50 new jobs for Limerick

Up to 50 new jobs have been announced for Limerick.

They are being created by the entertainment technology company DTS which is to establish its European headquarters at the National Technology Park in the city.

The new Limerick company - DTS Licensing Limited - will have responsibility for licensing, management, administration, business development, marketing, sales, finance and potentially research and development and gaming.

University Of Limerick Awarded EUR5M Grant To Combat MRSA

The University of Limerick has secured a EUR5M technology research contract aimed at significantly reducing MRSA infection rates in hospitals across the world.

The trans-European project team plans to use nanotechnology to develop MRSA-resistant textiles such as hospital gowns and beddings, which can kill bacteria and be self-sterilising. Project partners include nine other European agencies, as well as NUI Galway and Irish companies BeoCare and Cook Medical.

“The spread of drug-resistant germs such as MRSA is a major public health concern”, stated Dr. Tofail Syed, Project Coordinator. He commented, “A significant element of the MRSA problem arises from the use of conventional textiles such as hospital gowns, curtains, beddings and pillow covers. As a result, hospital sterility has been a major concern in countries like Ireland, Germany and Belgium. We intend to develop nanotechnology-derived textiles that will help hospitals in their fight against MRSA.”

In the EU alone, in excess of 3 million people develop an infection arising from hospital-based infections, resulting in approximately 50,000 deaths per annum. One in 10 patients entering a European hospital will develop an infection caused by drug-resistant microbes such as the hospital super bug, MRSA. Dr. Syed explained, “In Southern and Western Europe, over 40 per cent of hospitals have significant problems with the MRSA super bug. We are confident of redressing this statistic through our research and development of MRSA-resistant textiles.”

MRSA-resistant textile is one of the four major health issues that the UL-led consortium will address in the 3-year research programme funded by the European Commission under its Framework Programme 7 (Nanotechnology, Materials and Production). The other health issues include plaque-resistant cardio-vascular stents, urinary stents with less stone formation and bone implants that will heal more rapidly than their conventional equivalents.

According to Mr. Liam Brown, UL Director of Research Support, “The project addresses four major areas of European healthcare that affect the quality of life of European citizens and cost European states considerable amount of money. In particular, cardiovascular disease is the cause of half of deaths in Europe, accounting for in excess of 2 million deaths per year. Arterial thrombosis contributes significantly and the project will directly address this issue”.

Mr. Brown, who is also an Enterprise Ireland National Delegate on Framework Programme 7, added that bone diseases remained a major health concern for Europe due to the continent’s ageing population. He said, “Half of all chronic conditions of those aged 65 and over are caused by osteoarthritis and among the younger population, the occurrence of bone injuries is increasing because of more leisure activity and accidents. A direct output of the project will be the stimulating of bone growth by 30%.”

Major New Public Park Opens In Limerick

A major new outdoor recreational facility has today been opened to members of the public in Castletroy, County Limerick.

Costing an estimated EUR2.2m to develop, ‘Castletroy Park’ is now one of the largest purpose-built public park and amenity areas in the Midwest Region. The delivery of the 17-acre development follows an eight-month long construction contract between Limerick County Council and contractor L&M Keating of Kilmihil, County Clare.

The development, which was designed by local company Nicholas de Jong Associates Urban Design, features 1.2 km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children's playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route, and central performance and exhibition area with covering structure. It also includes an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 sq. metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands

The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, and managed by Limerick County Council. Cllr. John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, said that the new facilities were a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure.

‘The County Council has always been conscious of the growing population of the City Environs and the increasing demands for enhanced recreational facilities. To this end, therefore, the additional amenities being provided in this park will also be complemented by further recreational facilities in the Castletroy area and also a proposed new Neighbourhood Park at Ballykeeffe. This park will serve the population of the Southern Environs, including Ballykeeffe, Dooradoyle, Gouldavoher, Raheen and Mungret’, explained the Cathaoirleach.

Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of Local Government. ‘Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population. Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities. The funding made available through the Development Levy Scheme, makes it possible for the first time to provide this state of the art recreational facility. I expect that this accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond’, added Mr. Behan

Limerick County Council has in recent months made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010 and National Play Policy – Ready, Steady, Play! Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale with further playgrounds planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff. Elsewhere, the Council and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are developing all weather soccer and multiuse facilities for young people in Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore. Earlier this year, meanwhile, President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre, which has been established as a lasting tribute to Askeaton’s proud and lengthy association with organised swimming and water sports.

