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.

Feb 16

Limerick Chronicle Column 24 January 2017

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Feb 08

Limerick Chronicle Column 17 January 2017

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Feb 03

Limerick Chronicle Column 24 January 2017

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Sep 27

Limerick CDKL5 Charity Walk 2016 is a success

by richanthon in News, Old Posts 0 comments 2728 0

The Limerick CDKL5 Charity Walk 2016 took place Saturday, September 24. The aim of the walk was to raise awareness of this rare neurological condition as well as raise some funds towards research for a cure.

Richard Lynch pictured at last years CDKL5 Awareness Day 2014 with Jonna, Emma, Maia and Brendan Malone. Picture: Oisin Mc Hugh

Richard Lynch pictured at CDKL5 Awareness Day 2014 with Jonna, Emma, Maia and Brendan Malone. Picture: Oisin Mc Hugh

Maia Malone, a 9-year-old girl from county Limerick suffers from this rare neurological disorder. As a result of the condition Maia has severe daily seizures, which are not tamed by medication, she also suffers from gastrointestinal problems, visual difficulties, sleep disturbances, apraxia, bruxism, and she cannot talk or look after herself. Maia needs around the clock care by her family and those around there.

All members of the public were welcome to take part in the Limerick CDKL5 Charity Walk 2016 which started at 1pm on Saturday September 24. The group gathered in Limerick’s People’s Park at the tree planted at last year’s event before walking to Arthur’s Quay and returning to the park. Participants were provided with a wish ribbon that they can place on the tree at the beginning of the event.

Speaking at the event Maia’s Mum, Jonna said: “By raising awareness we are hoping that when people know more about CDKL5 and more doctors hear more about it, other children will get to be diagnosed sooner than Maia, Maia was four years of age before she got the diagnosis. The diagnosis has helped us to understand Maia’s condition a bit better.”

Jonna Malone and her daughter Maia pictured at the Limerick CDKL5 Charity Walk 2015 with Richard Lynch. Picture: Johnny Baynes for ilovelimerick.

“We are raising a little bit of funds today but that is not the main point of today, today is about awareness raising but the funds that are raised will go towards research for the condition. In Europe, they are doing very positive research about protein replacement therapy that maybe will be a cure for the condition, at the moment there isn’t one; but in time. Any money raised today will go towards funding the research.”

“When more people know about the condition it might be easier to have the diagnosis received quicker for other children. In this world, you have to shout for help if your child has a disability. By having the awareness that this is what our lives are like, it makes it a little easier.”

Another mother from Limerick named Graznya Musial whose four-year-old daughter Malgosia also suffers from the condition attended the event and said, “My daughter needs 24-hour care and it’s really reassuring that there are other families in similar situations to us.”

Both mothers have daughters with CDKL5 and met through the Irish CDKL5 Facebook page and met for the first time in person on the day of this year’s walk.

Also in aid of CDKL5 is ‘The Ultimate Firewalk’ that takes place in Bray, Co. Wicklow on September 30, just one week after the annual CDKL5 walk in Limerick.

CDKL5 is a rare X-linked genetic disorder that results in early onset, difficult to control seizures, and severe neuro-developmental impairment. CDKL5 is classed as rare disease however, more and more children and indeed adults are being diagnosed every day.

The CDKL5 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for normal brain development. Although little is known about the protein’s function, it may play a role in regulating the activity of other genes, including the MECP2 gene (or Rett Syndrome). The CDKL5 protein acts as a kinase, which is an enzyme that changes the activity of other proteins by adding oxygen and phosphate atoms (a phosphate group) at specific positions. Researchers have not yet determined which proteins are targeted by the CDKL5 protein.

Most children affected by CDKL5 suffer from seizures that begin in the first few months of life. Most cannot walk, talk or feed themselves, and many are confined to wheelchairs, dependent on others for everything. Many also suffer with scoliosis, visual impairment, sensory issues and various gastrointestinal difficulties. As time has gone on it appears that there might be other symptoms that play a role in the condition.

