County Limerick Gets Connected

Much of County Limerick will shortly be able to avail of high quality wireless broadband services courtesy of a pilot initiative by Limerick County Council.

The local authority’s Water Services Section recently entered a licence agreement with Ice Broadband allowing access to Council owned water towers to install broadband equipment.

Minister of State Peter Power this week launched the telecommunications company’s wireless broadband service, which is expected to be fully available throughout the county by the end of June.

Limerick County Council first mooted its plan to establish countywide broadband service in March 2007 when it invited submissions from broadband providers interested in using its network of 55 water towers to transmit wireless signals. A Limerick County Council spokesperson stated, “This is part of a pilot initiative by Limerick County Council and Ice Broadband to improve broadband coverage in the county and particularly in rural areas that have limited or no service.”

“With the final installation of equipment scheduled for the end of June it is hoped that these wireless broadband services will be available throughout the county”, the spokesperson added. Speaking in Limerick at the launch of Ice Broadband’s 100% coverage service for Limerick county and city, company Chairman Fran Rooney said local authorities across the country should follow Limerick’s example, taking the initiative and working closely with companies that can provide immediate wireless solutions.

“We can offer 100% coverage for the whole Limerick region because of the support of Limerick County Council and I would urge other local authorities to adopt a similar approach. As county councils know, the provision of quality broadband is essential for the development of businesses and jobs in their communities, and could place Ireland as the broadband leader in Europe,” he said.

Ice Broadband is also offering a range of products to customers including a group discount for members of sports clubs and voluntary organisations that sign up to their services.
Further information is available on www.icebroadband.com

Religious Figures Honoured In Limerick

Three pillars of religious life in County Limerick will be officially recognised by Limerick County Council at a Civic Reception later today.

Most Rev. Donal Murray, Bishop of Limerick, Right Rev. Michael Mayes, former Church of Ireland Bishop, and the Franciscan Order will receive the highest accolade that the Local Authority can award to an individual, group or organisation. Bishop Murray is being honoured in recognition of the silver jubilee of his Episcopal Consecration and his continuing service to the people of Limerick.

Educated at Blackrock College, Dr Murray studied for the priesthood at Clonliffe College, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, and the Angelicum in Rome, where he was awarded a doctorate of divinity. Ordained in May 1966 Dr Murray became the youngest member of the Hierarchy when appointed as auxiliary Bishop of Dublin in April 1982. Dr Murray is the first to be appointed bishop from outside of the Diocese of Limerick for two centuries. He was installed at St. John's Cathedral, Limerick, on Sunday 24 March 1996.

According to Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, “As a respected author in the areas of theology, ethics and social issues, Dr. Murray is cogently aware of the many issues facing members of his Church. This is very apparent in the way he comfortably, delicately and effectively handle matters of significance for members of the Church, as well as the wider community here in Limerick.”

He added, “By serving the public with thoroughness and honesty you have brought great acclaim to the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Limerick and those you have worked with you down through the years. Therefore, Limerick County Council is delighted to formally recognise you for your fantastic contribution to the Catholic Church and the wider community in Limerick.”

The Cathaoirleach said that Limerick County Council was also delighted to provide a Civic Reception for the Right Rev. Michael Mayes to mark his retirement as Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert after forty-three years in the ordained ministry. In April 1993, he was elected as Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh and in 2000 he was translated to the Diocese based in Limerick following the vote of the Electoral College. Since 2000, Bishop Mayes has taken special responsibility for the area of international development work.

Councillor Sheahan commented, “Since his arrival in the Midwest, Rev Mayes has served his Church members and the wider community well. By holding a Civic Reception in his honour, the Council is expressing its sincere appreciation of his ministry.” He continued, “Anyone who knows Michael Mayes is aware of his great intellectual ability, wise pastoral care and warm personality. He is greatly missed by the whole Church of Ireland and in particular by those who have served most closely with him. I wish him and his wife Beth many long and happy years in their retirement.”

Meanwhile, the Franciscan Order, which last week closed its main friary in Limerick, is being honoured in recognition and commemoration of more than seven hundred and thirty years of service to the people of the county. The Franciscan Order’s main friary was established in 1267 while the present church and friary were opened in 1886 and reconstructed in 1929. The friary on Henry Street provided an array of services, especially the sacramental services of Mass, Confessions, preaching, and parlour blessings.

Councillor Sheahan said the Franciscan Order also played a much broader role in society and its members were valued members of the local community. He stated, “Indeed, my own native Askeaton is immensely proud of its close ties with the Order. The Franciscan Friary there was built around 1400AD and to this day remains a prominent landmark and visitor attraction in the town.”

