Carer of The Year

Do you know a carer who could be nominated for “Carer of The Year?”

Maybe someone in your family, a neighbour or someone in your community who cares for a family member with dedication above and beyond the call of duty.

If so, you might wish to nominate him/her for “Carer of the Year 2008″  contact Caring for Carers, Limerick Branch for an application form. There is also a category for ‘Young Carer’ so if you know of any carer under 18 years who might merit a nomination details are below.

phone : 061 469484

email: caringforcarerslimerick@eircom.net

More Information available on their site  http://limerickcaringforcarers.wordpress.com/

Irish Farming Saved after WTO talks collapse in Geneva

Mr Sarkozy EU President is a  hero to the farmers of Ireland today ,Villain to  the NO Voters (Lisbon Treaty) in this country recently,has just been thanked by Padraig Walshe of the IFA (Irish Farmers Association)for saving the Irish economy from losing 4billion .The collapse today of the World Trade Organisation Talks was backed by nine other EU Countries.I saw a Prime Time programme on RTE Last week where it was debated on the Pro’s and Con’s of these talks.It would have wiped out farming in this country forever if the deal had gone through.For those city dwellers who think that farmers are boggers,muck savages etc…we all depend on Agriculture to supply us with the basic necessities in this country .Cheap beef imports from the likes of Brazil with no traceability etc would be detrimental to this economy and would mean more unemployment  and good agricultural land lying idle.

Catherine Buckley Macra Na Feime President Centre with the Limerick Macra Members

Catherine Buckley President of Macra Na Feirme  was mightly relieved with the outcome and that Irish Farming had been saved from the brink of oblivion.Food security, food quality, financial speculation and soaring energy prices were not taken into acoount during these talks she stated.

International Miss Macra 2008

 

Annmarie Keyes from Crecora

As the Summer begins to creep by, it’s that time of the year once again, for ladies from every corner of the country and abroad to make the journey to the rural village of Clonoulty, located in the breathtaking Golden Vale, co.Tipperary for the 37th International Miss Macra Festival.

As usual the festival takes place from Thursday the 31st July to Monday 4th August. The festival committee are delighted to be holding the festival for the fourth year running in the beautiful surroundings of Dundrum House Hotel. This magnificent rural setting provides an idyllic backdrop for the festival, which is growing from strength to strength with each year. The festival is one of the biggest events in the Macra calendar and is eagerly awaited by the contestants, supporters, macra members and general public alike.

It promises to be a hectic weekend and the 3 adjudicators will have an extremely difficult task on their hands to select a winner from the very capable, warm and friendly group of contestants participating this year.
Our wonderful Limerick representative is Annmarie Keyes from Crecora and a member of the Shannonside Club. She is a vibrant and active lady who has helped her club grow from strength to strength. Indeed Annmarie fits her hectic macra life around her HSE job with ease and she can be spotted at every event around the county and across the country alike. Last year she was a proud supporter of Geraldine Quain who claimed second prize at the Miss Macra festival and no doubt the girls have being in touch, exchanging fashion ideas and other tips for the busy weekend. Annmarie competed in the All Ireland debating finals this year and no doubt will put this public speaking practise into good use for the on stage interview. Limerick Macra, her friends and family will be there supporting Annmarie and wishing her a glamorous and fun-filled weekend. There`s nothing quite like that festival feel when you`re setting the alarm for half seven to do the make up and put the hair in an upstyle for a novelty soccer match after a very late previous night.

The festival kicks off as usual on Thursday evening with the contestants meeting the organisers of the festival and their host families. After the formalities are out of the way the ceili dancing begins followed by light entertainment until the early hours. On Friday morning bright and early the contestants will be taken orienteering in Bishop’s Wood, Dundrum accompanied by the able young gentlemen of our club. After their adventures in the woods the girls will get the chance to visit the heritage town of Cashel and one of Irelands top tourist sites The Rock of Cashel. Friday night sees dancing to Midnite Run in ‘The Venue’, Dundrum House Hotel, followed by a disco.

Saturday morning sees the girls being put through their paces by the adjudicators in their interviews in the Multeen Room, Dundrum House Hotel. Saturday afternoon allows the girls some free time to take in the beauty of the local scenery and hone their talents before taking to the stage later in the night for the Cabaret. That evening the contestants will be the guests of honour at a special mass by Fr. Fogarty in Rossmore Church. That night at the cabaret the contestants will be called on stage in pairs and asked some questions about themselves and invited to perform a party piece. Once again everyone must locate their dancing shoes for a disco in the Venue, Dundrum House Hotel.

