Schools Art Competition

Congratulations to all of the winners from Limerick Civic Trusts Primary Schools Art Competition!

The prize-giving ceremony took place in City Hall on Tuesday 23 rd of February 2010 at City Hall, Limerick.

From over 300 entries, 49 winners were chosen. Each winner received a certificate presented by Mayor Cllr. Kevin Kiely along with art related prizes.

The winners were as follows:

Caherine McAuley

Chloe Daly,Adam Bourke,Jack Cantillon,Jordan Foran

Carnane N.S.

Craig McNamara,Cian Enright,Christina Parker Ryan,Ciarán Muir,Conor Muir

Lough Gur N.S

Martin Carew,Joanne Hayes,Ava Hartigan and Sean Hartigan

Corpus Christi Primary

Chloe Kelly and Rebecca Hannon

Scoil Naomh Ide

Jodie Kelly,Mark Kelly,Eamon Carmody,Beth Grant,Colm McMahon and Orlaith Hennessy

St. Michael's Infant School

Eyrk Marcinkowski,Keith Kane,Dylan Franklin,Meabh Ryan,Sebastian Zabre and Kyle Mullins

Kilcolman N.S.

Arron O'Connor,Evan Donovan and Roisin Nolan

Kildimo N.S.

Maggie Mulcair,Julie Mangan and Rebecca McMahon

Milford N.S.

Kate O'Sullivan,Olivia deCourcy,Aoife McDonnell,Hugh Fenton,Chloe Tobin and Kate Kirwan

Gailscoil O' Doghair

Ruadhan O'Conchuir,Gabriele Vaitrute,Sally Ann Kirby,Julie Nic Leannachain,Alice Winterburn and Alice Gleeson

Richard Russell Fountain

The refurbishment of the Richard Russell fountain in the Peoples' Park is due to be completed by mid September this prominent landmark in Limerick City is an exciting project for Limerick Civic Trust.

Limerick Civic Trust commissioned a leading conservation company Eura Conservation Ltd. to refurbish the deteriorating fountain to its former glory. It took a week to dismantle and prepare for shipment. Each section of the fountain has to be stripped back, sanded down and repaired where necessary, it will then be treated and painted to its original splendour. When it returns, to the park it will take almost two weeks to fit into place, in addition it will have subtle up-lighting at night.

The Fountain in the Peoples' Park was erected in 1877 in honour of Richard Russell a highly regarded employer in Limerick . The Fountain has been an endearing part of the landscape and memories ever since. Originally made by the Sun Foundary there are only two such fountains in Ireland, the other being the Jaffe Fountain in Victoria Square in Belfast which was also successfully restored by Eura Conservation Ltd..

H.E. Oyvind Nordsletten, the Ambassador of Norway to Ireland visits the Georgian House & Gardens,No.2 Pery Square.

Another event during recent times was a reception in the Georgian House in honour of the visit to Limerick by H.E. Oyvind Nordsletten, the Ambassador of Norway to Ireland . The visit commenced with the Ambassador officiating at the planting of a tree in the Peoples' Park by Gabrielle Wallace O'Donnell, Chairman of Limerick Civic Trust to mark the Trust's 25 th anniversary. During a meeting with the ambassador the following day the Chairman briefed him on our plans for May 2010 to commemorate the 1868 Hannah Parr events in Limerick . These plans include the erection of a monument at O'Callaghan Strand, a visit by tall ships and the production of a special booklet amongst other appropriate events of a Norwegian theme.

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. & Minister for Defence Willie O' Dea T.D visit the Bishops' Palace

March 13 th 2009

The Executive and Staff of Limerick Civic Trust were honoured to receive a visit from An Taoiseach Brian Cowen on Friday 13 th of March. Mr Cowen T.D along with Minister for Defence Willie O' Dea were greeted by Chairman Gabrielle Wallace O' Donnel at The Bishops' Palace shortly after 4.30pm. This was a wonderful occasion for the Trust as a visit from government officials at this time reinforces the importance of the work that Limerick Civic Trust preserver to carry out.

