The Limerick Magazine November 2015 by The Limerick Magazine

free 2015 magazine issue 03

november

ISSN - 2009-8650

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Welcome

TO t he li merick magaz i n e The Limerick Magazine is a fun and informative monthly free-sheet keeping you up to date with what is happening in Limerick

City and County, with reviews, event listings, interviews, men and women’s fashion, lively opinion and interesting articles to get you talking.

Publisher - Fusion Media - 74 O’Connell Street Limerick - 061-597627 Editor - Kayleigh Ziolo

Email - kayleigh@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627

Designer - Keith Aherne

Email - design@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627 Editor in Chief

Michelle Costello

michelle@fusionmedia.ie

TLM contributors:

Photographers:

Cornelia O’Riordan

COVER: Maurice Gunning

Olivia Chau

Leanne Aherne

Rebecca Egan Rebelle Haze

Shauna Lindsay Mary Kiely

Sophie Butler

Olivia O’Sullivan Sintija Zorge

Mike McGrath

Christine Costello

Jane Butler O’Halloran Nigel Dugdale

Eoghan Lyons John Kelly

Jonathan Castillo Keith Wiseman Mark Duggan

Advertising - Conor O’Sullivan

Email - conor@fusionmedia.ie

Phone - 061-597627

This is a free magazine. You are free to give it away (in unmodified form) to whomever you wish. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. This magazine is designed to provide information to our readers. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any type of legal or any other kind of professional advice. The content of each article is the sole expression and opinion of its author, and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.

Fernando Sanchez Dr Tony Langlois Sharon Slater

@limerickonline

@thelimerickmagazine

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L imeri ck S o unds capes Have you ever looked at old photographs of Limerick, with their horse-drawn carriages, steam engines, cobbled streets, and wondered what it must have been

could hear their voices, and wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the everyday sounds of their lives be fascinating to modern ears?

like to be there, to be surrounded by the sights and the

Those are some of the questions that inspired Aileen

gone days, and perhaps even our great grandparents

Soundscape project in 2013. The plan was simple, to

sounds? Although we can still see pictures of longin them, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it really bring the past to life if we

Dillane and Tony Langlois to devise the Limerick

work with every kind of local community in Limerick

City and help them to record the everyday sounds of their lives. The best of these sounds would be chosen by the community group themselves, and uploaded

to an online sound map of the city for all to hear. Over time, hundreds of recordings would build up a rich archive of material, marking the shifts in urban sounds as they evolve over the decades.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

In the future, listeners would hear accents change,

supermarkets, on telephone holding cycles, mobile

The Limerick Soundscapes project is still in its

even the voices of individuals mature over their

overlapped with the sounds of people and their sonic

groups, each of which contributes to the richness

technologies and modes of travel come and go, and lifetimes.

The starting point of the Limerick Soundscape project is that everyone hears his or her world differently. A

sound that might be exciting to some - for example, the mixture of music and voices at a party - might be annoying to other listeners. Also, there are some

sounds that have very personal associations, such as the purr of a pet cat or a relative’s doorbell, that bring

pleasure to the individual but mean little to other

people. Limerick Soundscapes is unique amongst other ‘sonic city’ projects in that it doesn’t take a top-

down approach to sound mapping – it is open to

those sounds that are meaningful to the individuals who record and submit them. So, if the sound of

phones, and in each of those places the music

environment. Inspired by some of the sonic city recording websites that have sprung up around the world, they decided that the scope of their own project

would need to be much wider than music alone and, in order to capture changes in the sound environment, much longer than the typical study. The minimum duration of the project, they agreed, should be about

a century, encompassing at least three generations of sound collectors. In order to ensure that the project was as inclusive as possible, it was decided that local

communities should have considerable control of the

recordings that represented their neighbourhood. After all, these were the sounds that had the most meaning for them.

autumn leaves blowing around the park in November,

The pilot project in 2013 involved three local

in June evoke a sense of place for people in the

recording and sent off to bring back the sounds of

or the voices of children playing in the same place neighbourhood then they are all worthy of inclusion.