On Sunday morning, as the limbs begin to ache, the girls head to the Sports Day in Clonoulty G.A.A. field. Here the locals, host families, contestants and their supporters take part in a variety of novelty games and will enjoy a barbeque. Then the girls return back to the host families to prepare themselves for the highlight of the weekend, the Banquet and the Grand Finale of International Miss Macra 2008. At midnight Jenni Wilson (Miss Scotland), International Miss Macra 2007 will hand over her crown and the winner will be announced. This years contestants have a very difficult act to follow as Jenni has been an exemplary ambassador for the festival and all the commitee would like to thank her from the bottom of their hearts for her exceptional work and support.

The people with the tough task of choosing this years winner are Deridre Crowe of Dundrum House Hotel, local poet and businesswomen Joan Pollard Carew and the now legendary Declan Ryan a former member of Macra’s national executive and former chairman of the festival. The lucky winner of this prestigious title will receive a cheque for 1000euros, Tipperary Crystal and a Perpetual Trophy kindly sponsered by Dundrum House Hotel. Second and Third place will receive genorous prizes from sponsers Declan Blake and Tipperary Co-op respectively. All the contestants will also be presented with a beautiful memento from kind sponsers Michael’s Jewellers. Now as the weekend comes to a close it’s time for everyone to let their hair down as they dance to a ‘Cher and Meatloaf’ tribute band followed by a farewell disco into the wee hours.

It is sure to be yet another International Miss Macra festival to remember for all who make the Trip to Tipp for the August Bank Holiday weekend! The commitee of International Miss Macra looks forward to seeing you there and are ready to give you a taste of some true Tipperary hospitality and a weekend you will never forget!!! If you require any further details about the weekend or if you have any questions you can contact Mary Lyng festival secretary on 087 7861016 or Claire Ryan festival chairperson on 087 9819717.

There are limited places left on the trip to the Aran Islands happening the weekend of August 22nd to 24th. The cost is 70Euros and includes Bus and Ferry from Galway and 2 nights hostel accommodation. If you are interested in this great trip, contact Tom Quirke on 087 2449361.

Lisa Cahill

Limerick Marina

Limerick Marina ,Limerick City .

It was a great pleasure last Friday to witness a flotilla of boats/barges making their way through the River Shannon to moor in the Limerick Marina.  The Marina lies idle for so much of the year ,what a pity that some of these problems could be not be solved as it’s business potential would be enormous to the region.

Video:

On speaking to one of the people on one of  the boats I found out that they had ventured from above Killaloe made their way through the locks at the ESB Power Station in Ardnacrusha ,Limerick City and out the Shannon Estuary ,stopped off in the Kilrush Marina and then on to Loop Head. An incredible scenic journey I was told.A site i was told to look up is the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland for further information http://www.iwai.ie/

See my post here from the limerickblogger last year on the Limerick Marina which the Limerick Leader did a news item on.

The Limerick Marina was opened in July 2001 by then Minister for Arts Heritage Gaeltacht, Síle de Valera, one of it’s primary objectives would be that an inland waterway would be opened up from the Mouth of the Shannon Estuary all the way to Lough Erne in Northern Ireland, for the first time ever Boats would be able to berth in the heart of Limerick City.
It was an expensive project that does not seem to have recuperated its expenditure. The majority of the time the moorings remain empty, there are up to 28 facilities available. I would hope that in 2008 that the relevant bodies involved would do a lot more to promote this waterway/marina, it is a very sad reflection to not seeing the Marina been used to it’s maximum potential, this project is part of the Shannon–Limerick corridor which has a high concentration of tourism and is a gateway to Ireland’s Western Seaboard.
I was glad today to come across a video on You Tube of a boat trip from Killaloe to the heart of Limerick City and using the mooring to dock there, let’s hope in 2008 we see more docking in the marina. 

Video courtesy of harrysheehy.

A pictorial record of a trip with Pat Lysaght from Limerick Marina up to Ardnacrusha, please click on the link below.
http://www.powerboat.ie/forums/showthread.php?p=13373

A Project Beset with Problems…See reference below

Navigating the New Waterway
This waterway is a unique boating experience. However it is recommended that inexperienced boat users get expert advice and assistance before using this waterway. Before using the new navigation system it is advisable to plan your trip well in advance and take certain precautions regarding issues such as safety, security, timing etc. A minimum of three hours is required to get from Killaloe to Limerick and this may be longer depending on tides, level of rainfall and operation of turbines at Ardnacrusha there can be considerably strong current in the Tailrace and Abbey River. Depending on the level of tide and the airdraft of your craft some of the bridges in the Abbey River may be impassable. You will need to refer to the relevant navigation charts and it is strongly recommended that you contract Waterways Ireland before navigating the waterway. You will need to make contact with Shannon Rowing Club for Sarsfield Lock in Limerick City and ESB for Ardnacrusha Lock/information on operation of turbines.
Courtesy of lmdpo

