Bennis Is Sacked By Limerick County Board

Richie Bennis' two-year term as Limerick senior hurling manager is officially overafter the Patrickswell clubman was axed by the Limerick Co Board.

The news filtered through following a meeting of the Limerick Co Board last night, with officials confirming that they have decided to seek nominations for the position, Breakingnews.ie reports today.

Bennis, who memorably guided Limerick through to the All-Ireland final last year, became involved with the panel in the summer of 2006 when he was appointed caretaker manager after the resignation of Joe McKenna. A member of the last Limerick team to win an All-Ireland back in 1973, Bennis proved to be an inspirational figure during his first full season at the helm.

However, 2008 has been a year of lows and few highs for the Shannonsiders, with Bennis getting the brunt of the criticism. "I'd like to give it another go and stay on as manager. I've told the Co Board how I feel about the situation," he said recently.

"But if the Co Board decide that they don't want to keep me on, then I'll willingly walk away and let them find someone else."

Bennis' last match in charge was the deflating 3-19 to 0-18 qualifier defeat to Offaly at the Gaelic Grounds on July 12 - a result which confirmed Limerick's exit from the All-Ireland championship. They also suffered a heavy loss (4-12 to 1-16) to Clare in the Munster semi-final, after a league campaign that included three wins and two defeat.

Last month, Bennis also had to come out and deny comments he made to a local newspaper about some members of the Limerick panel allegedly going drinking together after training. He insisted he was misquoted but the bad publicity will have disappointed members of the Limerick Co Board. A special committee has already been put in place to oversee the selection process for Bennis' replacement.

HSE steps in to aid flooding victims

Following last week'sunprecedented flooding in Newcastle West and surrounding areas, the services of the Health Service Executive were called upon to respond very quickly to the difficult circumstances in which people found themselves.

The Limerick Post newspaper reports that emergency accommodation was provided for a number of elderly people at St Ita's Hospital and the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle. Bed and Breakfast was also used for those who needed accommodation and this was funded through the Community Welfare Service.

The Environmental Health Service called to food premises in the affected area to advise on disposal of damaged food, clean up, sanitising operations and pest control. Advice was also given on food storage due to power cuts. The Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) liaised with Nursing Homes, the Health Centre and the Hospital, and were actively involved in checking chlorine levels in the public water supply throughout the town on Friday, August 1. Communication was maintained with Limerick County Council over the weekend regarding the potential threat to the public water supply due to flooding at the Water treatment plant.

A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive Mid-West said that EHO's continue to take phone calls from members of the public in affected areas regarding the clean up and to offer advice on public health issues where required. Monitoring of the public water supply is on going, she said.

Eircom teams are engaged in West Limerick repairs

Hundreds of Eircom customers throughout West Limerick had their telephone service disrupted last evening as a result of the heavy rainfall in recent days, the company has confirmed.

Eircom said the worst affected areas include Newcastlewest and Askeaton.

“Eircom's storm response plan has been in operation since last Saturday with significant extra resourcing deployed to assist our repair teams,” a statement said.

Free festival for Limerick culture vultures

Museums, galleries, theatres, cathedrals and other venues around Limerick will host hundreds of free events in the first national Culture Night next month.

Details are due to be unveiled about the one-evening festival taking place across Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork on September 19. It is the first time the event will be held outside of the capital since it was set up in 2006.

The Press Association reported today that Dr Olive Braiden, chair of the Arts Council, will announce the Culture Night 2008 programme in conjunction with the Temple Bar Cultural Trust (TBCT).

Advocacy disabilities service for Ballyhoura Area

An independent and confidential advocacy service for people with disabilities is now being provided by an advocate, Mary Carroll, in the Ballyhoura area (East and South County Limerick and North East Cork).

According to the Limerick Post newspaper, by working in partnership with you the advocate can help you access information about your rights, entitlements and services in relation to your disability. The advocate can also support you to make decisions, help make your wishes heard and will represent you if necessary.

You can meet with the advocate, by appointment, at Hospital Family Resource Centre on Tuesday, August 19. If you would like to make an appointment or have any queries about the service please contact Mary on 063- 30532; mobile: 087 2499090 or e-mail: m.carroll@ballyhoura.org.