Aileen Dillane of the Academy of Music and Dance

University of Limerick and Tony Langlois of Mary Immaculate College both have backgrounds in

Ethnomusicology, the study of music in everyday culture. Their initial idea behind the project was to

create a map of all the musical spaces in the Limerick area; the concert halls, pubs, busking sites, school orchestras – but it soon became clear that there was

much more around than organised musical activities. Music could be heard blaring from cars, playing in

community groups who were given basic training in

early days but is engaging with more and more local of the archive. It’s fascinating to hear how each

neighbourhood has its own distinct soundscape, depending on whether they are near the river, in leafy

suburbs or busy estates. Each sound added to the map

adds to a deeper picture of the city and its multiple

spaces, in ways that are often surprising and touching. Perhaps this is because we rarely have the opportunity to hear the world through another person’s ears!

Groups of any kind who are interested in a short series of workshops in the next months are welcome to get in touch for more details. www.limericksoundscapes.ie Article by: Dr Tony Langlois

Photography by: Jonathan Castillo

their lives. The variety of sounds that came back was remarkable, from the buzzing of a tattoo parlour to rain on a car roof, revelers jostling for taxis after a

night out to aerobic classes. The best of these were edited and uploaded to a specially designed web-map of the city, so that listeners can tell exactly where and

when the recordings were made. In time the project

expects to have dozens of recordings for each location,

so the same site can be heard in different seasons, during special events, and as people themselves, with their accents, music and tastes, flow through the city’s lifetime.

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L i m e ri ck NEWS : Thanks Dr Paulie This month, Limerick Rugby legend Paul O’Connell

was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from University of Limerick. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr

Paul O’Connell said °I’m delighted and overwhelmed, looking at the list of previous it’s great company I’m keeping! It’s been such a positive day, everyone’s been

so nice. I was blown away when first got the call, growing up here in Limerick, UL ends up being a big

part of your life, I took part in all manner of activities here. To be appreciated by your own university is something very special.”

UL President Professor Don Barry said, “The awarding of a University of Limerick Honorary

Doctorate is an occasion when we get the opportunity to honour those who have inspired, who have led with courage and passion and who have made great contributions in their fields of endeavour. Much

thought, consideration and deliberation goes into deciding who is worthy…… except when it is a reallife super hero, and particularly when his name is Paul O’ Connell. Today I am very proud that UL bestowed

upon Paul our highest honour. He was already an important member of the UL family, but today he accepted a place in the history of this institution.”

7th Annual Limerick Film Festival Call for Entries! The Limerick Film Festival is back. Now in its seventh year, the LIT founded three-day event has

grown in size and reputation, attracting hundreds of filmmakers and visitors from home and abroad.

The Limerick Film Festival team will be bringing

professional filmmakers, actors, producers, directors and many more to the city in April 2016. They have a continued focus on expanding the festival in and

around the city. The Short Film Awards Show will give

the filmmaking talent of Limerick a chance to show off their skills to a wider national and international audience.

Film Submissions and Competition details can now

be found on the website: www.limerickfilmfestival. net

Limerick Film Festival proudly accepts entries via FilmFreeway.com, the world’s best online submissions

platform, which boasts free HD online screeners, Vimeo and YouTube integration, and more.

The planning for the festival’s schedule is already well

underway, with an official launch scheduled for early 2016. Previous years’ speakers have included Mad

Max: Fury Road Co-Author Brendan McCarthy, Irish Film Maker and Limerick man Kevin Liddy, Irish Film Music Composer Patrick Cassidy, top

Irish comedian and producer Pat Shortt, the highly

respected Irish Producer Lelia Doolan, Director Pat Comer, Editor Nathan Nugent, and writer Rob

Crawley. High calibre industry workshops will also be on offer in 2016, including master classes by the festival sponsors and touch-and-try demonstration events.

The festival culminates with the highly anticipated

Short Film Awards Show at the Millennium Theatre. The ceremony will be recorded by Video and Sound

Technology students of LIT and also streamed live on the website.

Further information can be found on www.limerickfilmfestival.net

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Talk i ng P o i n ts i n L i m e ri ck ci ty & County

International Fashion Incubator comes to the city

ACI Worldwide to open new data centre in Limerick in 2016

LIT has launched an International Fashion Incubator

Electronic payment solutions and banking company

Limerick City Centre. LIT’s new International

EMEA data centre in Limerick in 2016, in order

and Centre of Excellence in Fashion Design in Fashion Incubator Limerick (IFIL), which will create

employment in Limerick and link the city centre into the international fashion industry was launched today by Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan. The launch

was part of the opening of the refurbished Merriman House on Lock Quay, a new Centre of Excellence in Fashion Design that builds on the international reputation of LSAD.

Limerick2020 enters second phase of the bid

ACI announced this month that it will open a new to meet increased European demand. It will be the company’s largest data centre in Europe, according to siliconrepublic.com.