News In Brief...

Limerick County Council has appointed a consultant to carry out an impact report following recent flooding in the catchment areas of the Arragh and Galey rivers, including Newcastlewest and Athea.

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Keeping a close eye on the Baggot Estate in Ballinacurra, councillors are maintaining pressure on City Hall to refurbish and develop the nature park, with provision for local sports clubs and a focus has been on the creation of a wetland area. A progress report has just been issued by director of services, Caroline Curley to councillors for the Ward - Cllr Pat Kennedy, Cllr Marie Byrne, Cllr Jim Long and Cllr Joe Leddin.

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Gardai have been alerted to what has been described as a crime spree in the Castletroy area, and are to step up operations. A Henry Street spokesperson told the Limerick Post that there had been an increase in crime in the general Castletroy district over the last 12 months. According to UL Students Union President Pat O’Brien, many students and residents had become very concerned for their personal safety. "It is disappointing that you can’t even leave your windows open in the summertime for fear of intruders”.

17-Acre Public Park To Open This Week In Castletroy, County Limerick

Limerick County Council will officially open a major new public park and amenity area in Castletroy later this week.

The development of ‘Castletroy Park’ follows an 8-month long construction contract between Limerick County Council and contractor L&M Keating of Kilmihil, County Clare. The EUR2.2m public park and amenity area, which is one of the largest purpose built public park and amenity areas in County Limerick, was designed by local company Nicholas de Jong Associates, Urban Design.

The development features 1.2 km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children's playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route and central performance/exhibition area with covering structure. It also features an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 sq. metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, and managed by Limerick County Council.

Cllr. John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, who will officially open the new public park and amenity area this Thursday at 12 noon, said, ‘These new facilities are a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure’. He added, ‘The provision of this state of the art public park demonstrates Limerick County Council’s commitment to further improving the quality of life for local communities. The development will be of particular benefit to the growing population of Castletroy and surrounding areas’.

Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of Local Government. ‘Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population. Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities. I expect that this accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond’, added Mr. Behan.

In the past year alone, Limerick County Council has made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010 and National Play Policy – Ready, Steady, Play! Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Further playgrounds are planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff.

Elsewhere, the Council and the Football Association of Ireland are currently in the process of providing all weather soccer and multiuse facilities at separate locations throughout County Limerick. The five separate Astroturf pitches for young people will be situated in Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore. Earlier this year, meanwhile, President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre, which has been established as a lasting tribute to Askeaton’s proud and lengthy association with organised swimming and water sports.

According to Cllr. Patrick O’Donovan, Chair of the Environment Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), ‘Castletroy Park represents yet another step forward for the Local Authority in its continuing efforts to further improve the number and standard of recreational facilities available to members of the public. Through interaction with local groups, who possess an in-depth understanding of the needs of their locality, my colleagues and I will continue to press for further developments of this nature throughout the county’.

Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon launch

The 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon was launched at Limerick County Hall last evening. The annual event takes place in UL on Sunday 5 October 2008.
- Nora O'Connor and Anne Byrnes, CARI, Phelim Macken, County Limerick Sports Partnership, Maria Browne and Bridget Kelly, mid west Attention Deficit Disorder support group at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall, Dooradoyle (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor
- Mary Burke, Caring for Carers, Limerick, Una Anderson-Ryan, Parkinsons Association, Eileen Reilly, Alzheimer’s Society and Patricia Fitzmaurice, Parkinsons Association at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall, Dooradoyle (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor
- Alan English, editor of the Limerick Leader, Cllr John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Tom Foley, race director Limerick Athletic Club, the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan and Joe Nash, Limerick 95FM at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall, Dooradoyle (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor
- The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr John Gallahue and the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan get a lesson in marathon running from Cheryl-Ann Ryan, Corbally and Erin Murphy, Dooradoyle at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall Dooradoyle
- Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan and Cllr John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council

Cathaoirleach Praises Participants In Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon

The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has praised the organisers and participants of the 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini-Marathon.