Limerick City.
All users of the Abbey River are reminded of the necessity to contact Ardnacrusha Power Station (061-344061) to ascertain how many turbines are operating before commencing a voyage in this stretch of the navigation. It is advised NOT to transit the river when more than ONE turbine is running due to the increased velocity of water in the navigation. In addition, increased water flows are to be expected following spells of heavy rainfall.
Inspector of Navigation
13 Oct 2006
Tel: +353 (0) 90 6494232
Fax: +353 (0) 90 6494147

Conclusion: tourism in the Shannon estuary CZM
As an overall entity, the Shannon estuary does not have international-level attractions. Quality of scenic landscape is not such as would make the estuary a distinctive tourism destination in its own right. Much of the existing tourism activity near the estuary faces away from the river, and is not dependent on it.

However, the estuary does contain significant tourism activity in particular parts, such as the West Clare peninsula and the N69. Consequently, the CZM should play close attention to the tourism impacts of any recommended developments. Also, there may be possibilities worth pursuing in potential estuary-wide initiatives, such as boating/sailing, or integrated touring routes (N69/Kilimer ferry/West Clare). There may also be possibilities for cruise ships, linking stops on the estuary with the Burren and Killarney.
Courtesy of Shannon Development may 2002.

 

Croagh Patrick

Update:

Over 25,000 attended the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick in Co.Mayo  yesterday.Buses left early morning from the Munster region with both young and old wishing to climb to the summit .Some people climb the mountain barefoot as St.Patrick did many centuries ago.This year was also the first time that the actual mass was broadcast live from the summit by RTE (Ireland’s National TV Channel) to a world audience.RTE news has more see their link.http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0727/croaghpatrick.html

RTE will broadcast Sunday Mass from the summit of Croagh Patrick this morning  live for the first time ever  .To view online see the link below.

http://www.rte.ie/live/

See previous Video Footage courtesy pf RTE  from July 2006 

http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0730/croaghpatrick_av.html?2161546,null,200

Kildare’s Doyle breaks Limerick’s Hearts

Limerick are out of this year’s All Ireland Football Championship after a three point defeat at home to Kildare tonight played in balmy conditions at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. The attendance of 8,500 were treated to a cracking game of football throughout.Croom and Limerick player John Galvin opened the scoring for Limerick,Kildare replied through John Doyle a name that broke Limerick hearts as proceedings unfolded.Both sides exchanged points to leave it Limerick 0-8 Kildare 0-5 at half time.Kildare narrowed the margin early in the second half to just one point .The Limerick support got behind their team “Limerick ” “Limerick ” could be heard loudly matched almost by a sizable contingent from Kildare .

Kildare began to look the part with slick passing movements orchestrated by  Dermot Earley son of the great Dermot Earley who played for Roscommon when they lost a famous All Ireland final to Kerry in the eighties ,a final in which the current Limerick Manager Mickey Ned O Sullivan was stretchered off early in that final.

Then John Doyle struck (he could have been from Tipp with a name like that) on the twenty three minutes, I held my head in my hands even before he scored as Limerick had pushed out and the space was exposed, Sean Kiely was left on his own facing Doyle but Doyle clinically finished it past him to the Limerick net. The twenty Kildare fans high up on the terrace were jumping with joy it resulted in some of them removing their lily white shirts and swinging them high in the air, a good start to the weekend for them I said to myself. Limerick gave their all and missed some great scoring chances; they tried for an equalizing goal in vain.Kildare through to the next round.

What for Limerick now, I would hope that Mickey Ned O Sullivan stays on or be given a chance to continue the good work he has commenced, there is the nucleus of a very good team here, Ian Ryan what a prospect he has become,not taking from the rest of the panel .Limerick Football is on the up again, let’s hope lady luck will not desert them in the next league campaign so they can continue building.

Supporters comments on the way out” we did not expect to get this far, an extended season” Limerick need to play Division 1 to keep up with the big boys” A cracking good game”Missed chances cost us….

I passed Kildare legend Glenn Ryan outside the gate of the Gaelic Grounds; the Lily White supporters were shaking his hand not forgotten for his immense contribution to Kildare football. I wish them luck, I bet they would they would  love a crack at their old pals the Dubs down the road I ask? The losing provincial finalists await them first though Kerry, Mayo, Wexford, Fermanagh/Armagh the draw to be made tomorrow.