Christmas Time The lights are on, the countdown has officially begun! Light Up Limerick took place on Sunday

15th November, with the lights switched on by Santa himself. The festivities have already begun

with ‘Celebrating Christmas in Limerick - The

City of Fashion’ Hosted by Celia Holman-Lee, the

Friday the 13th may be unlucky for some, but

event includes a Christmas window competition,

Limerick2020 European Capital of Culture team

style demonstrations and mini fashion roadshows,

we’re wishing nothing but good fortune for the

Limerick Design & Craft Hub mini fashion show,

who as the bid enters the next crucial stage. On 13th

and Limerick on Ice is set to open later in the month.

November, the team presented their case for the city to be shortlisted to a European jury. This came as a host of Limerick legends publicly gave their backing

to the bid, including Pat Shortt and Cranberries guitarist Niall Hogan.

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a rti st Pro file Steve Maher Steve Maher is a professional artist from Limerick, currently based in Helsinki. He has been involved in

many art projects and festivals that shape the cultural

fabric of Limerick City and County, as well as taking his own solo exhibitions to countries across Europe

and even as far as North America. In 2014, he was given the Kieran Meagher Legacy Award, a prize of €10,000 awarded by Limerick City of Culture to

support his career as an emerging artist. We catch

up with him ahead of his new Limerick exhibition, Melody is the Message, which will be open to the

public at Church Gallery LSAD from 10th December. Where did your artistic career start?

I actually began as a musician on the local music scene in Limerick. I was in a punk band, and then an experimental group. I studied sculpture and combined

media at LSAD then went on to do an MA in social practice and the creative environment. I’ve been lucky

enough to build a career as a professional artist, and that’s in no small part due to the support of Limerick

and the scope of what I have been able to produce was enormously boosted by the Kieran Meagher Legacy Award. Most of my work is socially engaged art – using the mechanisms of society in our surroundings as art

material to create something new and to make people

consider the everyday in a different way. Sometimes it means making a sculpture or installation out of found

items, other times it’s adding or changing something

in the surroundings to make it art. Socially engaged

art is regarded as an emerging form but it’s actually well established, looking at the everyday and making it art is nothing new.

What examples can you give us of everyday features

word out and sell yourself, most people are going to

One example of using sounds that surround us is

and really show the work as you intended.

in such a way?

Heavy Metal Elevator, an installation I created last year

at the gallery in Spain. Everywhere we go nowadays,

You are based in Helsinki, what is like being a

market, eaterie, lobby has some kind of music piping

Helsinki is internationally renowned for its arts scene,

it seems like we’re given a soundtrack – every shop, out. Often it’s just there to fill a silence, and it’s meant to be as unintrusive, unchallenging and inoffensive

as possible. It exists to manipulate our experience

of that place, to provide comfort and make us stay

that bit longer or consider buying that bit more. So

professional artist there?

and it’s probably similar to Limerick in that there’s a lot of mutual support for all creative endeavours, it’s

a place where young emerging artists can find a lot of inspiration and collaboration.

what if we change that? What if the music suddenly

What was your experience of the Limerick arts

background noise? An elevator is the smallest, most

Limerick creativity is just unreal. I suppose it’s more

is something other than the tinny, formulaic pop

enclosed space where this kind of music is typically used, and heavy metal is probably one of the most

intrusive genres of music, it’s the complete opposite of the innocuous, soft tinkling of the classic elevator music. So we collaborated with a Finnish Black metal

band and played their music in the gallery’s actual

elevators. We set it up so that as soon as the lift doors

opened for the person waiting, the music would blare out. It got some great responses.

How do you document those kinds of immersive art exhibitions? Is it difficult to portray the experience of being there?

Trying to record and present those installations is like creating a whole other exhibition. Like, with the Heavy Metal Elevator, videos of the reactions became a bit

like candid camera – next time I want to approach it slightly differently. There’s so much to consider when

trying to put that online for others to see. Of course we want as many people to experience it first hand

as possible, but in order to make that happen people have to be able to see you online, it’s how you get the

find you that way. So yes, it is difficult to get that right

scene?

known about since 2014, but people don’t realise that we were always here doing those things long before

City of Culture was even thought of as a possibility. There’s a such a strong support network across the creative scene, and beyond in fact, and everyone

wants to see you succeed. Plus LSAD is producing

more professional artists than any other college as far

as I know. The underground arts scene of Limerick

is unique, and even though I don’t live there now I

still maintain that connection with other artists and what’s happening there – in fact we recently hosted Lotte Bender’s Street Line Critics in Helsinki. The

city has come a long way in terms of culture and it’s fantastic to see people gaining from that confidence.