Ten years ago, Professor John Christodoulou led an Australian research team that studied the DNA of three children from the same family and found a common genetic abnormality occurring on a gene that would later become known as CDKL5. His research was published in the prestigious journal, The American Journal of Human Genetics 2004. Glyn was one of the three children at the focus of Dr. Christodoulou’s study.

Glyn’s Legacy was in his DNA, which helped scientists to begin to identify what we now refer to as a CDKL5 Disorder. Unfortunately, Glyn passed on June 17, 1997, before his disease-causing gene was discovered, but his tragic, short life had an important impact on the children who have since been diagnosed with the same devastating disorder.

You can find more information on CDKL5 here.
Check out the CDKL5 Facebook here.
Read more about our previous coverage of Limerick CDKL5 Charity Walk here.

While you wait for Limerick CDKL5 Charity Walk 2016, check out our YouTube coverage of the Limerick CDKL5 Awareness Walk 2015 below.

Jul 29

Limerick LGBTI Pride Festival 2016

by richanthon in Awareness, Charity, Community, Culture, Events, Family, News, Pride 0 comments 2610 0

Limerick LGBTI Pride Festival 2016 got under way last week with a number of special events held for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities in the city, as well as the wider Limerick public.

As always, there was an educational aspect to the Limerick LGBTI Pride Festival 2016. Support meetings will be held throughout the week for youth, adult and transgender groups.

The main event, of course, was the annual Limerick Pride parade, which kicked off last Saturday from City Hall.

The theme of this year’s festival was #UnitedColoursofLimerick and the Parade was led by Broden Giambrone, the chief executive of Transgender Equality Network Ireland. Broden brought many friends from Dublin and after the Parade made an inspirational speech at PrideFest 2016, a showcase of local LGBT culture, held in a beautiful marquee on the grounds of the Hunt Museum.

In 2015, Ireland saw the Marriage Equality Referendum passed as well as a Bill on Gender Recognition; Broden said that although these are welcome changes and are massive steps in LGBTI history in Ireland there is still a lot to be done. Broden says there is a need for hate-crime legislation, increased supports nationally and the revision of the Gender Recognition Act to include all members of the trans community.

“More broadly increased positive visibility is what we need, that is what changes people’s views. Legislation is important but we need to show that as trans people, we are part of Irish society, we are your siblings, your co-workers, your friends, we are your family. We are one element, one aspect of human diversity.”

Pride festivals are a celebration of history, community and acceptance said Broden, who also believes it is the perfect platform to educate society on the LGBTI community, “A lot of people at Pride come from within the community, but you also get a lot of friends, families and allies coming as well, so it is the perfect platform to be talking about these issues and the diversity of the LGBTI community.”

“Being trans is part of the human condition, we should be able to accept that and celebrate it like we do all diversities. Positive visibility is a big part; supporting people in being able to live true to who they are.”

I was honoured that Broden said yes when I asked him to be the Grand Marshall for this years Limerick Pride. There is a need for LGBTI Pride festivals, as long as others in the global LGBTI community are not as fortunate as us in Ireland in terms of equal human rights. We must take a stand for human rights for all. That’s why our theme this year is #UnitedColoursofLimerick. We want Pride to be an inclusive, open and integrated event welcoming all people regardless of their sexual or gender orientation, religion or race. This year we aimed to put the T back into LGBTI, with a focus specifically on advancing the rights and equality of trans people and their families and we succeeded admirably. It was thrilled to be able to see transgendered people walking through the streets of Limerick with the people of Limerick put on the streets waving them on with love.

Limerick LGBTI Pride Festival 2016 pictured at The main Climax Party at Dolan’s Warehouse, will feature Queens of Limerick, Madonna Lucia and Sheila Fitzpatrick taking to the stage with local acts and with the Dublin queens of Dragged Up. Picture: Edmund McCarthy/ilovelimerick

The Limerick Pride LGBTI Festival 2016 took place starting on Monday July 11 until Sunday July 17 with the Parade on Saturday July 16 and featured a multitude of events from workshops, support meetings and discussions to evenings of music and club nights, to cater to the Pride needs of everyone.