The Taoiseach was introduced to all those who attended that afternoon and was guided through the building to marvel at the completed restoration of the Bishops' Palace. On returning to the Hall of Fame Gallery An Taoiseach was formally welcomed by the Chairman who presented Mr. Cowen with one of the Trust's most recent publication “Limerick Civic Trust the First 25 Years”. Director, Denis Leonard then took to the podium and once again extended a warm welcome to the Ministers. A brief history of the Trust was outlined by Denis along with a plea to ensure that Civic projects continue to receive funding in order to promote employment and Civic pride.

Mr Cowen graciously commended the Trust on their excellent work and flagged the importance of local society's and their unfaltering efforts to improve their surrounding areas both socially and environmentally. After speeches and official photographs the visitors were offered refreshments and were thanked for making time to view the work of Limerick Civic Trust.

The Georgian House & the Bishops' Palace Booklet Launch

March 16th 2009

The Georgian House & The Bishops' Palace was officially launched on March 16 th 2009 by John Redmond Director of Service for the ESB. This is a 34 page booklet with 16 pages dedicated to each property. Cleverly designed, the booklet is two sided depicting both houses in a flush of colour. Never before have both buildings received such treatment in print as it is an easily accessible guide that also unveils the story behind each beautifully restored structure.

Whether you intend to visit Limerick Civic Trust properties or if you just happen to have a passing interest in conservation work, fine writing and beautiful photography then this is the publication for you. Available from each house for just €5 it is a wonderful treat for you or a friend. Don't forget that Limerick Civic Trust have a host of beautiful books that reveal Limerick City as the gem that it truly is. Contact the office directly on 061 313399 for further information.

The Georgian House & Bishops' Palace Booklet was kindly sponsored by ESB

Limerick Civic Trust 2009 Golf Classic

Fundraising events like our annual 22nd golf classic enable Limerick Civic Trust plan and execute a very ambitious programme of activities. These fundraising events give the general public an opportunity to subscribe to the betterment of Limerick by supporting the work of the Trust. Limerick Civic Trust is therefore the beneficiary of very badly needed funds from its various activities so Limerick 's image is the ultimate winner.

This year certainly was a test in view of the difficult financial times which prevail The format of teams of four playing better-ball, four-ball was the same as previous years. But at the end of a most enjoyable day's golf in perfect weather the Grant Thornton team were crowned winners of the 2009 title.

Secondary Schools Competition

During September and October Mary Shee organised a visit to each of the secondary schools in the city and environs to promote our writers competition. During the course of the visits the competition was extended to include entries in art-work format. The theme for both entries had to be a Limerick topic. Nine schools and circa 800 students were given an illustrated talk about Limerick and about the Trust. The closing date for entries to this highly successful project is 28 th November 2008.

Carrol Papers on loan to the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick has acquired a collection of family heirlooms and military memorabilia dating back to the 1700s.

The Carrol collection covers the military careers of five generations of the Carrol family starting with the exploits of Maj Gen Sir William Parker Carrol in the Peninsular war. It also includes memorabilia from the Boer war and both world wars.

Many items are handwritten personal documents, including a letter from the Duke of Wellington to Sir Parker and also his wife's diaries for the years 1817, 1818 and 1819.

Limerick Civic Trust acquired the Carrol collection from June O'Carrol Robertson in 2002 and has lent the papers to the Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick to facilitate access to the archive by researchers.

"The Glucksman Library is delighted and privileged to now be the guardian of the Carrol papers.

"This addition to the UL library holdings will allow ample opportunity for many areas of scholarship. Never before has this collection been openly available for scholarly study and discovery and, by being housed here at UL, it will be available to a whole new generation of learners and researchers," said special collections librarian Ken Bergin.

The Hannah Parr Emigrant Ship Commemoration

On 22 nd November 2008 The Ambassador of Norway to Ireland unveiled a plaque and memorial plot in St. Munchin's C. of I. Churchyard noting the disastrous fortunes of a Norwegian emigrant ship with 378 passengers which was repaired in Limerick in 1868. Three children from the ship died and are buried in St. Munchin's. The plaque also records the great charitable deeds of Mrs. Ann Kearse and many Limerick people who cared for the passengers and crew while they were in Limerick for six weeks.

25th Anniversary of Limerick Civic Trust

On the 17th of February 2008 Limerick Civic Trust celebrated the 25th anniversary of our formal public inauguration meeting which was held at the Mary Immaculate College on 17th February 1983.