Dell Boss To Sign Off

Dell boss Nicky Hartery (left) is logging off after eight years at the helm in Raheen, the company has confirmed.

The Limerick Leader reports today that the Waterford man is to be replaced by Sean Corkery, who has led the establishment of Dell's manufacturing plant in Lodz, Poland, for the past three years.

Mr Hartery, the PC giant's most senior executive in its Europe/Middle East division, is leaving to pursue unspecified other interests. His tenure is due to come to a close at the beginning of October.

Limerick Females Live Shorter Lives

Roscommon has the highest life expectancy for men and women in the Republic, according to a new study undertaken by the Institue of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

Life expectancy at birth in the county is 75.6 years for men and 82.4 years for women. This compares to a national average of 75.6 years for males and 80.6 years for females. The Irish Times reports today that Leitrim has the lowest life expectancy for males at 72.8 years while Limerick has the lowest life expectancy for females at 79.3 years.

The new study marks the first time that male and female life expectancy has been made available at county level in the Republic of Ireland, according to the IPH.

Second tragedy for Limerick family

A Limerick family are mourning the loss of their second son who died tragically over the weekend, according to the Limerick Leader newspaper.

Private Alan Boyce, whose body was found in a river in Kilkenny city on Friday night was a private in the Army serving with the 12th Infantry Battalion in Kickham Barracks, Clonmel. 21 year olf Pte Boyce joined the Army less than a year ago and only recently completed his military training.

His older brother, Thomas, who was also in the Army, died in a car crash in Tipperary in 2000. Both men had followed in the footsteps of their father, grandfather and great-grandfather by joining the Army.

Above Left Image: Funeral of of Private Alan Boyce took place in Limerick yesterday evening (pic by Irish Independent)

Residents of Limerick city urged to attend Limerick Show

Organisers are expecting close on 20,000 visitors to Limerick Racecourse on the 23rd and 24th of August for the forthcoming Limerick show.

The event which is the largest in Munster is determined to beat the bad weather. Already FOUR shows throughout Ireland have been cancelled including the Tullamore Show. New events such as the farmers market and goats will join the line up which includes showjumping, horse and cattle showing classes along with trade stands and craft stalls.

Speaking to Limerick's Live 95FM, Chairperson of the Limerick Show, Councillor Leo Walsh paid tribute to the volunteers and organisers which make the show possible.

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

Boil Notice Issued Following Freak Flooding Incident In County Limerick

Limerick County Council has issued a public drinking water notice affecting hundreds of customers in Newcastle West and its environs.

The boil notice has been issued following the serious flooding experienced by the West Limerick town as a result of recent heavy rainfall. The Council confirmed that 93mm of rainfall, equivalent to a month’s rain, was recorded near Newcastle West over a five hour period late last night and early this morning.

The areas affected by the boil notice include Newcastle West, Coolcappagh and Rathcahill, as well as the Ballyine, Dually, Reens Kilscannell, Old Mill Road, Killoughteen and Killeline Group Water Supply Schemes.

According to Donal Brennan, A/Director of Services Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, ‘Due to the recent extra-ordinary flooding, the production of water at the Newcastle West Water Treatment Plant is severely restricted. Limerick County Council is currently taking all steps to re-commence full production at the plant. The water in the service reservoirs, which was produced before the flooding, is almost exhausted.’

He added, ‘As the Water Services Authority for County Limerick, we wish to advise members of the public that water being supplied from now until further notice should not be used for human consumption except under a number of conditions and for certain purposes.’

Mr. Brennan said, ‘The Council wishes to thank the public for their support to date. A further notice will be issued in due course.’

Boil notice conditions:
Water for drinking purposes, brushing teeth and food preparation should be boiled. Boil the water to ensure a rolling vigorous boil and then allow it to cool. Cover it and store it in a fridge or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers. Use water that has been prepared for drinking (i.e. that is boiled) for preparing foods that will not be cooked, e.g. for washing salads. It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water’, he explained.

