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Dec 03

I Love Limerick launches Shop Local Limerick to help Limerick businesses this Christmas

by richanthon in News 0 comments 829

Shop Local Limerick – Alanna Ryan of BigBouldHead designed the amazing graphic above especially in honour of the I Love Limerick ‘Shop Local Limerick” campaign

I Love Limerick launches Shop Local Limerick to help Limerick businesses this Christmas

By I Love Limerick correspondent Mary Caroline McCarthy

I Love Limerick have launched our own Shop Local Limerick campaign which we will be running on our Instagram leading up to Christmas.

Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick said, “This coming December and after the impending aftermath of our second lockdown and as we prepare ourselves for a Christmas like no other it is important that we stop for a minute and think about helping all the homegrown businesses in Limerick and shop locally so to support these smaller businesses through these difficult times.

 

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A post shared by I Love Limerick (@ilovelimerick)

It may seem easier to shop online or to go away for the day to shop but the positive impact that can come from shopping locally is also something that needs to be considered. The feeling that all things are possible near home, or the feeling of living in a community where people work together to grow the community for the benefit of the residents. It is true that some local traders need to adapt to the world better and adopt a bigger online presence, but it is also true that we need to adopt a better offline presence too. Together we are better. Please Shop Local Limerick this Christmas and beyond!”

Earlier this year, in response to the pandemic that is sweeping the nation, Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Chambers established the Limerick. ie/Shop platform which allows the consumers of Limerick to connect with the local suppliers for any of their shopping needs. It is a virtual marketplace that you can browse and buy from homegrown Limerick businesses, buy a local business voucher, or even use it to find out about local neighborhood food deliveries.

This virtual marketplace opens a new experience for Limerick consumers and bridges the gap that Covid has made between customers and shops. A lot of the locally owned businesses are owned by people you know from your own community, so buying from them means you are buying from somebody you trust which makes the experience of shopping much more enjoyable.

It is important to remember that by shopping locally you are supporting other local businesses too as local shops use local services such as accountants, insurance brokers, and suppliers.

Another positive of shopping locally is in a world that is becoming dominated by chain stores, which have been designed to look the same, independent businesses bring much-needed originality and variety into communities. The main street filled with unique, vibrant, and colourful shops will attract much more tourism and attention which will help make the community a more popular and financially healthier area in which to live and work.

Richard commented, “This year you have a lot of responsibility to support the small businesses in Limerick as it is you that will be making the biggest difference on whether they survive as a business. You could be the difference in whether a homegrown bakery survives or sinks after two years. By spending your time and money in local stores, you can change people’s lives. Making a point to Shop Local Limerick and show your support at least once a week throughout the year will change your community.

In Limerick, there is a variety of locally owned businesses that need your support. They can offer you brilliant, unique Christmas presents for the whole family. Limerick has an abundance of creative people that are out there selling the product of their creativeness and could use your support.

Shopping locally this year will make a big difference to the people you are supporting and will mean a lot more to them than the larger corporations.”

Richard added, “We are looking for gift ideas from local family run independent businesses. Please see our Shop Local Limerick highlight on our Instagram. Send in your gift ideas suggestions for local family run businesses through the question box in the highlight and make sure to include the businesses Instagram page. Any suggestions you send in will be shared Saturdays and Sundays on our stories leading up to Christmas.”

“We also want to thank Alanna Ryan of BigBouldHead for designing the amazing graphic she created especially in honour of the I Love Limerick ‘Shop Local Limerick” campaign! We are so grateful to her! Check out her Instagram @BigBouldHead.”

#ShopLocalIreland #ShopinLimerick #ShopLocalLimerick #lovelimerick

For more News go HERE

For more about Limerick.ie/shop, go HERE

Nov 27

Midwest Simon Community Foodbank asks businesses and community for help

by richanthon in News 0 comments 921

Midwest Simon Community Foodbank – Jackie Bonfield, CEO Mid West Simon Community, Eleshia Fahy, Head of Operations at Mid West Simon Community and Dominic Locke, Kerry Group at Midwest Simon Foodbank. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

https://youtu.be/F2f0aXuaelY 

Midwest Simon Community Foodbank asks businesses and community for help

Midwest Simon Community Foodbank - Jackie Bonfield, CEO Mid West Simon Community, Eleshia Fahy, Head of Operations at Mid West Simon Community and Dominic Locke, Kerry Group at Midwest Simon Foodbank. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

Anthony Foley and Kevin Sheahan, Kerry Group at Midwest Simon Foodbank. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

On Friday, November 27, the Midwest Simon Community held their second last food bank for those suffering from food poverty in Limerick before Christmas. Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick was invited to film and meet the lovely people who run this vital service after a video I Love Limerick put on their Facebook last month about the foodbank ended up going viral.