Limerick LGBTI Pride Festival 2016 – Limerick Youth Service will host Limerick’s first Pride Youth Party at LYS’s Lava Javas Youth Cafe, 5 Lower Glentworth St on Friday, July 15.

A Day in May photograph exhibition was launched in The Belltable, 69 O’Connell Street on Monday, July 11 to coincide with Limerick LGBTI Pride.

Limerick Pride’s official Launch night was on Monday July 11 and finished off in Strokers Gay Bar on William Street with champagne, finger food and dance floor musical treats. Strokers are opening 7 nights during Pride to offer something different on every night of Pride.

On Tuesday July 12 from 1pm to 4pm, Strokers Gay Bar hosted a Trans Workshop. Whether you’re interested in learning to put on make up, pick out high heels or how to create a realistic beard, this was a very special event. Experts were there to show all who attended the skills you need to present in your gender.

On Wednesday July 13, the Pride Wedding Show, a wedding fair established in 2014 as part of Limerick Pride Festival, took place from 6pm to 8pm, venue TBD. Sharon McMeel, an award winning wedding planner, said about the fair: “We’ll have different suppliers and vendors there, so all couples regardless of their sexual orientation will have a good opportunity to get answers to their important questions if they are considering getting married. With the historic ‘Yes’ vote last year for the marriage referendum, it’s great to be able to look out for all the people who have gotten newly engaged.”

Limerick LGBTI Pride Festival 2016 – A huge thanks to Shannon Conference and Sports Bureau, Limerick City & County Council and to Fran O’Donell of Futureama Productions for sponsoring this year’s Limerick Pride flags on the Shannon Bridge. Pictured here the flags flying proudly with the Limerick 2020 flags. Picture: Sarah Hayes/ilovelimerick

Wednesday after the Pride Wedding Show, Cobblestone Joes was home to the Limerick Pride Open Mic night. The inclusive atmosphere of one of Limericks top music venues was the perfect fit for the #UnitedColoursofLimerick theme with all singers and musicians welcome for this fantastic music celebration.

On Thursday July 14, Mezz Ladies Night at the Red Hen saw the comeback of the hottest night for girls who like girls with a prosecco reception, DJ and late bar with free admission.

On Friday, July 15 the now traditional event ‘T’was the night before Pride’ took place at Mickey Martins from 9pm-11.30pm. Running since 2008, Mickey Martins returned for another year to host the pre-pride party with guest DJ Aoife Nic Canna. Afterwards it was off to Club Milk’s 3rd Birthday Bash with DJ Gary G.

The annual Limerick LGBTI Pride parade began on Saturday July 16, and brought some extra colour and music to Limerick City Centre, gathering at City Hall at 1.30pm, the Parade made its way at 2.30pm sharp up O’Connell Street, across Mallow Street to Henry Street, past Arthurs Quay Park and returned to the Hunt Museum for PrideFest 2016.

PrideFest 2016 was a showcase of local LGBT culture in Limerick in a lavish marquee in the museum gardens with host Paul Ryder, with special guests Hands in Harmony Deaf Community Choir and back by popular demand Patrick James, Voice of Ireland 2015 winner. Limerick legend, actor, director and playwright, Myles Breen held his annual tea dance, which for many is a highlight of the festival.

That night after Pridefest, the main Climax Party at Dolan’s Warehouse, featured Queens of Limerick, Madonna Lucia and Sheila Fitzpatrick taking to the stage with local acts and with the Dublin queens of “Dragged Up” including Gala award entertainer of the year Victoria Secret, Paul Ryder, Regina George and Pixie, followed by DJ Ruth on the main floor, a “Saved by the 90s” party upstairs and Madonna Lucia hosting her monthly party at Confessions with DJ Bugsy. Three rooms packed with colour, vibrancy and music for all.

On Sunday, June 17, a Prideful Recovery Event was held at GOSHH, 18 Davis Street from 1pm – 5pm with holistic therapies including Reiki, Tarot and angel card readings.

A full line-up for Pride week can be found at www.LimerickPride.ie with updates at www.facebook.com/limerickpride. Tag your photos and comments about this years Pride with #UnitedColoursofLimerick.