Something else people might not know is that Ormston House also has a fantastic international reputation in the art world. It’s something the whole

of Limerick should be very proud of. I’m proud too to have had the opportunity to be Project Manager there

with the amazing visionary people who have worked to make it such a beacon of success.

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Discordion, a sonic sculpture on a Helsinki tram, one of Maherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent projects

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You’re bringing Melody is the Message, your new

able to cross genres and collaborate with other

December. Can you tell us a bit about it?

what we’re both familiar with. One of my favourite

solo exhibition, to the Church Gallery, LSAD in

It’s a collection of works curated by Paul Tarpey, exploring the message contained in melody. When we

think of the message of music we often focus on the lyrics, but what is the cultural meaning and impact of the musical melody itself ? The Church Gallery is

a fantastic setting, and is one of the largest open wall arts spaces in the country. The exhibition will open on 10th December and is on until January 2016.

You’re currently on a residency in London. Tell us how that came about?

It’s an exchange between Askeaton Contemporary Arts (ACA) who have partnered with Tottenham

and Hale International Studio (THIS). I will be here until December when I return to Limerick. I’ve

previously produced work with ACA for Welcome to The Neighbourhood 2014, comprising of the Ghost

Estate Model Village on the edge of the four roads; Sentences, in which excerpts from local literary

sources flash across Supervalu’s LED scrolling sign, and at Cagney’s Bar, a video was shown about the illegal distilling and procurement of Poitin alcohol in the Askeaton area.

What other collaborations have you been involved in?

My work is centred on collaboration, it’s great being

creators to produce something that’s a bit outside of

projects of this kind was Take One Down, where we worked with an all-male Finnish choir, who’d been

singing together for many years and were long time

friends with each other. We then created and brewed

our own beer, 150 bottles of it. The choir learned some traditional drinking songs, which as you can imagine sounded quite incredible. They performed in front of an audience, who had wordsheets to sing along, and the beer was given out to everyone, so it had all the

elements of sound, taste, performance. In terms of

artist collaboration, I am part of These Animals, an art research group made up of me, my wife Anastasia

Artemeva, who in my opinion is a far more talented artist than me, and another artist couple Alan Bulfin and Pii Anttila. We held our first event, Gaming the System in September, which invited artists to present multimedia and interactive artworks that look at the concept of ‘play’. We looked at neuroscientific research

on both human and animal emotions to understand

the innateness of social play and why we create games structures and rules.

For more information on Steve’s art visit www.stevemaher.net

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photography by: Steve Maher & Anastasia Artemeva

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Movember Mo’ your stuff It has come to that time of the year again, the time

where men all over Ireland, and indeed the world, let their facial hair grow for an extremely worthy

Movember fundraiser: Councillor Daniel Butler

cause. Movember has been a very popular campaign

Limerick Councillor Daniel Butler is doing his bit to

made a huge impact here in Ireland. It is also possibly

the full month of November. We spoke to him about the

they have to do is let their lip hair grow in a bid to raise

campaign and about how incredibly important the cause

worldwide for many years and has most certainly

back the Movember campaign by letting his mo’ grow for

one of the easiest campaigns to support for men: all

personal reasons he decided to take part in the Movember

money and awareness for men’s health and cancer. It’s

is.

the support of women (or Mo Sistas) and this year

Why have you decided to raise funds for the

currently in full swing, with many people signing up

I suppose I decided primarily for two reasons to take

money on the path to health.

father, Richard Butler, two years ago aged 56 after

Unfortunately there is still a serious lack of

treatment successfully but the aggressive nature of

issues in Ireland. This is compounded by the crippling

illness related to the radiotherapy. More and more

openly about their health, to visit the doctor or seek

caused by the treatment that can take their lives

diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, and

aggressive treatments, and I would like people to

males between the ages of 15 and 35. The Movember

about. Secondly, I am a keen advocate for men’s health

awareness and changing the way people manage their

is a key part of what Movember is. Being able to use

even though it may be too late to grow a moustache,

to more selfish reasons is important to me. If I can

possible, whether it’s setting up a MOVE event or

then I am happy.

not just moustaches though – Movember also enlists

there is particular focus on exercise. MOVEmber is

Movember campaign?