The race, the biggest annual sporting participation event in Limerick, will take place around the campus of the University of Limerick on Sunday 5 October next. Speaking ahead of this evening’s launch of the 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini-Marathon, Councillor John Gallahue said he was delighted to learn that so many people were yet again rolling up their sleeves for a charitable cause.

He continued, ‘The mini-marathon is more than just a competitive event. This memorable annual occasion is made extra special by the huge funds raised for various charities at local, national and international level. Thanks to people's extraordinary generosity, many charitable organisations are enabled to continue their invaluable work and, in turn, bring further untold benefits to members of the local community’.

‘In addition to the obvious competitive and fundraising elements to this mini-marathon, it is also a unique social event for women. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, housewives, office workers, company executives, endurance athletes – women from all walks of life – gather in the University of Limerick to take part in an event that engenders a spirit of hope and common goodwill’, he commented.

Praising the organisers and sponsors of the annual event, Councillor Gallahue stated, ‘From the registration of participants to the organisation of the race on the day, the extensive work that is carried out has made the event one of the largest and most successful of its kind in Ireland.’

He added, ‘The health and fitness benefits associated with this event should not be understated and I would like to compliment the event organisers, volunteers and sponsors for each year encouraging increasing numbers of women to take part. I would especially like to congratulate the Limerick County Sports Co-ordinator Phelim Macken for organising specific meet and train events in county towns. These events ensure that runners and walkers are aware of and prepared for the physical demands placed on their bodies by participating in October’s mini-marathon.’

The 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini-Marathon will be officially launched at a ceremony this evening in Limerick County Hall at 6 o’clock.

ABOVE IMAGE: Pictured at last year's mini-marathon in UL wereNational Breast Cancer ResearchInstitute fundraisers Standing: Dara Mahon,Tanya Carney, Elaine Moore, Michelle Carney, Mary Crowley, Caroline Sheary, "Stephanie" Mc Meel, Jennifer Hickey Kneeling: Dolores Mc Meel, Sharon Mc Meel, Paula Galvin

Community Groups To ‘Play’ Direct Role

Community groups across County Limerick are set to take on a more direct role in developing playgrounds.

The move follows the launch by Limerick County Council of the ‘Community Playground Grant Scheme’, under which community groups rather than the Local Authority will steer the playground programme. Today’s launch also featured the unveiling of plans to develop a new playground in Askeaton.

Local Councillor and Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Kevin Sheahan, commented, “I am delighted to see that under the Community Playground Grant Scheme the Council will continue to offer advice and, where necessary, technical assistance to communities in developing playgrounds.” The Cathaoirleach expressed confidence that the new partnership approach to developing play facilities would play a significant role in improving the quality of life for local communities across Limerick.

“I would like to congratulate the county’s community groups on the vital role they have already played in developing playgrounds throughout County Limerick. Considering they are working on a voluntary basis it is important that they are supported locally in conjunction with Limerick County Council. The Council looks forward to this positive working relationship continuing into the future with the result that we are making the county a better places to live in and visit”, Councillor Sheahan added.

The process of making the provision of playgrounds more community led was progressed in February 2008 when a draft policy on the matter was endorsed by Limerick County Council’s Social, Cultural and Community Development Strategic Policy Committee. The initiative was referred to and endorsed by all 28 elected representatives of Limerick County Council in March.

Councillor Francis Foley, Chair of the Community & Cultural SPC, described the Community Playground Grant Scheme as a wonderful opportunity to show what can be achieved when the community and local authority worked together. He stated, “The community led playground programme is being fully supported by all local elected representatives, as it will empower community groups to drive the process forward. Under this scheme, the Council will continue to support community groups in delivering further improvements in the quality, quantity and safety of play and play areas throughout the county.”

Under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010, Limerick County Council and local community groups have initiated numerous playground projects throughout the county. Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore and Newcastle West, while new playgrounds are being constructed in Castletroy and Abbeyfeale. Further playgrounds are planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff.

Ms. Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services, Community & Enterprise, stated that there were many benefits associated with a community-led playground programme. She commented, “Groups generally have undertaken fundraising in advance, in certain instances over a number of years, which allows Council funding to be allocated to more groups. A strong, dedicated community playground group exists prior to Council funding being allocated. Local groups have a better understanding of the needs of the locality. Groups manage and maintain the playgrounds after completion. It may be easier for community groups to get land to provide playgrounds and directly negotiate better deals with suppliers.”

