The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
I’m beginning to wonder if all my posts have to have a film title associated with them. If ever a film was to be made about Limerick then the above would be the perfect title. As a city we demonstrate the best and the worst aspects of life. One thing is certain about Limerick and that is, it cannot be ignored.
The Good:
On Sunday 25th, there will be an unforgettable day for one and all as the GAA celebrate a very successful year for underage football in Limerick. The Dawn Milk Under 12 finals will begin at 10am and two games will take place at one time on the hallowed surface that is the Gaelic Grounds every 20 minutes until 6pm on Sunday evening. There is a full day of football games with the emphasis on skill, fun and participation. Clubs from all over the county will be on show throughout the Sunday event.
The Bad:
Aside from the usual stories in our local papers, one story caught my eye and brought home how cruel a city this can be. GARDAI at Roxboro Garda station are appealing for help in catching those responsible for an attack on an 85 year-old retired doctor outside Mount St Laurence cemetery.
The incident happened last Thursday at around 5.45, when the woman was stabbed on her hand a number of times. She had been sitting in her car when she was approached by a young man and woman who asked her for a light for a cigarette. When she opened the window the man attacked the woman and stabbed her a number of times with a sharp implement before stealing her handbag.
It takes a lot of bravery to attack a defenceless 85 year old woman sitting alone in a car. Whomever these animals are, I hope their friends do the decent thing and that when they are caught the legal system treats them and sentences them in a manner they deserve.
The Ugly:
Ok, Willie O’Dea jokes aside. The number of closures of city centre shops and half finished building sites is fast turning Limerick city centre into a ghost town. 25% of the retail space in the city is now unoccupied with both Centra and Fergusons Chemists closing stores in recent days. If Ryanair carry out its threat to significantly downsize operations in Shannon then Limerick will be a very very quiet place in 2010.