to an 8 week programme of yoga, or Moga, to raise

part in Movember. The first being that I lost my

he had contracted throat cancer. He completed the

understanding and awareness about men’s health

the treatment meant he passed away from secondary

stereotype of men being extremely reluctant to talk

people are surviving cancer but it’s often illness

help. The statistics show that 1 in 6 men will be

because radiotherapy or chemotherapy are very

that testicular cancer is the most common cancer in

be aware of that as it’s not something often talked

campaign has been a real driving force in raising

issues in general, particularly mental health and that

health, bringing the conversation out into the open. So

my profile as a local councillor positively as opposed

we urge you all anyone to become involved in any way

be part of a conversation that creates positive change

supporting someone who is fundraising.

be correctly informed about prostate and testicular cancer?

As part of my profession as a drug worker with

Limerick City Drug Education and Prevention

deliver

Football a programme aimed at men aged 18-25

who are unemployed and not engaged in education or services. This is a men’s health programme and

seeing when men get the chance and the education that they can make positive changes is inspiring. We introduce key men’s health issues including prostrate

and testicular cancer to lads who would never think of getting that checked.

What does the Movember campaign mean to you?

It’s so important that us men go to the doctor more often and ask the questions. We look after our cars better than we do ourselves. I know I am guilty of

that - if I have aches or pains or I am not feeling well that I spend a week moaning about it while my wife

tells me to see a doctor, which I ignore, in the hope

How important do you think it is for Irish men to

Strategy

programmes. The key one being Fitness through

various

health

promotion

it disappears and I can tough it out. After a week if it’s still there I just ignore until I get used to it and

learn to get on with it, at which point it could be more

serious. I think I am not alone In that. So this month

just asks us men to take time to take care of ourselves and visit a doctor and get a full NCT in the hope that we can fight the tide of cancer.

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A ‘Stache of Information It helps to know some of the common symptoms of

men’s cancer, which we’ve listed here. Not all of these symptoms automatically indicate cancer, and some men experience no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s

important, particularly for older men, to have regular health checks and keep a close eye on your general wellbeing.

You know your body better than anyone. If you notice

something out of the ordinary, whether it’s on a list or not, do something. Early detection always saves lives

and improves outcomes, so get to your doctor. And

if it’s nothing, it simply means your mind is at ease much sooner.

Article by: Cornelia O’Riordan Photograph by: John Kelly

Testicular Cancer Symptoms •

Swelling or a lump in either testicle (usually painless)

•

Change in size and shape of testicles

• • • •

A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

Aches or pain in the lower abdomen or groin Sudden build of fluid in scrotum Enlargement of breast tissue

Prostate Cancer Symptoms •

Need to urinate frequently, especially at night.

•

Weak or interrupted flow of urine

• • • • •

Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine Painful or burning urination Painful ejaculation

Blood in urine or semen

Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

10 Early Warning Cancer Sign You Should Not Ignore 1. New lumps or growth on your skin 2. A sore or bruise that does not heal

3. A mole that changes in size or colour, or bleeds in unusual circumstances 4. An ongoing cough or hoarseness that last longer than three weeks. 5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing

6. A change in bowel or bladder habits for no good reason 7. Shortness of breath 8. Loss of appetite

9. Unexplained weight loss or tiredness

10. Blood anywhere it normally should not be – in urine, bowel motions, or from spitting. More information and advice can be found at www.ie.movember.com

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Craft

i n t he city

Limerick Lace Irish crafts are world class, and have a rich history. Waterford Crystal and Donegal Tweed are just a couple

of famous examples, but none are more fascinating than the infamous craft and industry of Limerick Lace.

“Limerick lace was one of the greatest craft industries in Irish history and one of the most famous and

beautiful laces in the world,” explains Dr. Matthew Potter, author of Amazing Lace: A history of the Limerick Lace Industry.

At its peak in the early 1850s, an estimated 1,800

people were employed in Limerick City making lace. Over many decades, Limerick Lace produced a large

output of lace products, from dresses, christening

shawls and ecclesiastical robes to handkerchiefs and doilies. Limerick Lace is a mixed lace, meaning it is

traditionally hand embroidered on machine made net. There were two ‘golden ages’ of Limerick Lace. The

first age of factory manufacture began in 1829 when

English businessman Charles Walker chose Limerick

as the location for his lace factory, due to the lower costs associated with manufacturing in Ireland. The factory was situated on Mount Kennett Road.