Ms. Cotter Coughlan confirmed that Limerick County Council was now inviting expressions of interest from recognised community groups who wished to provide a children’s playground for their area. “Limerick County Council’s policy with regard to playgrounds is that it will assess applications for grants by assessing the benefit to the community and the geographical location of the proposed playground in relation to existing playgrounds. Meanwhile, the community association proposing the playground will be responsible for the design, planning, tendering and construction of the playground”, she concluded.

Limerick County Council will part fund each playground to a maximum amount of €55,000 or 70% of the total cost, whichever is the lower. It will liase with the groups through each of the steps of the process, and is available to provide advice and assistance to the groups.

Special Olympics Ireland 30th Anniversary To Be Marked At UL

Over 350 people will gather in the National University of Limerick Arena this Wednesday evening to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of Special Olympics Ireland.

Special Olympics Ireland CEO Mary Davis will attend the event, which is being hosted by the County Limerick Sports Partnership and Limerick County Council. The event will feature a parade of athletes with the Olympic Torch, a DVD presentation entitled ‘30 Years of Special Olympics’, gymnastics routine by Special Olympics Lisnagry, a rendition of the Olympic anthem by the Limerick County Choir, and an exhibition hockey match between Special Olympics athletes and members of the Limerick Senior Hurling Team.

Special Olympics Ireland is a charity organisation with 11,000 athletes participating in 12 sports in 409 clubs across the island of Ireland. It is one of Ireland's largest community and voluntary organisations and reaches 33% of the 34,000 people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. In addition to providing sports training and competition, Special Olympics Ireland also incorporates the Athlete Leadership Programme (ALPs), the Family Support Programme, Healthy Athlete and Volunteer Programme.

Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, said that the upcoming ceremony would celebrate an organisation that continues to generate hope for thousands and inspiration for millions. “Special Olympics Ireland is much more than just a sporting organisation. It empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. In County Limerick alone, hundreds of individuals and their families have benefited from the organisation’s expansive support and training structure”, Cllr Sheahan stated.

The Cathaoirleach said that Special Olympics Ireland was also about engendering volunteerism and community spirit. He continued, “The organisation at local, national and international level would not exist today without the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of its 18,000 volunteers. The hosting of the 2003 Special Olympics World Games in Ireland created a wonderful sense of community spirit across Limerick. The town-hosting programme was a huge success because of the goodwill shown by local communities. The contribution of members of the public to the overall success of the 2003 Games is testament to the fact that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in Ireland. It will go down in history as one of those very special occasions when all Irish people united for a common cause.”

Cllr. Sheahan commented that the organisation continued to bring hope to many thousands of individuals across Ireland. “Globally, the organisation supports 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in over 180 countries. This represents a phenomenal contribution to society. The Special Olympics organisation promotes the message that ‘anything is possible if you have hope’. The organisation instils a sense of hope in everyone it comes into contact with and helps replace stigma and rejection with an emphasis on potential, ability and acceptance. Such support is invaluable”, the Cathaoirleach said.

Cllr. Sheahan said the upcoming event would celebrate County Limerick’s contribution to the development of Special Olympics Ireland.
“Across County Limerick, support for the organisation has always existed and I am confident that it will continue well into the future. I also know that the County Limerick Sports Partnership, along with Limerick County Council, will continue to support Special Olympics Ireland”, the Cathaoirleach concluded.

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For more on Special Olympics Ireland visit www.specialolympics.ie.

Castletroy College Junior and Senior Rugby Teams Honoured At County Hall

The players and coaching staff of the Castletroy College Junior and Senior rugby teams were today presented with ‘Recognition of Achievement Certificates’ at Limerick County Hall in Dooradoyle.

The Castleconnell Area Committee of Limerick County Council hosted the event in recognition of the school’s historic Munster schools rugby double this year.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Councillor Marty Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee, said, “Castletroy College has represented Limerick with distinction at provincial level, and has further enhanced Limerick’s proud sporting tradition and ability to compete at the top level. The fact that Castletroy College are only in their fifth season as Senior Cup participants makes this achievement all the more special.”