“I have no doubt that the Franciscan Order will continue to contribute valuably to all facets of life around Ireland and beyond for many years to come”, the Cathaoirleach concluded.

Today’s Civic Reception takes place at 4.30pm in Adare Manor, County Limerick.

Local Authority Gives Patrickswell Club A Lift

Patrickswell Powerlifting Club has been officially recognised at a ceremony in Limerick County Hall.

The Bruff Area Committee of Limerick County Council hosted the event in recognition of the club’s successful participation in the European and World Championships. Players and members were presented with individual ‘Recognition of Achievement Certificates’.

Powerlifting is a strength sport, consisting of three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. The sport resembles Olympic weightlifting because it involves lifting heavy weights in three attempts.

The call to honour Patrickswell Powerlifting Club was made at a recent meeting of Limerick County Council by Patrickswell native and Fianna Fail Deputy Niall Collins. According to Councillor John Clifford, Chairman of the Bruff Electoral Area Committee, “The achievements of Patrickswell Powerlifting Club are nothing short of outstanding when you consider the short length of time that the club has been in existence. The Patrickswell Powerlifters have not lost in any competition since their beginnings in 2004.”

He added, “Patrickswell Powerlifting Club continues to go from strength to strength, quite literally, under the watchful eye of their Coach, President and leading member, Gerard McNamara. I am delighted that this competitive and hugely successful sporting organisation is now being officially recognised by its own county.”

Patrickswell Powerlifting Club acquired their existing premises at Main Street, Patrickswell four years ago. The club consists of nine senior members, fourteen junior members and two ladies members. All members train four times a week, each session lasting approximately 90 minutes. Club members recently returned from the European Championships in the Czech Republic, having already achieved numerous successes at the World Championships in Canada.

Picture by Dave Gaynor: Members of the Patrickswell Powerlifting Club, front from left; Ger McNamara, Pat Slattery, Eoin O'Neill, Petra Stumpfova and Christy Moore who received scrolls in recognition of their achievement from Bruff area committee members Cllr James Cavanagh, Cllr Richard Butler, Cllr Deirdre Ní Chinneide, Cllr Rose Brennan, Cllr Cormac Hurley and Cllr John Clifford. Also in the picture are Paula McNamara and Mary Moore (DG). Missing from picture is Cllr Leonard Enright

Fuel Inflation To Leave Thousands Out In The Cold

The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has warned that low-income families and elderly people living alone could face severe hardships this winter unless the Government increases the fuel allowance.

Cllr. Kevin Sheahan said that many people would not be able to adequately heat their homes due the continued fuel hikes, shrinking purchasing power and an inadequate fuel allowance scheme.
The National Fuel Scheme is intended to help households in Ireland who are dependant on long-term social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. The Scheme operates for 30 weeks from September to April.
“As Ireland basks in sunshine you would be forgiven for forgetting about the long cold winter months that lay ahead of us. However, such a thought is firmly on the minds of hundreds of thousands of people across Ireland”, explained Councillor Sheahan.

The Cathaoirleach continued, “It is greatly disappointing to see that despite the recent years of significant economic growth, many people are still struggling to heat their own homes. The existing fuel allowance of EUR18 a week would just about cover the cost of a bag of coal, which would not even keep the smallest of homes heated for a week. Predicted increases in the price of natural gas and oil will only serve to further compound the problem.”

Councillor Sheahan commented, “Coupled with inadequate insulation, which makes homes extremely difficult to heat, these people will suffer from health problems. Therefore, it is incumbent on the Government to do all it can to ensure that vulnerable sections of the community are provided with as much assistance as possible.”

“While I acknowledge that the Government has doubled the fuel allowance since 2006, I would ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to consider further increases to help alleviate the effects of fuel poverty on the elderly and low income households”, concluded Councillor Sheahan.

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.

County Limerick Proves Why Green Is The County Colour

The West Limerick village of Carrigkerry has become the location for the county’s foremost energy efficient local authority housing scheme.

Limerick County Council has developed the 10-unit scheme, in conjunction and the Limerick/Clare Energy Agency. ‘Coillte Corran’ incorporates energy efficient designs with renewable energy technologies to achieve occupant comfort and maximum energy efficiency. The new scheme at Carrigkerry also aims to significantly reduce energy bills for householders through the use of solar panels, a wood pellet boiler, high quality roof insulation, cavity wall insulation and double-glazing.