When we arrived at the foodbank early morning, despite it being only 9.45 am and the food bank wasn’t due to open until 11 am, the line was going around the block.

Midwest Simon Community provides this monthly foodbank service to the people struggling financially in Limerick. This operation provides people with a more dignified way to receive help getting food for their families and themselves. The foodbank they provide can only offer so much help on their own and so they are asking for help from local businesses and local people to help them help those who need it the most this Christmas.

Midwest Simon Community has been established since October 2006. The service covers the counties of Clare, Limerick, and North Tipperary. They aim to support people through their journey out of homelessness by providing appropriate accommodation and care services, tailored to their individual needs.

In Limerick, the foodbank operates from their office on Speaker’s Corner, Lower Carey’s Road. To date Midwest Simon supports over 2,000 people a week with food aid across the region and is the second-largest distributor of the FEAD programme in Ireland. The Fund of European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) is designed to support member states in addressing the basic needs of the most deprived people in our community.

Since our previous article on their foodbank, the support they have received from different groups and individuals donating their time and their resources to help Midwest Simon has grown. Thanks to the publicity they received from our video, Kerry Group arrived with a large donation of food for them to hand out to the people during this foodbank.

Midwest Simon Community Foodbank - Jackie Bonfield, CEO Mid West Simon Community, Eleshia Fahy, Head of Operations at Mid West Simon Community and Dominic Locke, Kerry Group at Midwest Simon Foodbank. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

Crew and volunteers of Midwest Simon Foodbank. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

Jenny Walsh, the Foodbank Coordinator for Midwest Simon Community, said, “The Kerry Group is coming here today as a result of the exposure from the last foodbank by I Love Limerick. Kerry Group reached out to us and said they would love to help with the foodbank. As a result of the last video and story, we have even received more volunteers which has been a massive help.”

One of the Kerry Group representatives, Dominic Locke, said, “We are delighted as a business to be able to support this wonderful initiative by donating a few of our food products to the food drive, especially at this time. It is so important that we all look out for each other and this is just our way of supporting and giving back to the local community in which we operate.”

The Midwest Simon foodbanks are available in Limerick, Nenagh, and Ennis. In Limerick, since the start of Covid-19, the number of people Midwest Simon has helped with their food bank has doubled and the longer we stay in lockdown the more the numbers grow. Covid-19 has had a massive effect on the people of Ireland’s regular income and a lot of people have been left to rely on charities such as the Midwest Simon Community.

The last foodbank before Christmas will be available on Friday, December 18. You can attend there from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. If you are elderly or vulnerable you can inform a member of staff and they will allow you to go to the front of the line so that you are not putting yourself at risk.

Eleshia Fahy, Head of Operations at Midwest Simon Community, said, “We are going to put out a huge call out today to big or small corporates that are willing to donate some food to us. We are always afraid of running out of food for the people who so desperately need it. We are always, always willing to accept any donations that are possible for people to give.”

Jackie Bonfield, CEO of Midwest Simon Community, added, “Kerry Group is providing us with some refrigerated food which we can’t normally provide so we are delighted. Hopefully, between now and Christmas we will get a lot more donations which will add to people’s Christmas table. So, they can actually celebrate Christmas like all of us want to. We have had a terrible year with Covid-19, and numbers have increased by over 40% with so many people losing their jobs. We are asking people to donate as much as they can so that everyone can celebrate Christmas with their close family this year, it is what we want to do and it is what we want everyone to be able to do.”

For more info call 061 608 980.

For more News go HERE 

If you would like to donate to the Midwest Simon Community, click HERE

Oct 08

St Munchins Community Centre delivers over 85,000 meals during pandemic

by richanthon in News 0 comments 794

St Munchins Community Centre delivers meals to those in need. Linda Ledger pictured above working hard in the kitchen at St Munchins with chef Christy O’Brien. Picture: Leon Ledger

St Munchins Community Centre delivers over 85,000 meals during pandemic

St Munchins Community Centre delivers

The meals are delivered straight to your door by the friendly drivers who volunteer with the centre. Picture: Leon Ledger

 

Over the course of the pandemic, St Munchin’s Community Centre on the northside of Limerick city delivered more than 85,000 meals across Limerick city and county.