Commenting on Castletroy College’s meteoric rise to prominence in local school’s rugby, Councillor Harty stated, “Tall Oaks from little acorns grow and from its humble beginnings in 2000, with the opening of Castletroy College, Martin Bourke and Declan English started a rugby team with the first year students – the only class in the College at that point. Today the school proudly fields 10 teams and 12 coaches.”

She continued, “Behind these successful Junior and Senior teams is, of course, a stalwart bunch of coaching staff. The support and input of both teaching and administrative staff is also vital and has played a large part in the successes at Senior and Junior level, with non-coaching teachers providing cover for coaches who must be present at fixtures, and admin personnel assisting in arrangements for training, matches and much more besides.”

“Throughout the years, the local colleges game has produced some of Munster’s finest players. Looking ahead, I am confident that Castletroy will also become a source of rugby talent for local senior clubs and that this year’s fantastic achievement will generate a revival of schools rugby in Limerick”, Councillor Harty concluded.

50 Years Of Irish Credit Union Movement Celebrated In Limerick

The 50th anniversary of the founding of the Irish credit union movement was today marked by an official function at Limerick County Hall in Dooradoyle.

The Board of Directors of the Irish League of Credit Unions attended the event a day ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting at the University of Limerick. There are currently 521 credit unions affiliated to the Irish League of Credit Unions with 2.9m members and €13.4m in savings. Credit unions can be found at 25 locations throughout Limerick City and County, including Askeaton, Bruff, Athea, Rathkeale, Castletroy, Glin, Castleconnell, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock, Mungret, Ahane and Newcastle West.

Addressing those in attendance at today’s function, Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, commented, “It is heartening to see that in a world of global banking and other financial institutions that there is still a place and demand for community-driven cooperative financial institutions.” He said, “Credit unions in Limerick are extremely varied in their size, membership and in the range of services they offer. However, they all share a basic philosophy and set of principles. That is to offer members the chance to have control over their own finances by making their own savings work for them. By saving together and lending to each other at a fair and reasonable rate of interest, our credit unions continue that generations-old Irish tradition of co-operative self-help.”

The Cathaoirleach said he believed that that the success of the credit union movement contributed greatly to the development of the Irish economy. He explained, “We should not lose site of the fact that the Irish credit union movement was established in response to the scarce availability and poor management of money in this country. Long before Ireland became a prosperous nation, the Irish League of Credit Union Unions was developing a system whereby people were empowered to gain more control over their finances.”

“While the Celtic Tiger has been and gone and the financial burdens on families and individuals are greater than ever, there is no doubt that our credit unions will continue to provide a helping hand for members of the community for many years to come”, concluded Councillor Sheahan.

The Irish credit union movement was founded in 1958 as a result of the efforts of three dynamic, pioneering and entrepreneurial people namely Nora Herlihy, from Ballydesmond, a teacher based in Dublin; Sean Forde, an employee of Peter Kennedy Bakers, Dublin; and, Séamus P. MacEoin from Kilkenny a Civil Servant working in Dublin. The international credit union movement has its origins in mid-19th century Germany and now has affiliates in 97 countries.

Avvio.com Appoints UK Sales Manager

Avvio.com, the leading web-enabled hotel software provider, has recently appointed Mr. Ciaran Brazil as UK Sales Manager.

Mr. Brazil joins the Limerick-based firm from TravelClick, where he held the position of Director of eCommerce. Ciaran’s main role as UK Sales Manager, based out of London, is to expand Avvio.com’s current portfolio of UK hotel clients, focusing primarily on the leading and preferential brands within the UK.

Avvio.com began trading in February 2002 and currently employs 35 people at its offices in the University of Limerick, County Limerick. The firm delivers online results for over 30% of hotels in Ireland, including Ashford Castle, The Merrion Hotel, The Dylan, Dromoland Castle and The K Club. 80% of 5-star hotels in Ireland use the company’s online software.

The company’s suite of software products, Avvio Suite, yielded in excess of EUR45million in accommodation bookings for clients in 2007.