For media inquires contact [email protected].

To check out all the updates on Limerick LGBTI Pride Festival 2016 click here.

For more news stories about Pride from I Love Limerick click here.

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Jul 29

VIDEO Limerick 2020 bid Street Party

by richanthon in Art, Award, Awareness, Children, Community, Competition, Culture, Dance, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, I Love Limerick, Inspirational, Learning, Local Buisness, News, Press, Promo, Youth 0 comments 4230 0

Announcing details of the event at upper O’Connell Street, Limerick were, Catherine Ryan and Laura Malone of Fidget Feet with Limerick localTom Muldowney, Henry Street. Picture: Alan Place/ilovelimerick.

The excitement is building up as the countdown for the ECOC jury panel’s review of Limerick on Tuesday, July 12 starts coming closer. Limerick has got one last chance to push the city’s European Capital of Culture Limerick 2020 bid with a spectacular street party to celebrate the magical journey of the campaign.

While the ECOC jury panel reviews the city and the cultural institutions, thousands of the city’s citizens will get to indulge themselves in culinary delicacies, art and musical culture. The event will start up around midday and finish in the evening.

The public will be treated to various events including the Culture and Chips food carnival on O Connell Ave from noon onwards, a taste of international cuisine with the World Recipe Exchange, and lots of gatherings at venues such as the Hunt Museum, Howley’s Quay and O’Connell Street’s urban garden.

Daniel O’Connell’s whole block on upper O’Connell Street between Hartstonge Street and Barrington Street (the area known as The Crescent in the Georgian Quarter) will become party central as Culture & Chips Takes To The Streets from noon until evening.

If Limerick succeeds, it will indeed be historic. It’ll also be – according to estimates – worth around €170m to the city. Limerick won’t get to enter the European Capital of Culture again for another 15 years so that’s also why there is such a huge push to try and succeed.

The Limerick 2020 bid team makes its final presentation to the panel at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on July 14 and the winner being announced the following day. It’s a tough competition as Limerick competes against Galway, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny for the title.

Bid director Mike Fitzpatrick said that now is “the right time” for Limerick to earn the prestigious title. “Limerick is aware that the jury is in town, but it’s not about the jury; it is about having a moment to say, ‘Look how far we have come’ in terms of how culture has formed part of everyday life in Limerick. Whatever happens on July 15, whatever the decision is, culture will remain at the centre of what we do. It has given us so much confidence and belief in ourselves.”

Bid deputy director, Sheila Deegan, said the festive day “may go down as one of the most important days for the city.”

“Win or lose with the Limerick 2020 bid, we have achieved an awful lot and it is time to celebrate so we are asking that as many people as possible to turn out and enjoy this party with us. The journey has awakened a real sense of cultural identity in Limerick and a wider awareness of just how rich, diverse and talented our cultural heritage is. We were Ireland’s first City of Culture and we certainly showed over the course of that magical year just how much Limerick has found its cultural voice and it is now singing from the rooftops.”

SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

Limerick Street Food, run with Limerick Council: this weekly pretty market of tents will deck out on Harvey’s Quay on Tuesday 12, 11am to 4pm.
For a serving of culture with a side of chips, Culture & Chips Takes To The Streets in conjunction with Limerick 2020 are throwing a street party of food, culture, performance on Tuesday 12, 12.30pm-7pm at The Crescent, O Connell Ave.
The new Urban Garden on O’Connell Street will host the Gig in the Garden from 2.30pm: “an eclectic mix of home-grown talent” led by The Harmony in Hands Deaf Community Choir.
Hunt Museum Garden Party begins at 2.30pm with face painting and artists creating new works, all to a jazz accompaniment.
Children head to Ormston House for the Science Magic Show, 3pm, which promises “an explosive time with chemistry and magic to enthrall”.
International class pipe organist David Casson plays in concert free at Sacred Heart Church, The Crescent at 8pm. Part of Limerick Pipe Organ Festival.

Romantic GladRags 95 Minute Challenge has a winner!

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