The social history of Limerick was altered by the lace industry. The Limerick Lace industry provided

employment to a significant proportion of the female

workforce, who in turn supported or helped to support

a large number of dependent relatives. In 1851, it was estimated that each lace worker maintained two or three other family members.

Around the 1960s, Limerick Lace was in decline, due to fully machine manufactured lace coming out of

Nottingham. It wasn’t until the 1880s that lace would see a revival in the city, this time in the form of home

and workshop production. The revival came about thanks to a woman called Florence Vere O’Brien, an English lady who married into the O’Brien family of Dromoland Castle. She began to employ former

lace factory workers to make lace for her in their own

homes, which she then sold. In 1893, she established a Limerick lace school in O’Connell Street which

taught skills, provided workrooms and was used as

depots where the lace was sold. After their training was completed, the former pupils usually became lace workers, working at home and using the school as their depot.

Limerick Lace was worn by thousands of women, including many of high profile and high status, such as Queen Victoria, American First Lady Edith Roosevelt and Countess Markievicz. Generations of

churchmen also wore Limerick lace and used lace to decorate their churches, in Ireland and throughout the Irish Diaspora.

So what of Limerick Lace today? There are still plenty

of opportunities to learn about the history of the craft. Limerick Museum is currently showing its exhibition, Amazing Lace , showcasing its fine collection of

Limerick Lace in Istabraq Hall, Limerick City Hall, Merchants Quay.

At the end of 2014, Limerick Museum and Archives

published the aforementioned Amazing Lace book, which is the definitive history of the Limerick lace

industry researched and written by Dr Potter and edited by Jacqui Hayes, Limerick City and County Archivist.

Limerick Museum and Archives is also keeping the

craft alive in today’s culture, by sponsoring a lace design competition open to all students of Limerick

School of Art and Design. The winning designs will

receive the Florence Vere O’Brien award, named

in honour of the person responsible for reviving Limerick lace in the 1880s and 1890s.

In addition, the museum is forging partnerships with

the Lace Museum in Calais and the Lace Research

Network in Britain. Calais continues to have the

most important lace industry in the world and these

links are expected to be developed in the future. The museum hopes to connect the craft with the city and create a contemporary future for Limerick Lace.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Ironwork in Limerick Ironwork also has a long and rich history in Limerick. Patrick McDonnel’s article on Limerick Iron Foundaries 1806-1989 gives a great insight into the

craft. There was a large iron making industry in the

Sliabh Aughty area of East Clare where extensive native woodlands extended from near Tulla to Portumna. The remains of two blast furnaces can be

seen at Whitegate and Raheen, near Tuamgreaney.

Iron ore was also mined near Askeaton and shipped to

sorts of products including kitchen ranges. Ironwork

and again by boat to the furnace sites. Ore was also

closure of the Shannon foundry, which was by then

Limerick from where it was taken by road to Killaloe imported from England to Limerick and transported in to the East Clare blast furnaces. During the

industrial revolution demand greatly increased and an iron foundry was set up on Clare Street by James

Doyle in 1806. His was the first in Limerick to use the cupola furnace and began a new form of manufacture that would lead to numerous foundries producing all

in Limerick would continue until 1989 with the the last remaining foundry in Limerick.

Today, Eric O’Neill, artist blacksmith, puts a new spin on ironwork, and is educating many others in the

historical significance and practical learning of the traditional craft. He’s currently teaching the first City and Guilds accredited blacksmithing course in the

country at LCFE Cappamore, leads a Skills for work Programme which was part of the Skills for Work

submission that won the Aontas Star Award last year, and is also teaching introduction evening classes to

the craft of blacksmithing at the same venue, the only fully kitted out forge classroom in the country.

As an artist blacksmith, he is artist in residence at

Cappamore Arts Studios, where he designs and completes ongoing projects and continue his “journey

of self-development in my chosen medium.” Eric’s

work is currently on show at Limerick Craft Hub, The

Hunt Museum, Dartfield House Museum Loughrae, The Design and Craft Studio Charleville and at his own studio at Cappamore Library. He lectures on and

demonstrates his craft countrywide, to educate all as

to the importance of this little understood aspect of our cultural heritage. The most recent project Eric was was involved with in this area was the restoration of Crecora Churchs gates and railings.

