The Limerick Blogger: latest Limerick news and Limerick events

Bonfire night.

Originally called ‘Walpurgis Nigh’ is was a traditional religious holiday of pre-Christian society celebrated on the 30 of April -1 of May in large parts of Europe.

Historically Walpurgisnacht is derived from various pagan spring customs. Bonfires were built to keep away the dead and chaotic spirits that were then widely believed to walk among the living.

This is followed by the return of light and the sun as celebrated during May Day.

However, in recent years it has become a way of disposing of unwanted household items and furnishings and setting them on fire.

And not only is it a hazard to the environment, it has also become an excuse for anti-social behaviour and one of the busiest days of the year for the Emergency services.

Gardaí are pleading with bonfire attendees to take care and especially to watch young children around these dangerous liaisons.

Last night saw fashion, fun, nerves and a new Rose for Limerick crowned.
The lavish event was held at The South Court Hotel, and the girls were interviewed by Ed Myers, who put them through their paces and showcased their talents.

Brid Richardson 24, from Linagry was picked from 23 girls who took part in the event, currently Brid teaches at a Gaeilscoil in Ballincollig, County Cork. Brid will now go through to the regional finals in Postlaoise .

Good luck to Brid, here’s hoping she will go all the way to the finals at The Rose of Tralee in August

If you are strolling around the streets of Limerick today, don’t be surprised if one of the Munster Rugby Stars shakes a bucket at you !

Today is the biggest fund raising day around the country for the Special Olympics and 1000’s of people will be out there raising money for this great cause, which this year is being held in Limerick.

Events will be going on around the city today so enjoy the atmosphere!

Times are hard but every cent will help so dig deep people and give to this great cause, and make this event one of the best that has been held !

Superintendent Ann Marie McMahon

Has been a major figure in Limerick’s battle with crime , based at Roxborough Garda Station , she has led the murder cases for Roy Collins and Shane Geoghegan . Also leading many drug and arms raids in the city . After joining the force in 1986 she was posted to Coolock Dublin. She served with the UN in Cambodia and had time at Garda collage, Newcastlewest , Henry Street and Bruff Garda stations

Married with 2 children she has carried on fighting crime and now will be rewarded with being only the 3rd woman to make Chief Superintendent .

She is delighted with her promotion and is quoted saying

“The job (of a garda) always appealed to me and I’ve enjoyed it. I’m working in a very challenging policing environment, but we have an excellent team here,” the native of Kilmurry in Co Clare said.

Well done Superintendent or now should we say Chief Superintendent!

Keep up the good work.

Limerick Riverfest Is Back

Not sure what to do for the Bank Holiday weekend ?

Problem solved Limerick Riverfest is back, sponsored mainly by Live 95fm other sponsors involved areMusgrave’s Foods and The Locke Bar & Oyster House. Partners of the festival include Limerick City Council and Shannon Development.

The fun kicks off Friday April 3oth with the Mayoral Ball in aid of Milford Hospice and Limerick Youth Service . Also check out  Limerick Fashionfest down at the cafe quarter.

Saturday :   The famous BBQ on Georges Quay from 11am . Coonagh Currach Regatta from Howley’s Quay at 5pm .and Music in the Park and a junior fishing competition at Marchant’s Quay from 11am.

Sunday :  The Great Limerick Run starting at The Peoples Park , Senior Fishing Comp at Marchant’s Quay

Monday :   Is Race Day  Starting 2:30pm

There’s loads more stuff going on in and around the city all weekend and a full program of events will be posted.

And lets not forget the Rugby ! Thursday night sees Limerick City Fire & Rescue take on the Limerick Leprechauns in a charity match to raise funds in aid of the upcoming Special Olympics to be held here in Limerick. at &30pm Garryowen Rugby Club

The Continental Market will be on Friday – Monday

It is set to be a great weekend, with fun filled days for adults and children .

Tis The Season

No not to be jolly but for gorse fires, at present 9 Limerick units are around the county trying to get them under control and put them out.

It is time that people realised that these fires cause so much harm, if the wind changes they can spread uncontrollably and risk peoples homes. The wildlife is disrupted. At this time of year birds have hatched young and are just getting them out of nests, wildlife which live in these areas are homeless and move closer to to populated areas where they have to scavenge for food, or in the case of the rats they take over loft areas of houses .

It’s time the people who set these fires are held accountable, not just for the damage they do to the natural fauna and wildlife but for the drain of resources, while our brave firefighters are out there putting these wild fires out they can’t be available if a house in their area goes up in flames with people trapped inside .