 

St Munchin’s Community Centre provided a hot daily meal to 85,159 people over the age of 55 across Limerick from February 14 to September 25. Over the same period, 2,590 food parcels were delivered to children in need, with the service extending throughout the city and county.

 

In order to do the Meals on Wheels initiative, the facility at Kileely Court relied on the kindness of volunteers, including several metropolitan district councillors.

 

St Munchin’s Community Centre has played an active role in promoting and developing the community since its establishment in 2005. St Munchin’s delivers about 2,706 Meals on Wheels during in a week to people who need help from the community during this trying time.

 

On top of all the other work that the Community Centre does, St Munchin’s manager, Linda Ledger, revealed that during the pandemic they also delivered bread, milk, toilet roll, and anything else senior citizens needed that were being forced to cocoon during the lockdown.

 

The kitchens at the community centre are staffed by qualified chefs who cook and prepare each meal. The food is made fresh daily, with a different main course Monday to Saturday along with dessert. Each lunch costs €4.50 and dessert is an additional 50 cents, which is delivered straight to your door by the friendly drivers who volunteer with the centre.

 

Now, with many people fearful of a second wave and a second lockdown, it is imperative that the St Munchin’s Community Centre be able to continue its work with the community of Limerick.

 

Linda Ledger, the manager of St Munchins, said, “I’m under severe pressure at the moment because every day there are new people ringing and looking for meals, the last thing we ever want to do is not be able to feed someone. We have families ringing from all over telling us they can’t go see their elderly relatives as they don’t know if they are sick or not, so we are kind of a lifeline to these people too. No matter what happens we have to stay open to be able to help these people.”

 

“I know we are making a huge difference because the amount of people who are isolated and need our service is increasing all the time. But we need assistance to help feed Limerick and our surrounding areas, every little goes a long way and we thank you for your continuous support throughout these hard times. It is through donations and communities working together that we will get through this difficult time.”

 

To donate to the Meals on wheels initiative, click HERE

 

To learn more about the St Munchin’s Community Center, click HERE

For more News go HERE 

Oct 01

Limerick hero Mohamed Ferhat works to make his beloved city a cleaner place to live

by richanthon in News 0 comments 888

Mohamed Ferhat pictured above is a  volunteer of Limerick Tidy Towns and Team Limerick Cleanup. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

Limerick hero Mohamed Ferhat works to make his beloved city a cleaner place to live

Mohamed Ferhat

Mohamed has a love of all things nature and believes in keeping the city clean

Mohamed Ferhat is a Limerick Tidy Towns and Team Limerick Clean-up volunteer in Limerick city. Throughout lockdown, bad weather, and scorching heat Mohamed is out with the other volunteers cleaning up Limerick.

Mohamed who is originally from Algeria, is a very proud Irish citizen who came to Limerick after the death of the Celtic Tiger in 2011 to pursue further education and achieved his Degree in Art and Design. He has a lot of love for Ireland and especially for Limerick and wants to make his beloved city a cleaner place to live.

Mohamed Ferhat had been out picking up the waste on his own time. One day as he was cleaning, he met a Team Limerick Clean-up (TLC) volunteer who was equipped with bags, gloves, and a picker and started chatting with Mohamed. By the end of the conversation, Mohamed had been handed a litter-picker, vest, and a schedule and had become part of both Team Limerick Clean-up and Limerick Tidy Towns, the two organisations helping to clean up Limerick.

Mohamed told us, “I was passing under The Shannon Bridge and I met a gentleman from TLC who was well equipped with bags, gloves, and a picker. I started a conversation with him, and by the end of it, he had given me a litter-picker, plastic bags, a vest, and gloves, and I started that very day.”

Mohamed has a love of all things nature and believes in keeping the city clean so future generations can truly experience the beauty of nature in Limerick City.

During Covid-19, Mohamed found an opportune time to clean the riverbank from the Shannon Bridge to the end of Condell Road. He didn’t have to worry about contact with other people and so he began the task of pulling plastic from the riverbank, sometimes completely alone and other times with the help of friends.

Mohamed Ferhat told us of the trouble they have with some of the rubbish that has been dumped, saying, “I picked plenty of plastic and waste from the river. Sometimes I got help from my friend who is also part of the TLC team. Sometimes the waste is too heavy to pick up, we find fridges, road panels, plastic bins and sometimes even tires. All that waste would go out to the sea if it weren’t removed.”

