The Thomond Swim 2009 has returned after an absence of 20 years to Limerick City.The race began at St.Michael’s Rowing Club ,Clancy’s Strand ,passing under the Sarsfield Bridge ,O ‘Callaghan Strand and turning around at Thomond Bridge .The race concluded at the Shannon Rowing Club to a tumultuous applause from the large attendance that gathered to support and celebrate the return of this event after such a long absence .

Proceeds from the event are to go the Limerick Marine Search and Rescue who do valuable work  for the region in the search and rescue on the River Shannon.

Update; Republic of Ireland 1 South Africa 0

A great result for the Republic Of Ireland in Thomond Park with victory achieved over the World Cup Hosts South Africa known as  Bafana,Bafana ,who looked a very good side  in the recent Confederations Cup( Pre World Cup Summer Tournament) in which they lost to the eventual Winners Brazil in the semi – Final.

A Crowd of 11,400 witnessed a very much second string Irish Team gain valuable experience under Giovanni Trappattoni in their quest to reach next years World Cup in South Africa.Trap has a plan and everyone plays to it simple as that ,boring it may be sometimes but effective.How many Italian National Teams have been boring down through the years and have been extremely lucky also,they have also won World Cups.We have to remember we have not a large pool of players to select from compared to the populations of Italy,Brazil,Argentina etc …in a GAA Country with Rugby curently in its ascendency also.

The atmosphere was much better for this match than the previous clash with Australia with less people in attendance 8000 down on the Australia game ,then we are in a recession and the Limerick public are awaiting the Magners League clash at the same venue on Friday Night.Thank Heaven for the schoolchildren who were allowed in and kept the chanting ” Ireland,Ireland “going..

Goals make games and what a goal it was by Liam Lawrence from a free kick ,then we had some clown gatecrashing the party celebrating with the players before been escorted off .

Overall it was good game ,with a useful workout for the management of Giovanni Trappattoni,Marco Tardelli and Liam Brady to check out fringe players .

Check Out SOCCER REPUBLIC HERE  and Limerick’s Karl Spain interviewing Liam Lawrence on his winner v South Africa.

This is one incredible Cat,a You Tube sensation.Nora is owned by a piano teacher Betsy Alexander in Philadelphia.She is a gracious performer on the keyboard and she is on the way to making a fortune from Mugs,Calendars ,magazines,cat toy manufacturers ,life is just Purr Fect for Nora right now.We all await her tour dates!

Croke Park three sell out nights perhaps.

See More HERE

Mount Kennett ,Steamboat Quay ,Limerick City was the venue yesterday for the All Ireland Skate Championship’s .

A glorious day was had by all who participated and a large attendance of a 1000 looking on.The weather helped with no rain evident a miracle in itself considering the miserable Summer which has passed.Andy Jolly from Tubes,Limerick was the M.C on the day and was delighted with how well the event passed off .Tom Shortt’s(Deputy Mayor on the day) speech during the awards pointed to the fact that a year back there was no skatepark ,this is now a great asset to the city where the skateboarders can go and polish up on their skills and make news friends.

http://www.live95fm.ie/news/news-item/limerick-skateboard-champion-defends-his-naitonal-title/805de9fd-c392-47f8-bef3-6fdf740d94bc

LIMERICK SKATEBOARD CHAMPION DEFENDS HIS NAITONAL TITLE

Limerick skateboard champion Cian Eades will defend his national title against top class competition at the All Ireland Skate Championships taking place in the city later today.

The competition has got the go ahead from organisers who had concerns that wet weather could force the postponement of the event at Mount Kennett Skate Park.

Qualifying events took place in Dublin, Belfast, Waterford, Gorey and Cork and the winners have been arriving in Limerick since last night ahead of today’s finals at 2pm.

Organisers are promising this years competition to be even bigger and better than last years which also took place at the Limerick City Skatepark

19 year old Cian is looking forward to defending on home turf:

“It’s great publicity for Limerick because years ago we didn’t have any skate parks. Dublin always had facilities, even indoor facilities, they always had competitions where as in Limerick we never had anything. Years ago we used to stuff down at George’s Quay, little competitions and demonstrations but now since we have this we’re able to properly host major competitions. Since this is the second year, its going to be pretty good, a good turn-out and a nice after party”.

See the Limerick Leader HERE

Limerick Skate Park Limerick City Council HERE

Home is film with unique footage from over 50 countries,so that people become aware of the spoliation of the earths riches and change its patterns of consumption.

See HOME  HERE

 http://www.goodplanet.org/en/

Flags are flying in abundance in a sporting Limerick City as it eagerly awaits the Republic of Ireland v Australia Friendly soccer match which takes place in Thomond Park • Wednesday August 12th ‘09 • KO: 7.30pm ,Ticket information available at the F.A.I  HERE .

This is of great economic benefit to the region with the Irish Team playing the first of their two friendlies outside of the Capital(South Africa the vistors in September) ,one may not see such again with the completion of new Lansdowne Road Aviva Stadium.

See my Photos from the previous visit to Limerick of the Republic of Ireland soccer team in the 90′S when they played a local Limerick Selection in the ULBowl.

What a week ahead for sport in Limerick with the Ireland v Australia match on Wednesday and then it’s Croke Park next Sunday when the Limerick Hurlers play their near neighbours and fierce rivals Tipperary in the All Ireland Semi-Final for the right to play Killkenny who won AGAIN!!  szzz Today in their semi -final with Waterford.

See the Croom and Limerick County Hurler Stephen Lucey on a Video Courtesy of ballywire at the Guinness 250 Fans…

Well done to Dunmanway for  showing so much imagination in attracting one of the top clubs in the Premiership to send over a side to play in West Cork.This can only be positive for the region in attracting tourism and business…

See the Video by my  good friendYellow Labrador who is based  in Dunmanway

Part 2 to follow…

See More On Eurosport HERE