Baby feeds should be prepared with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If tap water is unavailable, use bottled water that has been brought to the boil and cooled. Avoid using water that is fizzy, unless boiling has removed all the fizziness. Check the label: water in bottles labelled “natural mineral water” is not required to meet all the standards of tap waters. Do not use natural mineral water with concentrations greater than the following for infant feeding: sodium –200mg/l; Nitrate –50mg/l; Nitrite –0.5mg/l; Sulphate –250mg/l. Water may be used for flushing of toilets and for personal hygiene and bathing. Water may also be used for flushing of internal house plumbing.

Further information and advice is available from the following phone numbers: (061) 496326 (9.30am – 4.30pm Monday - Friday) or (061) 419226 (after hours).

Meanwhile, the Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has praised the response of the emergency services to this morning’s freak flooding incident in Newcastle West. Cllr John Gallahue complimented the combined response of Limerick County Council, Limerick Civil Defence, the Valentia Coast Guard, Limerick County Fire and Rescue, the ESB, the HSE, An Gardai Siochana and other emergency services.

“Thankfully no lives were lost during the incident, which is one of the most serious to have taken place in County Limerick for many years. The effective and coordinated response of the emergency services to this incident should be noted and complimented’, added the Cathaoirleach.

Public Drinking Water Conservation Notice Issued in Flood-Stricken Newcastle West

Limerick County Council has this afternoon issued a public drinking water conservation notice affecting hundreds of customers in Newcastle West and its environs.

The notice has been issued following the serious flooding experienced by the West Limerick town as a result of recent heavy rainfall. The Council confirmed that 93mm of rainfall, equivalent to a month’s rain, was recorded near Newcastle West over a five hour period late last night and early this morning.

According to Donal Brennan, A/Director of Services Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, ‘Due to recent flooding, the production of water at the Newcastle West Water Treatment Plant has been temporarily ceased. Limerick County Council is currently endeavouring to re-commence production at the plant. In the interim, we would ask members of the public in the affected areas to conserve water usage.’

‘The Council wishes to thank the public for their support to date. However, in the meantime the public are asked to conserve water in the areas supplied by the Newcastle West Water Treatment Plant. A further update will be issued to the public and media later this evening’, added Mr. Brennan.

The areas affected by the water notice include Newcastle West, Coolcappagh and Rathcahill, as well as the Ballyine, Dually, Reens Kilscannell, Old Mill Road, Killoughteen and Killeline Group Water Supply Schemes.

Limerick County Council Vows To Enforce Burial Ground Policy

Limerick County Council has vowed to clamp down on the number of unauthorised permanent structures being erected at burial grounds throughout County Limerick.

The move follows the forced removal by the local authority of a headstone at a cemetery in West Limerick. The permanent structure at Relig Mhuire Burial Ground in Askeaton was found to be in breach of guidelines, as set out under the Council’s ‘Burial Ground Policy’.

According to Mr. Michael Griffin, Administrative Officer, Limerick County Council, “Permission was given to a local resident to erect a headstone at the cemetery in July 2007. It subsequently came to our attention that a cross was added to the headstone, bringing the overall height of the structure above the permissible height of 4ft. 6 inches. The Council removed the cross after numerous meetings and written submissions to the resident asking them to remove it proved unsuccessful.”

He explained, “The Council carried out an inspection of the cross prior to its removal. The instability of the structure meant that it was a threat to public safety. The Council is satisfied that the Monumental Sculptor did not erect the cross. The Council does not know who erected the cross or if they had the required insurances.”

Limerick County Council’s ‘Burial Ground Policy’ states that no tomb, monument, vault, headstone, tablet or permanent structure of any description or material shall be erected or constructed on any place of burial in the cemetery, unless and until the structure has been approved of, in writing, in the form of a Certificate of Permission by the Council’s Engineer, or such other Officer as the Council shall appoint for this purpose.

The Policy adds that a descriptive statement of what is proposed, together with a dimensioned drawing to a scale of not less than 1 is to 20 must accompany all such requests for approval. The heights of any structure proposed must not exceed 1.2 metres above beam level.

Mr. Griffin continued, “Limerick County Council will continue to investigate breaches of these regulations by conducting examinations of all newly erected permanent structures in burial grounds across County Limerick. Such inspections will be carried out in the interests of public safety and in accordance with guidelines set out under the ‘Burial Ground Policy’.”