Despite the selfless work that Mohamed is doing he still finds himself on the receiving end of nasty comments made by people who see him out with a bin bag and a litter picker and feel it’s ok to make fun of him or look down on him because he is picking up rubbish. However, Mohamed won’t let their comments or mean words deter him from making the city a cleaner place to live saying, “I don’t mind the comments, the majority of the hecklers are young or have less knowledge about the risk of plastic and waste threatening the planet and the atmosphere.”

The thing that Mohamed loves most about his work is the words of gratefulness and encouragement that he receives from people who pass by and see him working. He also loves to see the city clean and tidy, seeing it clean motivates him to keep it clean.

Maura O’Neill of Limerick Tidy Towns a fellow volunteer tells us, “Mohamed joined the Limerick City Tidy Towns Sunday crew at one of our regular twice-weekly litter picks about a year ago, and since then has been a hugely valued member of the team. As well as joining the normally scheduled litter-picks, Mo goes out most days on his own, sometimes for hours on end, and covers all areas of the city. He sends videos and photos of his routes and the results of his work back to the Tidy Towns WhatsApp group to keep us informed of his whereabouts and where he has covered and we are in awe of his commitment to Limerick city and to the environment, and his huge dedication and hard work. His diligence during lockdown was particularly impressive as he almost single-handedly cleaned the riverbed off the Condell Road, which was within his 2k limit.”

“We of course value all of our wonderful volunteers, without whom we would be unable to function as a group and to achieve what we do, but Mo stands out above the rest, not only for the work he does on the ground but also for his ideas with regard to projects for our national Tidy Towns application, which are particularly welcome given his background in graphic design. He is hugely proud to be a part of our group and to do what he does for Limerick, and we in turn are very proud and privileged to have him as part of our team.”

Well done Mohamed! You are a credit to Limerick and we are all so grateful to you! Mohamad Ferhat

Team Limerick Cleanup and Limerick Tidy Towns are great organisations and could always use more volunteers!

Mohamad Ferhat

For Limerick Tidy Towns go HERE

For Team Limerick Clean-up go HERE

For more News go HERE

 

Sep 04

A tribute to Limericks Gateway to Education founder Suzanne Roche

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Suzanne Roche pictured with Richard in 2013 during the early days of LGTE. Picture: ilovelimerick

A tribute to Limericks Gateway to Education founder Suzanne Roche

By I Love Limerick correspondent Mary Caroline McCarthy

Suzanne roche

Richard and Suzanne pictured during the early days of the Indira Initiative in 2013. 

Suzanne Roche is a well-known name in Limerick who in 2012 founded the organisation Limericks Gateway to Education, a non-profit social enterprise created to address economic and social barriers to education. They work to relieve financial pressures on families at the start of each school term; to connect parents and families to resources that will ensure full participation in the school system and community; to provide educational support not otherwise available to students in at-risk families.

Suzanne has dedicated the last eight years to this project, and it is extremely close to her heart. Unfortunately, this past March, Suzanne suffered a stroke that has caused her to have to take a step back, but she is sure she is leaving it in capable hands as a Board of Directors will now run the organisation.

Suzanne officially announced her leaving on Facebook saying, “Well as the saying goes it’s not official till it is shared on Facebook. Due to warnings from the man above I had to make the toughest decision this week to part ways with Gateway to Education. It has been my baby since 2012, I made wonderful friendships over the year’s parents, children, students, volunteers, and some of them were there to get me through the last few weeks. I challenged myself and learned a lot… for that I am thankful. The staff are a wonderful bunch of people who I know will carry on under new leadership and will continue to do great work within the community. So now it is time to open the next chapter and see what lies ahead for me! Best wishes to you all. Suzanne!”

Let’s look back at her achievements as we remember her years of generosity and kindness to the community of Limerick.

Suzanne began this homegrown voluntary enterprise in April 2012, when it was originally called ‘Indira Initiative’. The enterprise began when Suzanne found herself struggling to provide school necessities for her four young children in the middle of the recession in 2012. Suzanne reached out to the community for help and there was, of course, an outpour of generous offers to help the struggling mother of four. These generous offers left Suzanne with a surplus of books and uniforms which she then gave to her friends and neighbours who were also struggling with the cost of education, thus the Indira Initiative as it was known then was born.