To commemorate and celebrate this landmark occasion our Director, Denis Leonard has documented a history of our organisation and project work in a book titled" Limerick Civic Trust – The First Twenty Five Years" . This personal account is in a hardback book in full colour throughout. There are over three hundred illustrations and between the story of the Trust in section one and the appendices in section two a formative record about Limerick Civic Trust unfolds in a very easy to read manner.

On Saturday 16th February 2008 the Minister for Defence Mr. Willie O' Dea T.D formally launched our book at City Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick .

“ Limerick Civic Trust – The First Twenty Five Years” has been made possible through the patronage of Shannon Development Company to whom we express our sincerest appreciation.

"Limerick Civic Trust-The First Twenty Five Years" is for sale at O'Mahony's Bookstore, O'Connell St, Limerick, Bishops' Palace (Limerick Civic Trust headquaters) and the Georgian House & Gardens, No.2 Pery Square at a cost of €25.

The People's Park New Entrance

The People's Park new entrance was formally opened on the 17th February 2008 by Edmund 7th Earl of Limerick and his mother Sylvia Countess of Limerick. It is also very appropriate that this new gate will be known as the Pery Gate. The Pery Family have been associated with Limerick since the 17 th Century and possibly Edmund Sexton Pery (also known as Speaker Pery because he was the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons for eighteen years) is the most famous member of the family. The Earls of Limerick are descendents of the Speaker's brother Bishop William Cecil Pery.

The People's Park new entrance enriches not only the Park but also the Streetscape. It's a very striking vista from Colbert Station which will greatly impress visitors to our City. Seamus Carr's stroke of genius to curve the entrance into the Park works very well and it also provides added space for a public Monument. The four pillars are replicated from the lower sections of the main entrance at Pery Square .

Catherine Hayes Events

On February 9 th 2007 Limerick Civic Trust held an event in the House of Lords, London to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the burial place and memorial of Catherine Hayes in Kensal Green Cemetery , London . The renowned opera buff Lord Trimble was guest speaker at this event. The overall cost of the restoration of the grave is in the region of €25,000. Donations are invited to defray the cost of this work.

On February 10th a ceremony was held in Kensal Green to mark the completion of the work during which a plaque was unveiled noting Limerick Civic Trust's involvement in the restoration.

The restoration of Catherines' burial place is the start of the Catherine Hayes projects and will be followed by:

•  The restoration of her childhood home at No.4 Patrick Street Limerick.

•  The provision of a display of a collection of material associated with her.

•  The establishment of a bursary to assist students of music to further their studies or careers.

The Catherine Hayes website can be viewed from the link at the bottom of our home page.

The Limerick We Don't See no.3 On Sale Now

The Limerick We Don't See no.3 is a photographic challenge to find one hundred architectural features in the Irishtown (Johnsgate Area). For this competition we are giving €2000 in prizes. Our past two volumes have enjoyed tremendous success and this time round we expect even greater interest. To be in with a chance just purchase a copy from Limerick Civic Trust at the Bishops' Palace, The Georgian House & Garden or the various local bookstores and start looking at the Limerick you have or haven't seen. Goodluck!

Made in Limerick Vol. II On Sale Now

This second volume in the series published by Limerick Civic Trust investigates further the history of industries, trades and commerce of Limerick. Made in Limerick fills a void in local history studies as previosly no systematic study has been undertaken exploring the subject. The series provides a valuable service as a platform for specialist articles and essays on the city's business and commercial development that would not normally see the light of day in traditional local history publications. Made in Limerick Vol. II encompasses a wide variety of topics ranging from the foundation of the city by the vikings in the early tenth century to the present day economic development of Limerick City. Made in Limerick Vol. II is edited by David Lee & Debbie Jacobs and retails at:€30 softback / €75 hardback.

Limerick Attractions Guide – Re. printed   

This guide to the various visitor attractions in Limerick City is the only specialist guide of it’s kind for the city. It gives all the relevant information for each of the venues. The guide won a World Award in 2004 and is one of the most useful guides for this region. An up-dated version of the guide has been prepared and 50,000 copies printed.