The Limerick Blogger: latest Limerick news and Limerick events

Limerick rail passengers hoping for a direct train from Heuston Station in Dublin to Colbert Station in Limerick found themselves dumped on the platform of Limerick Junction on Sunday after Irish Rail failed to inform the driver that he was to make an unsceduled stop at Thurles to accomodate hurling fans attending the Clare versus Cork match in the town.

The GAA fans were hopping mad when, as they prepared to allight from the train, they watched Thurles station fly by without even slowing down.

The fans, created a comotion and the train was forced to stop at Limerick Junction to offload it’s Limerick bound passengers so the driver could take the eighty hurling fans back to Thurles.

It turns out that the fans purchased their rail tickets for the 1330 hrs train from Dublin after assurances that the train would stop at Thurles. After the driver was confronted at the Junction, he was ordered by Irish Rail to take them back to Thurles. The hurling supporters were ordered back onto the train while the driver moved from the front engine to the rear one.

Limerick passengers had to wait for another train to take them to Limerick. Irish rail apologised to all those who were inconvenienced.

Full Story from the Irish Examiner

A cyclist in his 20’s was killed this morning when he collided with a car on the Herbertstown road in Ballybricken, County Limerick.

The collision occoured at approximately 1100 hrs this morning. The man has not yet been named.

Meanwhile, Gardai in Abbeyfeale are seaking information on a hit-and-run incident which occoured in the area at approximately 0400 hrs this morning.

From NewsWire blog:

A 23 year old man was hit by a red car which then went in the direction of Athea.The incident happened around 4 am. The man was taken to Limerick Regional hospital where is injuries are not thought to be serious.

Abbeyfeale Gardai can be contacted by anyone with information on this incident at (068) 3 11 00

Here’s a little of what is happening locally to begin today’s posting

• It seems Willie O’Dea is not great with young people. FUSTAR had an encounter with him during the week and he is not impressed. Incidentally it is worth mentioning that Mr. O’Dea has ignored an invitation to write for the Limerick Blogger.
• Detail’s on the next Poetry Revival night at the White House.
• Today has been a day for some crazy-ass drivers in County Limerick, NewsWire has the detail.

There has been alot of this going on in recent weeks in the Limerick area. A group of Travellers were reputedly responsible for the kidnapping of pet dogs and demanding ransoms from their owners.

But it appears that crooks have gone one step lower this week after the pet jack russell dog belonging to a 12-year old girl who recently lost both parents in separate road traffic accidents , was stolen on Wednesday along with his kennel from the home of her grandparents in Castletroy County Limerick, where the girl now lives.

“I hope I will get him back” Alyssa Blaser tells the Irish Independent, “I think I will het him back, Everyone is helping me.”

“She is taking it very badly. She already has lost one dog and now this,” said her paternal grandmother Tessa.

“It’s appalling that someone would do this and I would just urge them to please give the dog back.”

There is no indication that a ransom has been sought for Jack, the name Alyssa has given to her pet.

Some things going on … and off in the Local blogophere

• One thing that is off is FUSTAR, off the internet that is. A message on the site says the following, “This account has been suspended. Either the domain has been overused, or the reseller ran out of resources.” Lets hope there is a speedy return for FUSTAR and a quick resoloution to whatever has knocked them off the web.
• A debate which is raging nationally and has been picked up by The Dossing Times is the IT@Cork conference’ use of the term, Web 2.0. They recommend that you read this entry from Damien Mulley on the whole story. Its a good read too. Maybe if Irish bloggers joined something like The Media Bloggers Association, it might help protect them from “the man”
• The White House Poets have two more slideshows.
• Alone it Stands, Listowel Writers Week, Becket and the All – Ireland Bodhrán Championship – Éagsúil

UPDATE: (by Squid at 1635hrs)

FUSTAR is back online as of earlier today.

Three people are due to appear at a special sitting of Limerick District Court at 11.30am this morning to face charges in relation to the investigation into the death of Keith Ryan. The three were arrested yesterday and detained at Henry St and Mayorstone Garda stations.

UPDATE: by Squid (1152hrs)

From the Irish Examiner:

One theory being followed by gardaí is that Mr Ryan may have been thrown from the bridge onto the bank about 20 feet below after the attack.

There is a pedestrian stepway beside the bridge leading to the area where the body was found.

UPDATE: by Squid (1536hrs)

Two men have been before Limerick District court this morning charged in connection with the death of Keith Ryan. The two men are Thomas Ryan of Shanabooly Road, Ballinanty, and Tony O’Brien from Baker Place in the City centre are charged with offences under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal offences against the Person Act.

Both men told the court that they were unemployed, and Judge Tom O’Donnell granted them free legal aid.

Representing the two men, solicitor Ted McCarthy said that he would not be applying for bail at this time but may do so later. The two men were remanded in custody.

A small crowd heckled the two men as they entered the courthouse..