When speaking on why she started the initiative Suzanne said, “Gateway to Education Limerick is a non-profit, social enterprise created in Limerick in April 2012 to address economic and social barriers to education. We work to relieve financial pressures on families throughout each school term; to connect parents and families to resources that will ensure full participation in the school system and community; to provide educational support not otherwise available to primary and secondary students in at-risk families.”

Suzanne continued to collect donated books and uniforms and sold them at deeply discounted prices to alleviate the hardship of paying for education. In the next five years, she moved her shop from a shed in her backyard to a location on O’Connell Street and finally to its current site, a shop on Wickham Street in Limerick City Centre. This shop works to relieve the cost to parents when children return to school, by way of providing recycled schoolbooks and uniforms. Revenue provided from these and other second-hand items allows them to keep the doors open.

Suzanne roche

Suzanne and Ger Roche pictured in the room where the fire started in their home on Christmas Eve 2013. Picture Michael Cowhey

Suzanne suffered several major setbacks in the last decade including surviving breast cancer and tragedy struck for Suzanne at the end of 2013 when she lost her home to a fire on Christmas Eve. The fire was suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault in the back bedroom where the couple’s four children had been due to sleep that night for their family tradition. It was during this hard time for Suzanne that the community of Limerick gathered to give back to this generous woman by donating the essentials they would need to refit their house after the devastating fire.

Despite all the hardships Suzanne has remained passionate about developing her project saying, “Working within the charity sector is not an easy task, it takes dedication, leadership,  hard work, and luck. You need a lot of support to manage a project of its size while depending on donations and fundraising to keep it afloat. Leaving the business part aside, the  reason why you do what you do is of course to help those who need a helping hand and offer an alternative to those in need such as our cost reduction on schoolbooks, homework club support, and in-house training to provide better work opportunities.”

In 2014 after much thought and deliberation Suzanne decided to change the name from the Indira Initiative to Gateway to Education (LGTE).

As time went by, Suzanne also began to receive donations of clothing, novels, and household supplies, and she sold these too to maintain the shop. One day, a local mum walked into the shop and shared her concerns about her daughter’s education—the woman couldn’t read or write, and she was unable to pay for anyone else to help with her daughter’s schoolwork. Suzanne immediately saw an opportunity to help the Limerick community in another way and she formed the Homework Club (now known as the Fun Learning Club), to help children ranging from 6 to 14 years of age with one-to-one tuition, advice, and encouragement from the excellent students of UL, Mary I, and LIT who volunteer their time to teach the children.

Suzanne Roche

At the LGTE store on Wickham Street – Richard with store manager Karen Keane, salesperson Ross McCoy and charity founder Suzanne Roche in 2015. Picture: Billy Butler/ILoveLimerick

In 2015, Gateway to Education expanded their Homework Club and moved it to Plassey Village on the outskirts of the University of Limerick. People have sung their praises about the programme and how it is beneficial to the students as well as the tutors.

In 2018 Gateway to Education expanded their reach all the way to Malawi by beginning the Limerick Gateway to Education Malawi appeal. This appeal came about because of a volunteer with the charity who was in direct provision and was of Malawian heritage connected Suzanne to his brother who worked for the government in Malawi. Suzanne worked with Paul Kelly, Head Coordinator of the Limerick Gateway to Education Malawi appeal on the project and the Malawi appeal was born.


Suzanne explains, “Gateway to Education provides books to schools in Malawi that are seriously struggling with school materials because I am a firm believer in everyone’s right to education no matter who they are or where they come from.”

LGTE Homework Club

At the launch of the LGTE Homework Club IN 2016 – Sharon Fitzgerald, Board member of LGTE, Suzanne Roche, Founder and CEO of LGTE and Philip King, Manager Plassey Village UL Campus. Picture: Holly Kenny/ilovelimerick

The Malawi appeal finally lifted off in 2019 after gathering as many books as they possibly could. The books were sent to schools and libraries in Malawi where they would be distributed rather than have them thrown into a landfill in Ireland. This kind of initiative had never happened in Ireland before making LGTE inspiring leaders in this area. In one school in Mzuzu City, Malawi there were 1,057 pupils in a school with four teachers, before Gateway to Education’s help, they had a total of 46 books, some of the kids just had to do without.

In July 2020, LGTE became the first organisation in the Munster Region to be awarded with SOLA’s PQASSO Quality Mark. SOLA’s aim is to empower individuals and organisations in the community and voluntary sector by engaging in research, education, and training to implement proven governance standards and sustainable quality systems.