You can take a look at more of his work on the website www.killuraghkraftworks.com.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

LIMERICK CRAFT HUB HANDMADE IN LIMERICK

Limerick Silver Fergus Grant Stevenson is a self-taught silversmith. His interest in the

craft was little more than a casual hobby. “I had always been interested

in making things with my hands, and ancient crafts and techniques. The interest was piqued while I was working as an archaeologist in

Dublin – the things we were finding were beautiful, intricate pieces

of jewellery. I had been on a series of intense courses with masters of siliversmith craft. My profession meant that we saw the recession coming, probably a lot sooner than most. Archaeological impact

surveys on building sites have to be completed a long time before

any building work actually starts, so when our work started to dry up we knew it was on the cards. That’s when I took the opportunity

to buy some tools and sure enough, the archaeology work was gone and I soon found myself making jewellery for a living. I also make large silver pieces spoons, bowls, plates etc., which is what Limerick

silver is most famous for.” Of course the Ardagh Chalice, part of the Ardagh hoard found here is the most famous artefact in Ireland. Silver finds in Limerick even date back to Roman times, with the discovery

of silver hacks and ingots at Balline, though it’s unclear whether the hoard was seized booty from elsewhere, or payment received by Irish mercenaries from the Roman Empire.

Another silversmith fact: the distinction between a silversmith and a goldsmith is not just silver and gold – a goldsmith works solely on

the small intricate jewellery scale, while silversmith traditionally work larger items. Fergus’s

jewellery

can

found

his

website,

www.

forgottensilverjewellery.com. He has recently been commissioned by the Limerick Museum to produce a large silver artwork, of which he is currently in the drawing stages.

There are regular silver jewellery workshops at the Limerick Craft

Hub, for anyone who wants to get a taste of the craft and connect with another of Limerick’s historic hand crafts. Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Opening Hours Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm, Late Thursday till 7pm (from 19th Nov) Sun: 2pm-5pm (from 22nd Nov) 9 Lower Cecil St. Limerick Tel: 061315668 E:info@limerickcrafthub.ie www.limerickcrafthub.ie

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Gemma Morris Kavanagh The artist and designer behind Morris Kavanagh Designs marries fine art and design with her unique collection of

totes, bags and purses. She tells Rebecca Egan about how she got started and the creative process. Have you always been creative?

I always had a creative flair, but it runs in the blood. Lots of my family are creative and involved in the arts in one form or the other. I have cousins who are sand

sculptors and are part of a big sand sculpting festival

in Dublin each year. I’m very lucky as well, I am one of the few artists with full parental support. When I was

deciding where to go to college they were completely behind me and always encouraged me to follow what my heart told me, and believe in what my hands and imagination could create.

Did you train in any form of design?

I did a PLC in Stillorgan after school and that really

helped me explore art and decide what avenue I

wanted to pursue. I had always loved fine art, it really

is a true passion of mine and I was delighted to be

accepted into LSAD to further my skills. I’m not originally from Limerick but really fell in love with

the city over my years in LSAD, I don’t see myself leaving. I completed a degree in fashion there, which is perfect for how I like to work. I was guided down

that path by the lecturers. Even the fashion course itself involved a lot of deadlines and is known to be

that bit more intense maybe than other major areas. It

suits me and I suit it, it is practical and functional and has a precise thinking about it, particularly the design elements and tailoring fits to exact measurements. What has kept you busy since college?

Oh plenty of things - I guess the main ones include working with Fidget Feet, and I ran my own

alteration and designs in Killaloe ‘Dress by Gemma’.

That was great, it suited me well. I got plenty of

I love that I am a fashion designer and I have never

my technique, becoming much quicker in my work.

I have found a way to marry both passions. I have

business through word of mouth and really developed I earned a name which is always great and then I

started working in the bridal shop in Killaloe. That

was simply terrifying at the start! It needed a whole new skill set and with your wedding day being such an important celebration you always have to be so careful

about each single stitch. I then met Marion Murphy

Cooney, who is based in Nenagh. She needed an inhouse dress-maker so I found myself working with her. Between working with Marion and then the time

she spent in Limerick shops, I have seen four years pass.

lost my desire to pursue drawing and fine arts. Now

discovered a way to combine the two. It’s a dream! I have started making my own collection of bags and

cushions. I have selected a very specific colour palette for my first collection. I have a wide variety of bags from tote bags, purses, purse-clutch combos, larger

bags that some new mothers have said are great nappy

bags! A favourite of mine is the yoga bag: I made it

because I could never find a bag the right size for my yoga mat and a change of clothes. It’s all under

my name ‘Morris Kavanagh Designs’ and it sure is keeping me busy!

And what now?