UPDATE: TV3 News

Now this wouldnt exactly be something to normally excite or interest folk down the Limerick Blogger way but one item of interest was noted in the RTE summer schedule which was released yesterday. Along with loads of world cup soccer and er Diarmuid Gavin, – the 10th anniversary of the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe will be marked with a new RTE documentary. True Lives – Jerry McCabe: Murder on Main Street – will retell the story of the bungled post office robbery in Adare, Co Limerick, and the hunt for his killers.The 52-year-old detective, who was based at Henry St Garda Station in Limerick was gunned down by an IRA gang in June 1996. It will also focus on the effect his death has had on his family and the political consequences of the entire affair. The programme will be on RTE 1 on Tuesday, June 6.
The summer will also see the fourth run of the Cracking Crime series, which features the investigation of real Irish crimes incorporating reconstruction, expert witnesses, scene of crime material and news footage. Doubtless, something on this will have something to do with Limerick in some form or other.

Limerick FC held Cup Champions Drogheda to a scoreless draw at Hogan park tonight in the 2nd round of the Fai Carlsberg cup. Drogheda had a late score ruled out for offside. The replay is scheduled for Monday at Drogheda.

In Celtic league news, Ulster won the competition tonight thanks to a late drop goal giving them victory. David Humphreys kicked a 40-metre drop goal just two minutes from time to seal a memorable 19 -17 win over the Ospreys and claim the league title for the first time in Ulster’s history. Leinsters bonus point win wasn’t enough for them to overhaul the men from the North. Anthony Foley and Johnny O’Connor have been added to the Munster squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with Cardiff Blues, the additions caused by injury concerns to back-row players named in the squad.

Munster. S Payne; A Horgan, J Kelly, R Henderson, Ian Dowling; J Manning, T O’Leary; M Horan, D Fogarty, F Pucciariello; T Hogan, M O’Driscoll, A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy.

Replacements: J Flannery; J Hayes/E McGovern, S Keogh, J O’Sulllivan, M Prendergast, P Burke, T Halstead,

In other Rugby news, the Thomond park Re-Development Committee have unveiled the design for the new stadium at Thomond Park.

The design has been created by Murray O’Laoire Architects of Limerick and Stadia Architects AFL and provides for a 26,000 capacity at one of Ireland’s most famous rugby grounds, at the cost of €40 million. It is envisaged that planning application will be lodged by July, 2006 and it is hoped that the re-development programme can commence early in 2007. Completion is anticipated in 18 months, for a scheduled re-opening in Autumn, 2008.

The principal elements of the project will see the erection of two new stands adjacent to the existing main pitch, offering a seating capacity for 15,000 and terrace capacity of 11,000.

Mr. Pat Whelan, Chairman of the Thomond Park Re- Development Committee says: “We are delighted to unveil the new look concept for the re-development of Thomond Park. It represents a major project for Munster and Irish rugby. It is a significant addition to the sporting infrastructure of Limerick City and one which suitably complements Munster’s proud image as one of the best supported teams anywhere in the game of rugby.�

Mr. Ken Lyons, President of the Munster Branch IRFU, says: “There are very few rugby followers in the World who are not aware of the history and great traditions associated with rugby at Thomond Park. This wonderful re-development project is entirely fitting, more so in view of Munster’s magnificent Heineken European Cup victory last weekend, so that greater capacities in superior levels of comfort can be accommodated.�

The Thomond Park ground, where Munster remain unbeaten in 11 years of European Cup competition and the scene for Munster’s historic defeat of the touring All Blacks in 1978, was the unanimously favoured venue chosen by the Development Committee, following its consideration of the draft feasibility study conducted by ARUP Consulting Engineers into a number of sites in the Limerick area.

The Development Committee again wishes to express its gratitude to the residents of Knockalisheen Road, without whose co-operation the Thomond Park project might have been jeopardised. The Thomond Park Re – Development Committee also acknowledges the support of Limerick City Council and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, through Minister John O’Donoghue T.D.

Speaking on behalf of AFL Architects, Mr. Richard Leng, Chairman, said:

“The redesign of Thomond Park creates an opportunity to provide state of the art facilities for spectators, supporters and players in an environment where the unique atmosphere of Munster Rugby will be retained and intensified. Two sweeping arches of the new stands will ultimately become an image that everyone will associate with this famous rugby ground. New stands will also include new changing rooms for players, medical suite, executive boxes, banqueting facilities, club accommodation and supporters’ bars.�

Mr. Hugh Murray of Murray O’Laoire Architects, Limerick, said:

“The new Thomond Park stands will enhance the legendary intensity of the ‘Munster Experience’ by housing 15,000 fans as close to the pitch as possible and with great views of the action. They will be a powerful icon of the home of Munster rugby for future generations and their distinctive curved forms will stand out as a proud new city landmark.�

Behold! the first edition of the Limerick Leader Weekender. First impressions, well there is no real news in it, just light hearted stuff, but it is mostly advertisements. Although the weekend TV schedule pages are quite detailed.

It is also worth mentioning that it is now the only freesheet that is 100 percent Limerick.

Munster hero Paul O’Connell is in town today making an appearance on his own street!! Paul is present for the official opening of the new Centra on O’Connell St beside Empire Music. A sizable crowd has gathered to view the events and no doubt indulge in a few breakfast rolls or salad plates. Live 95FM have one of their machines outside the door also. Events run until 2pm so if you are in town give a shout and have a look.

The rest of the Munster team are probably back in town also getting ready for their last Celtic League game of the season out in Thomond Park tomorrow evening. The game is a sell out and as such will have the biggest crowd for any Celtic League match to date. Munster will finish third in the league as they cant catch Leinster or Ulster who will battle it out to see who wins the title. The match will be broadcast on Setanta