Suzanne has spent eight years building LGTE and helping struggling parents and the community of Limerick and she is leaving behind a brilliant legacy and very fond memories of her work.

Suzanne Roche

Pictured in 2018 are Paul Kelly, Head Coordinator of the Limerick Gateway to Education Malawi appeal, LGTE founder Suzanne Roche and staff member Joe Downey outside the LGTE store. Picture: Ciara Hayes/ ilovelimerick.

Suzanne commented, “My favourite memory was when I received photos from Malawi showing the donation of 500 boxes of school books had been received just in time for Christmas. Not only did we reduce landfills but a lot of underprivileged children will learn and possibly have a better outlook in life just by one small token.  Thanks to the people of Limerick and beyond for getting behind the Gateway team.”

Richard Lynch of ilovelimerick said, “Congratulations Suzanne. What an achievement! Thank you for your years of work with the community. I am so proud of you and you have inspired us all with your hard work and kindness. Your work will never be forgotten and you have left an incredible legacy. Love you always.” Suzanne roche

For more info go HERE

For more Richard Knows News, click HERE.

 

 

Aug 28

Longcourt House Hotel hosts Ireland’s First Virtual Wedding Showcase!

by richanthon in News 0 comments 1157

Longcourt Virtual Wedding Showcase – Models from Virginia Bridal were pictured with Mario Puckowski, The Longcourt Hotel General Manager, Richard Lynch, I Love Limerick, and Ela Puckowska, The Longcourt Hotel Operations Manager, as well as local wedding vendors at the launch of Ireland’s First Virtual Wedding Showcase which will be aired live on the Longcourt House Hotel Facebook page on Sunday August 30 at 1pm. Picture: Marie Keating

Longcourt House Hotel hosts Ireland’s First Virtual Wedding Showcase!

 

With so many big decisions and tiny details to consider, planning a wedding can be a daunting experience both emotionally and financially. The loving team at the four-star Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West, are here to help excited couples to alleviate both of these stress factors by holding Ireland’s First Virtual Wedding Showcase broadcast as a Live Premiere on the Longcourt House Hotel Facebook Page on Sunday, August 30 at 1pm. 

 

WATCH THE SHOWCASE HERE

 

The event will be hosted by Richard Lynch of ilovelimerick who will not only give the soon to be Mr. & Mrs a virtual tour of the Longcourt as a glamorous home of the happily ever after, but will also introduce the audience to the Longcourt’s preferred wedding suppliers, everything you need to find exactly the services you require for that perfect wedding.

 

Triona Dore, Marketing & Sales Manager said, “The Longcourt House Hotel is a modern 4-star hotel, in Newcastle West Co. Limerick and under the stewardship of General Manager Mario Puchowski and his wife Ela Puchowska, Longcourt House Hotel is fast building a reputation as a premium food and events venue in the Midwest. We invite you to join us today for our very first Virtual Wedding Showcase where you can meet the team, take a detailed look around and learn how your wedding celebration at Longcourt House Hotel will be one of the most magical and special days in your lives together.”

 

General Manager Mario Puchowski said, “I want to welcome everyone to Longcourt House Hotel and to our first-ever virtual wedding showcase. We decided to do a virtual wedding showcase because we are so proud of the Longcourt and wanted to share it with the virtual world. Couples to be will be given the chance to see the hotel in all its glory, to experience all that is on offer, get to meet key members of our team including Executive Chef Eamon Long and meet some of our picks of the best wedding suppliers from fantastic wedding cake designers to the best wedding dresses and everything in between.”

Longcourt Virtual Wedding Showcase

Richard Lynch pictured interviewing Virginia from Virginia Bridal during the filming of the Longcourt Virtual Wedding Showcase. which was filmed by Daycent Media. Picture: Marie Keating

 

Local Couple Jim and Mary Long purchased the Longcourt in 2014 and set out an ambitious part renovation and part new build project. The aim was, and is, to deliver a modern, yet welcoming property not only for the town of Newcastle West, which since the closure of the previous hotel had no hotel, but the greater Midwest population. In addition to the revamped bedrooms and modern new Bar Bistro, an opulent ballroom and purpose-built private Courtyard was built, specifically to help couples celebrate their wedding day in comfortable surroundings. The hotel has found its way into people’s lives and momentous moments from birthday celebrations, christenings and of course Weddings. A hotel such as Longcourt House Hotel in a town like Newcastle West can become the soul of the town and we are creating a space and venue that is fast becoming central to life in the town and surrounding areas. The Longcourt is the Perfect Venue for your Wedding Celebration. Longcourt House Hotel, a much sought-after destination wedding venue in the Midwest. On the run-up to their big day, the winning couple can put their feet up and leave all their reception planning stress and worries in the capable hands of the experienced Longcourt House Hotel wedding team.