For more LoCall 1890 30 2000 or visit http://www.avvio.com/

‘Recognition Of Achievement’ Certificates Presented At Limerick County Hall

A presentation ceremony marking the various achievements of groups and individuals from County Limerick took place this week at County Hall following a meeting of the Castleconnell Area Committee.

‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificates were presented to Pallasgreen Ballad Group, who won the Readoiri All Ireland 2008 competition; Cappamore Set Dancing Group, who recently won both Readoiri and Scór na nÓg All Ireland competitions; and Gillian Bourke, who was recently capped for the Irish Ladies National Rugby Team. Presenting the awards, Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee, congratulated those being honoured for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

“By presenting these certificates today the Castleconnell Area Committee and Limerick County Council are acknowledging the efforts of individuals who have brought great honour to their communities and the entire county. We are honoured to celebrate the contributions of these exceptional individuals, who I know will continue to show pride and confidence in their own abilities while achieving further success for County Limerick at national and international level”, added Councillor Harty.

She continued, “Gillian Bourke’s outstanding record of achievement as a rugby player and coach is a tribute to her steadfast commitment to constantly improving her game. As for the singers and dancers, their respective achievements are testament to their tutors and families, as well as their own hard work. I am especially delighted to learn that both sets of young people have made lasting friendships and that their involvement in Scór na nÓg has been a catalyst for involvement in other healthy, enjoyable activities together.”

The certificate recipients and all seven members of the Castleconnell Area Committee attended today’s ceremony. Micheál O Riain, Chairman, County Board Scór na nÓg; Ms. Anna Jane Ryan, Tutor, Pallasgreen Ballad Group; Mr. Michael Shinners, Secretary, Scór na nÓg, Pallasgreen; and Ms. Pauline Hynan, Tutor, Cappamore Set Dancing Group, were also present. The ceremony featured a performance of the Cavan Reel Set by the Cappamore Set Dancing Group. Ranging from age 10-14 years, the group consists of Cian O'Flynn, Patrick Berkery, Anthony Foley, Aoife Foley, Joseph Lonergan, Laura Lonergan, Caroline Collins and Jennifer Charles.

The group boasts a very strong tradition of Set Dancing having won at several levels over the years including the World Fleadh in Portlaoise (2007); Readoíri & All Ireland, Scór na nÓg, Set Dancing (2001, 2004, 2007). Last month, the group picked up a number of prizes at the International Set Dancing Competition in Manchester. In August 2007 three members of the group auditioned for the RTE daytime television programme, Star Search and were successful in entering the competition. They are now into the 3rd round of the competition, which is broadcast on ‘The Den’.

Gillian Bourke from Scart, near Ballyneety, received her first international cap by appearing for the Irish women’s rugby team in February 2008. The UL Bohemians player and former show jumper has since made four international appearances and continues to train with the national side ahead of the Amsterdam 7s Rugby Tournament next month. Gillian began her rugby career in 2003 when she commenced her studies with UL. Since then she has played for, captained and now coaches the UL Ladies Rugby team. In 2005 Gillian joined the Connaught provincial squad before departing the following year to work with the Border Reivers Rugby Club in southern Scotland, as part of her 8-month co-operative education for her studies. Since graduating in 2007, Gillian has become the IRFU Youth Development Officer for the Galway region.

The Pallasgreen Ballad Group consists of Edel O'Driscoll, Maria Ryan, Elaine O'Dwyer, Paul Lawton and Willie O'Dwyer, all of who are 15-16 years of age. Like the Cappamore Set Dancers, the group practises up to three 3 times a week for about 1.5 hours. In 2002, the group won the All Ireland Scór na nÓg and Readoírí competitions. They have also reached the Munster Final and County Final competitions during this period.

Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee presents Irish Womens Rugby International Gillian Bourke of Scart, Ballyneety, with a ‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificate at Limerick County Hall, 7th April, 2008. Also pictured are members of Gillian's family

Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee presents members of the Pallasgreen Ballad Group with a ‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificate at Limerick County Hall, 7th April, 2008. Also pictured are family members and representatives the County Board Scór na nÓg

Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee presents Ms. Pauline Hynan, Tutor, Cappamore Set Dancing Group, and members of the Cappamore Set Dancing Group with a ‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificate at Limerick County Hall, 7th April, 2008. Also pictured are family members and representatives the County Board Scór na nÓg