“Coillte Corran represents the first batch of Local Authority Houses that Limerick County Council has constructed with environmental features such as solar panels and wood pellet stoves”, explained Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council. He added, “This new housing scheme proves that energy savings for householders and greatly reduced carbon emissions can be achieved by going that step further without incurring large additional costs. I wish all new tenants the very best in their new homes.”

Councillor Tom Neville, Chair of Limerick County Council’s Housing Strategic Policy Group, explained that Limerick County Council was committed to playing a key role in implementing and maintaining high standards of energy performance on all new buildings. According to Cllr. Neville, “In years to come, fossil fuels will no longer be cost effective and the restrictions on CO2 emissions will be prohibitive. A dramatic improvement of the energy performance of newly developed housings schemes is essential if we want to make any dent into our greenhouse gases emission and meet Ireland's Kyoto commitments. Limerick County Council will play its part in achieving this objective and in turn help reduce the county’s carbon levy and establish significant savings on energy bills for its tenants.”

Mr. John Moloney, Housing Engineer, Limerick County Council, said the scheme had been completed with maximum energy efficiency in mind. “Every Irish home spends an average 27% of its combined energy bills on water heating. The solar panels installed at Coillte Corran should provide approximately 70% of the water heating requirements each year. The modern pellet boilers that are installed will also offer tenants the warmth and comfort of wood heating while being highly efficient, clean burning and totally automatic, saving time and money”, he commented.

Mr. Moloney said that the new houses contained numerous other energy efficient design features. He continued. “The levels of insulation in the dwellings have exceeded the statutory requirements by approximately 20%. We have increased levels of insulation in floors, walls and roofs. All the dwellings have draught lobbies that will enable occupants to enter and exit the dwellings without the loss of existing heat inside the dwelling. Furthermore, the orientation of the dwelling on site, the internal layout of the dwelling and window orientation, can significantly affect the level of daylight within the dwelling and the impact of solar gain on internal temperature.

“All of these measures contribute greatly to sustainability and energy efficiency of the development. In addition these measures will lead to cost savings, while raising the level of comfort for the occupants of the housing unit”, Mr. Moloney concluded.

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.

500 Euro-Per-Year Energy Savings Offered To Limerick/Clare Homeowners

The Limerick Clare Energy Agency today said that the Government’s launch of a Home Energy Saving Scheme had presented the people of Clare and Limerick with an ideal opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The LCEA, along with Clare County Council and Limerick County Council, will administer the multi-million Euro Scheme, which is also being piloted in Dundalk and Tipperary. With an initial investment of €5 million, the regional pilot is designed to inform the rollout of the full scale €100 million national scheme envisaged in the Programme for Government.

“The aim of the Scheme is to encourage homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes in order to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions”, explained Mr. Pat Stephens, Director of the LCEA. Mr. Stephens said, “The scheme will target older housing as these homes are most in need of energy efficiency retrofitting. By participating in the Scheme, householders in counties Clare and Limerick, with the exception of Limerick City, can potentially save up to €500 on their energy bills every year.”

He added, “Thousands of tonnes of CO2 will also be saved in its first year alone, which will help both counties to make significant savings on their annual carbon levy. The full €100 million scheme is expected to yield greenhouse gas savings of 175,000 tonnes per year.” Outlining the operation of the Scheme across Clare and Limerick, Mr. Stephens stated, “Householders will avail of a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor to come to their house, give the home a BER rating and advise on the works that need to be carried out to improve energy efficiency. The homeowner will pre-pay €100 towards the cost of this assessment, with Sustainable Energy Ireland subsidising the balance. The Government, therefore, will cover approximately two thirds of the cost of the assessment.”

“The assessor may advise that the house requires such work as attic insulation, interior or exterior wall insulation, low emissions double-glazing, heating control or a range of other energy efficient works. The Government will then cover up to 30% of the cost of these works, to a maximum of €2,500. On completion of the works a follow-up energy assessment on the building will be undertaken so that there is a ‘before and after’ test of what has been done”, he said.Mr. Stephens urged householders across Clare and Limerick to immediately consider the Scheme.

“Homeowners interested in receiving financial assistance in improving the energy efficiency of their own home should call the Lo-Call number that will be advertised by Sustainable Energy Ireland the Government over the coming days. Alternatively, they may view our website at http://www.lcea.ie/ for further information on the Home Energy Saving Scheme”, he concluded.

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/

Limerick County Council Introduces Support Policy For Social Housing Tenants

Limerick County Council today launched a series of measures aimed at improving the quality of life for thousands of social housing residents across the county.

