brendan Ring, Founder Cliona’s Foundation, RTE’s Miriam O Callaghan, Keith Duffy, Terry Ring, Founder Cliona’s Foundation and Leanne Moore. Picture: Dolf Patijn/ilovelimerick

Richard pictured in 2011 at the making the I Love Limerick documentary about Cliona’s Foundation with Clionas parents Terry and Brendan Ring and interviewer Sami Long.

One of the main charities that I have been supporting for over 6 years is Cliona’s Foundation and it is a cause very close to my heart. Some of my proudest moments have happened in my work with this charity and it’s an amazing feeling to see all the hard work come to fruition and actually have results!

Cliona’s Foundation is a charitable organisation that was founded in 2007 by Terry and Brendan Ring following the death of their daughter Cliona, who died from an inoperable brain tumour. Its aim is to provide financial assistance to families from Ireland who has children undergoing long-term medical treatment for critical illness for non-medical expenses.

At last year’s Annual Celebratory Night, Clionas Foundation celebrated raising one million euro – Richard with Tom Tierney, Chairperson Clionas Foundation, Keith and Lisa Duffy, Keith Duffy Foundation, Terry and Brendan Ring, Cliona’s Foundation. Picture: Dolf Patijn/ilovelimerick

I first met Brendan and Terry over 6 years ago when I Love Limerick visited them at their home to do an interview. Limerick lady Sami Long who was Miss United Nation Europe 2010 at the time came, did the interview with Brendan and Terry. From the moment I met them and heard their story I was so deeply moved and knew I had to help. Everything I do in aid of the charity is in Cliona’s memory and it is a huge honour for me to be involved in her legacy.

Funds raised are not to be used to pay for the child’s actual medical care; rather, donations are made to families for other ‘hidden’ costs, including hotels, restaurants, petrol and other miscellaneous expenses gained by having to travel to hospitals to receive treatment.

Terry and Brendan’s beautiful daughter Cliona who passed away in 2007.

There are currently over one hundred children’s charities operating in Ireland but Cliona’s Foundation is unique in that it focuses completely on non-medical assistance for families who have exhausted all other avenues of assistance. No other national charity in Ireland offers financial support for non-medical costs associated with the illness.

The goal of Cliona’s Foundation is to help families in remaining intact and functional during their crisis and to ensure that the family, friends and neighbours affected by critical or terminal childhood illness are helped and supported and no needs are left unmet for as long as needed.

Cliona’s Foundation takes part in numerous events and fundraisers in order to reach the funds they need to help families such as the Cliona’s Foundation Annual Cycle, the Adare to Survive event and the Cliona’s Foundation Annual Celebratory Night. Cliona’s Foundation started off 2015 by breaking the Marathon Relay Record and has entered the Guinness World Record books.

At the Cliona’s Foundation Annual Cycle launch in 2012 – David Wallace, Terry Ring, Leanne Moore, Brendan Ring and Joy Neville. Picture: Dolf Patijn/ilovelimerick

To date the charity has supported almost 400 families in 28 Counties across the country, raising over One Million Euro!

The Cliona’s Foundation 10th Annual Celebratory Night was held at Bulgaden Castle, Co. Limerick. It was a fantastic night of fun, food and entertainment with a host of great guests and super prizes on offer. The charity has supported 382 families in 28 counties across the country and wanted to Remember, Acknowledge and Celebrate, those that have helped them over the past 9 years.

Richard pictured with Mark Power of the JP Mc Manus Pro Am Committee, the Secret Millionaire Richard Mulcahy and Terry & Brendan Ring of the Cliona Foundation who were presented with a check for €20,000 in 2013 from the JP McManus Pro Am Committee. Picture: Carlos Dasco/ilovelimerick

Many of the previous events special guests returned for this night with Keith Duffy, Miriam O Callaghan, Leanne Moore, Sami Long, Richard Mulcahy and John “The Bull” Hayes all in attendance. It was a very special night and one that will go down in history for the charity. Congrats to all involved.

To find out more about Cliona’s Foundation, click here.

To read about other charity events in Limerick, click here.

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

Category Archives: News

Limerick organisation Honouring Aaron raises over €19,000 for charities in last two years

Design dreams at Novas DIAL House for young Care Leavers with DFS, Gaisce and Roisin Lafferty

VIDEO DFS Novas Fundraiser with Roisin Lafferty is a success!

VIDEO Limerick Person of the Year 2016 winner is Luke Culhane of Create No Hate

Romantic GladRags 95 Minute Challenge has a winner!

Clionas Foundation 10th Annual Celebratory Night

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

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

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