 

Mario adds, “We have undergone a transformation to get to where we are today, and can’t wait to make many memorable days for the newlyweds that will walk through our doors!”.

 

The entire event was filmed and edited by James and John of Daycent Media and as the Wedding Showcase will be broadcast live as a Live Premiere on Facebook, the audience will be able to interact with both the Longcourt and wedding suppliers in the chat section of the broadcast and have any questions they may have about their big day answered by the wedding professionals.

 

The Longcourt House Hotel Virtual Wedding Showcase will be broadcast as a Live Premiere on the ‘Longcourt House Hotel’ Facebook page on Sunday, August 30 at 1pm and everyone is invited to join the celebration of love!

 

For more information on the luxurious four-star Longcourt House Hotel click HERE, or to enquire about booking your unique wedding please call the Longcourt House Hotel wedding team on 069 25300 or email [email protected].

For more Richard Knows News, click HERE.

 

Aug 12

You Are in Safe Hands At The Limerick Strand

by richanthon in News 0 comments 1408

Limerick Strand safety charter ensures you are in safe hands at the Strand – Pictured here is Stephen O’ Connor, General Manager with some of his team. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

 

“You’re in safe hands at The Strand”

At the Limerick Strand Hotel, the safety of the guests and team remains their utmost priority. This video shows just some of the new procedures put in place to ensure you and yours have a safe and happy visit to The Strand Hotel.

#lovelimerick #ilovelimerick #lovinlimerick #limerickedgelimerickembrace

Posted by WWW.ILOVELIMERICK.COM on Tuesday, August 11, 2020

 

You Are in Safe Hands At The Limerick Strand

The Limerick Strand Hotel was delighted to reopen this past Friday July 3rd and are inviting guests to come and explore the city and environs this summer.

Since the reopening the safety of their guests has become the Limerick Strand’s top priority as evidenced by their Failte Ireland Safety Charter proudly displayed in the lobby of the hotel. Fáilte Ireland has issued sector specific guidelines for tourism and hospitality businesses to guide them in how best to meet the Government’s public health advice and the Strand have excelled in meeting these standards.

Stephen O’ Connor, General Manager said, “My team and I are delighted to be able to welcome you back safely to Limerick. We take standards of hygiene and cleanliness very seriously, proudly display our Failte Ireland Safety Charter, and have over 150 hand sanitizing stations around the hotel. Seven of our management team have achieved a QQI level 5 qualification in infection prevent and control. You are in safe hands at the Strand.”

Beautifully perched overlooking the majestic River Shannon, blessed with superb facilities, warm and attentive staff plus a multi-award winning Chef, 4* Limerick Strand is the perfect place for an escape to the city or an ideal base for exploring the incredible surrounds of the Wild Atlantic Way.

To celebrate the re-opening they have some incredible offers available to book online with discounts including Book 2 nights and receive the 3rd night free!  and with room rates starting from €155 per room per night, you can enjoy a few days exploring the city and region, reconnecting with friends and family and making new memories along the way. Last year the hotel unveiled a new look for their contemporary bedrooms, suites and corridors refurbishing all and up-grading facilities.

Hotel guests can easily explore Limerick city on foot or hire a bike and take advantage of the green spaces along the Shannon riverbank or go further afield and explore the beautiful wooden trails and parks which include Curraghchase Forest Park, Ballyhoura Mountain Trails & Cratloe Woods. For the energetic, why not grab a kayak and see Limerick from the water with Limerick City Kayak Tours. Limerick Strand offers a complimentary range of walking, running and cycling map routes for hotel guests and are happy to provide suggested driving itineraries if guests fancy venturing a little further for a day trip as Limerick is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. Also, they are at hand to organise a round of golf at nearby Rathbane and Castletroy golf courses, should you fancy hitting the greens.