Limerick: Sean Kiely (Bruff), Diarmuid Carroll (St.Senans)  Johnny McCarthy (St.Kierans), Shane Gallagher (Ballysteen), Padraig Browne (Fr.Caseys), Stephen Lavin (Adare 0-1) Pa Ranahan (Ballysteen), Jim O’Donovan (St.Bridgets 0-1), John Galvin (Croom 0-1) Stephen Kelly (Newcastlewest), James Ryan(Galbally 0-1), Seanie Buckley,(Dromcollogher/Broadford 0-2),Ger Collins (Milford)James Crowley(Monaleen) Ian Ryan (St.Senans 0-5)

Subs: Mike Jones,John Cooke,Kieran O Callaghan, Pat Ahern, Dermot Phelan, Stephen Walsh,John Marsh,Andrew Lane, Lorcan O’Dwyer, Eoin Keating, Micheal Reidy, Tom Collins, Gareth Noonan, Conal o’Cruali, Darragh McMahon.  

 

Kildare: E.Murphy,M O Flaherty,K.O Neill,A..McLoughlin,E.Bolton,M.Foley,M.Scanlon,K.Brennan,D.Earley,J.Kavanagh,P.O Neill,E.Callaghan,A.Smyth,K.Donnelly,J.Doyle.

 

 

 

Limerick Tunnel Public Open Day attracts 10,000.

The Limerick Tunnel Public Open Day attracted record crowds of up to 10,000 people today to see the tunnel before it’s immersion in the River Shannon. The crowds arrived from the early morning time of 10 am and parked in the grounds of Shannon Rugby Football Club in Connagh.

 

Video: 

 

(Filmed from inside a bus with tinted windows)

 

The NRA (National Roads Authority) and Direct Route organized the open day which I have to say was run with precision, Limerick’s Live 95 FM broadcasting live from the site, the 95FM Clown was busy under the guidance 95FM’s Anne Bowen, children were having their faces painted a family occasion. Refreshments and catering provided by Delish with plenty of willing customers taking time out from the long queues for the buses. Information stalls about the tunnel could be found in the Marquee with plenty of the site experts providing the vital information. The University of Limerick stall was there for those interested in career opportunities in Civil Engineering and Construction Management www.ul.ie .

 

McElligiots Buses were busy ferrying people back and forth from the site to the base in the club a tour taking in the views of the casting basin where the Tunnel Elements have been made to float out into the River Shannon at the end of August. Two years of construction work has been achieved with the completion of the Immersed Tunnel Elements .

 

The five tunnel elements are now been fitted out to float –out into the River Shannon. A 12m deep channel is been dredged  across the Shannon by Van Oord Cutter suction Dredge between Bunlicky and Coonagh .A remarkable 400,000 m3 of material will be dredged from the river bed. Lagoons have been built to contain the dredged material from the river which will become wetlands eventually. There are 100 people working in shifts 24hours on the tunnel element fit-out. A remarkable project for this region which eventually will be part of the Atlantic Corridor .More on

http://www.limericktunnel.com/

Know Your Neighbour weekend Maigueside Foroige Club

Community Dance session which took place during the recent Know Your Neighbour weekend.

The Galvins and Limerick Football 2008

Please forgive the pun,but these two Galvins.

John Galvin Chairman Limerick Football County Board

John Galvin Snr and John Galvin Jnr have had a Galavanizing effect on the fortunes of Limerick Football Recently .John Snr is the current Limerick County Board Football Chairman and John Galvin Jnr was captain of the victorious Limerick Team over Meath last weekend in the All Ireland Qualifiers.This Weekend Limerick play Division 1 Side Kildare in the Round 2 of the Qualifiers.Limerick followers are urged to attend and support their county team as stated by Mickey Ned O Sullivan in this weeks Limerick Leader.

see

John Galvin who was  Limerick Captain v Meath

 

http://croom.wordpress.com/2007/12/10/limerick-gaa-convention-elects-new-members/

Limerick Munster Intermediate Hurling Champions

Limerick 2-16 Tipperary 2-12 in Thurles.

Limerick defeated Tipperary to win the Munster Intermediate Hurling Final in Thurles,well deserved to Limerick as they have endured a famine recently .Let’s hope it transpires to further success.

Limerick:

B Hennessy; T Condon, C Carey, G O’Leary; D Stapleton,
Damien Moloney, S Walsh; A Brennan, P O’Brien; David Moloney, P
O’Reilly, D O’Connor; D O’Neill, P McNamara, A O’Connor.
Subs: L Walsh for Stapleton, R O’Neill for Brennan , E Ryan for
D O’Neill , S O’Neill for L Walsh , D Hanley for McNamara .