The main objectives of the newly adopted ‘Tenant Support Policy’ are to support residents by helping them organise Residents Associations and tackle incidences of anti-social behaviour. Limerick County Council is the largest landlord in the county, in terms of housing stock, possessing approximately 1950 units of accommodation, including flats, houses in estates and rural cottages.

Launching the new policy, Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council stated, “Limerick County Council recognises the right of all its tenants to enjoy the accommodation provided for them by the Council in a safe and peaceful environment and is committed to protecting that right through the introduction of this Policy.” The Cathaoirleach added that the launch of the policy demonstrated that the Council was a positive progressive landlord wishing to work with its tenants so that Social Housing would blend seamlessly into the community.

“The local authority acknowledges that most of its tenants are decent law abiding citizens but a small number are not. To this end, the ‘Tenant Support Policy’ puts the appropriate structures in place to work with tenants on a partnership basis so that sustainable communities are created”, stated Councillor Sheahan.

One of the main aims of the policy is to provide a strategic framework for preventing, dealing with and combating anti-social behaviour. It also ensures that Limerick County Council has clear and coherent protocols, procedures and policies in place to deal effectively and fairly where allegations and incidents of anti-social behaviour come to its attention. Under the terms of the new policy, Limerick County Council has committed to introducing a computerised complaints log system in 2008. The system will assist the local authority in investigating and recording complaints of Anti-social Behaviour and breaches of the Tenancy Agreement.

According to Councillor Tom Neville, Chair of Limerick County Council’s Housing Strategic Policy Group, “Council tenants must recognise their obligation to abide by the terms of their Tenancy agreement for the creation and maintenance of a stable and peaceful living environment in our local authority developments. The Council further acknowledges its role in intervening to resolve conflict in instances of anti-social behaviour where actions taken by individuals affect the wider community.” “The local authority recognises that the successful implementation of this policy will require significant input from and co-operation with several partner agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Department of Social, Community & Family Affairs, Probation Services and the Health Service Executive”, concluded Councillor Neville.

In order to promote good neighbourhoods where its tenants reside, Limerick County Council has adopted a broad range of measures in its ‘Tenant Support Policy’. The measures include the continued improvement of the design of new Local Authority developments, the incorporation of security and anti-crime features, and the continued assessment and screening of all housing applicants and pre-tenancy training.

The Council will also pursue breaches of the Tenancy Agreement, encourage and support participation in promoting a sense of community ownership and pride of place, and continue to encourage and support the establishment and development of residents’ groups throughout County Limerick. Today’s official launch of the ‘Tenant Support Policy’ was attended by representatives of Limerick County Council, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive, as well as elected representatives.

‘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

Cathaoirleach Of Limerick County Council Bemoans Lack Of Respect For National Flag

The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has expressed concern over the growing number of incidents whereby the National Flag was being disrespected.

Councillor Kevin Sheahan said that guidelines for use of the Irish Tricolour, issued by the Department of the Taoiseach, were being contravened because many people were unaware of their existence. He explained, “It saddens me to see so many examples of our National Flag being disrespected. Such examples are visible all throughout the country and include the flag being displayed in the open after sunset and the hoisting of a flag that is worn or frayed.”

“I am aware that observance of the guidelines is a matter for each individual because there are no statutory requirements. However, it is only reasonable to expect that the National Flag would be treated at all times with appropriate respect by those who use it”, added Councillor Sheahan.
The protocol for the flying of the flag contains 23 guidelines relating to its display, placing and precedence. Among them is the ruling that the National Flag is displayed in the open only between sunrise and sunset, except on the occasion of public meetings, processions, or funerals, when it may be displayed for the duration of such functions.

“This is one guideline that is commonly disregarded, whether it be unintentionally or knowingly”, stated Councillor Sheahan. The Cathaoirleach continued, “Should you drive through any village or town in Ireland after sunset you will see incidences of the Irish National Flag being displayed. Furthermore, flags that have been erected to celebrate sports events, National Holidays, festivals and commemorations, often remain attached to buildings and other structures for weeks on end. It is especially disheartening to see the National Flag touching the ground, trailing in water or becoming entangled in trees or other obstacles.”

Councillor Sheahan said that the Government should consider developing a media campaign aimed at educating Irish citizens about the guidelines and the importance of respecting the National Flag. He added that the Department of Education and Science should also contemplate ways of educating children about the guidelines.

“There is no doubting the patriotism of Irish people at home and abroad when it comes to celebrating their nationality. However, it is disappointing to hear visitors to Ireland comment about the many examples of disrespect for the National Flag. I would appeal to people to view the guidelines for displaying the Irish Tricolour on the Office of An Taoiseach’s website”, concluded Councillor Sheahan.