The city is packed with historic places of interest, activities, cultural hotspots and great food stops including the famous Milk Market.   However, the city won’t be ‘packed’ so you will feel comfortable strolling and exploring this summer. Even better, why not order one of Executive Chef Tom Flavin’s bespoke Limerick produce inspired Picnic Baskets to go? Using the best of local supplier produce, Tom has created a selection of freshly cut sandwiches, the Strand’s award-winning scones and a miniature Dessert selection all washed down with a bottle of Attyflin Estate Apple Juice. Priced at €20 per person and €12.50 per child it is a keenly priced treat. limerick strand safety charter

To make a reservation call 061 421800 or [email protected] for more details, click HERE

For more Richard Knows News, click HERE.

limerick strand reopens

Limerick Strand management team are working hard behind the scenes for your return. Pictured from left to right – Tom Flavin, Executive Chef, Maria O’Gorman, Skelly Director of Sales, Stephen O’Connor, General Manager and Aishling Casey, Wedding and Events Manager. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

Aug 12

The Haven Hub Reopening in a New Location

by richanthon in News 0 comments 1506

Haven Hub Reopening at Jimmy C Makeup Academy – Pictured are Leona O’Callaghan, Founder and Chairperson of Haven Hub, Jimmy Collins of Jimmy C Makeup, Katie Sheehan, Haven Hub Representative of Families affected by Suicide, Lorna Ryan,  Haven Hub Welfare Officer (back row), Claire Kelly, Haven Hub Secretary and John Nugent, Haven Hub, Vice-Chair and Safety Officer. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick.

The Haven Hub is reopening on Friday, August 14! Due to the Covid-19, their former location remains closed. The Haven Hub volunteers provided telephone support seven nights a week during the pandemic. The new premises at 9, Steamboat Quay was generously offered to the Haven Hub by Jimmy Collins of Jimmy C College Of Make-up Artistry.

Jimmy’s incredible offer of the use of his premises means The Haven Hub can return to providing face to face peer support to those who are struggling and vulnerable on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm until 2 am at 9, Steamboat Quay while adhering to government guidelines and observing social distancing.

Read the full story on our website!

#ilovelimerick #lovelimerick #lovinlimerick #limerickedgelimerickembrace

Posted by WWW.ILOVELIMERICK.COM on Wednesday, August 12, 2020

 

The Haven Hub Reopening in a New Location

The Haven Hub are thrilled to be able to reopen their doors on Friday, August 14. Due to the Covid-19, their former location on Henry Street remains closed since March with volunteers from The Haven Hub instead providing telephone support seven nights a week during the pandemic. The new premises at 9, Steamboat Quay was generously offered to the Haven Hub by Jimmy Collins of Jimmy C Make-Up Academy and Jimmy’s incredible offer of the use of his premises means The Haven Hub can return to providing face to face peer support to those who are struggling and vulnerable.

The Haven Hub recently called for an independent inquiry into the treatment of people at risk of suicide in the Mid-west Area in the hope of working together with the HSE on making improvements needed with the motion for this inquiry unanimously passed by the council when raised by Cllr Sharon Benson.

The CSO statistics in 2019 show that yet again the highest overall suicide rate was registered in Limerick. This is more than seven times higher than the suicide rate listed for Dublin. The suicide rate for males in Limerick was again the highest in the country, seventeen times higher than the lowest rate in south Dublin. The 2018 NSRF figures showed that Limerick had nearly twice the national average of people who attempted suicide or Self-harmed. Limerick University hospital had the highest rate of discharge also from those that have presented to UHL having self-harmed, feeling suicidal or having attempted suicide. With these statistics it cannot be denied that there is a specifically worrying problem with suicide in the Midwest Area.

The Haven Hub will continue offering peer support on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm until 2am at 9 Steamboat Quay while adhering to government guidelines and observing social distancing. For more information please contact Leona O’ Callaghan 083 3668582.

In other news a number of friends and colleagues of the late Lesley Anne Liddane, who passed away unexpectedly in April, will be taking part in a Haven Hub skydive fundraiser on Sunday, September 27, in memory of Lesley Anne, and in aid of The Haven Hub. Prior to her tragic passing, Lesley Anne had been planning a skydive to raise funds for The Haven Hub, and now, a number of her colleagues and acquaintances have vowed to carry out Lesley Anne’s wishes and take part in a skydive in her memory.

To donate to The Haven Hub skydive, click HERE or HERE 

For more stories on The Haven Hub, click HERE

For more Richard Knows News, click HERE.

Haven Hub Skydive

A skydive fundraiser is taking place on Sunday, September 27, in memory of the late Lesley Anne Liddane, and in aid of the Haven Hub. Pictured are Leona O’Callaghan, Founder and Chairperson of Haven Hub (back row centre) with friends and colleagues of Lesley Anne who are taking part in the skydive. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick.

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