Where does the design/ fine art element come in?

shop and with Marion, but I loved working for myself.

images from fashion magazines or ones I source

Well I really garnered my skills working in the bridal

I free hand-embroider portraits onto the bags. I use

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

online, then I draw them onto canvas and use the

Is it difficult to source materials?

sew. It took practice! Then the canvas is used either as

mind. I wanted strong canvas, I get it from Ireland

machine to stitch the design, moving the fabric as I

Not really, I’m lucky that I had a particular idea in

a main panel in the bag or is sewn on to a panel- it

Canvas, such a lovely guy runs the shop and I’ve

depends on the portrait and on the bag! I use pastel

bought stuff since my LSAD days there. It is great to

colours mostly but with a pop of a bright colour here

support local. I get the leather from the saddlery on

and there, again, depending on the individual product.

William Street and the zips I order but dye myself for

I’ve worked in many different areas and with many

that bright lime colour.

different people, between those I mentioned already and even time I had sharing a studio with Emma

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Lime Tree, so it is nice to be working for myself again.

in various retailers and develop my products further,

Fisher by the Milk Market and working with the

Oh that’s a tough one! I would love to have my product developing new ranges. This isn’t something I want to

How long have you been designing these products?

rush though. I want to do it right, I recognise that it

Not for long at all, just a few months, but working

will take time to build my product and I’m excited to

alone is demanding too, particularly when you’re

see what the future brings. I definitely want to build

trying to build up stock. It’s great to have the freedom

on the current designs and bring in an element of

to test out new ideas and I have orders coming in for

quilting somehow. It’s all to be discovered!

Christmas gifts since October, which is fantastic!

Now you have told us about these great hand-made

You work from home, is that a good thing or a bad

(in Limerick no less!) products, where can we get

thing?

them?

Both! (Laughs). You certainly need to have good

If you follow me on Social Media you can contact

self-discipline. In college fashion seemed to have

me directly to place an order, that’s my main way

a lot more discipline than other fields so I am well

at the minute. You can also see the whole range of

trained from the practice there. You need to be able to

products I have designed there too. I’m on Facebook,

close the door of your workroom and lock out all the

then @morriskavanaghdesign on Instagram and @

temptations of getting the housework done, making a

phone call or playing with your dogs, it can be tough. Equally, you need to be able to close the door to the

workroom and leave it rest so you can do all the house chores and live life. It is great to have everything close and to be your own boss, once you find the balance!

What has drawn you to create these bags? Why now?

I have always wanted to tie my things together, fine art and design, and now just felt right.

MorrisKavanagh on Twitter. I’m also selling in the Who do you target your product at?

That’s so tough to figure. I would say anybody, it is

Craft Hub in Limerick and I should hopefully be found at many Christmas markets.

a practical product, stylised but with a broad appeal. Tote and embroidery, I guess the main market would

be women aged 20-40. The bags are multi-purpose and the cushions are fashionable and comfy. All

products are easily maintained and cleaned. The target

market is anybody that needs a bag or would like a cushion really! (Laughs).

Article by: Rebecca Egan

Photography by: Leanne Aherne

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Th e li me rick magazine

Mus i c Name: Adam Sixs

I tend to get bored quickly if I’m stuck playing the

From: North West London originally, moved to

it up. I guess the main theme that runs through the

Age: 28

Ireland when I was 6 and have been based in Limerick for the last 10 years.

How long have you been a DJ?

I started mixing at home around 2008, with my first gig in 2009 sometime.

What first got you interested?

My early teenage years were spent listening to garage

like So Solid Crew, Oxide & Neutrino and MJ Cole

but that all seemed to disappear in the early 00s and my taste moved on to bands and more kind of out-there electronic music. It was actually several

years later when I was reading an article about this ‘strange, new genre’ called dubstep that had evolved

from garage that I started to pay more attention to

electronic music again. I quickly fell in love with what was going on in the scene over in the UK and after a couple of years just listening to tunes I felt I had to get involved and started to teach myself how to mix. First gig?

I played a lot a bar gigs when I was first starting but my first club gig was in Baker Place for a night called

Sweatbox back in 2009. It was me and Deadlybuzz playing back to back for the night and the place was

packed so I was bricking it! The night went well anyway and from there it all kicked off and I started

getting invited to more and more gigs around the city. Type of music you play?

I don’t really have one single genre that I play, my sets tend to flick between bits of everything, from hip

hop to garage to techno to dubstep to whatever else.

same thing for a whole set so I’m constantly changing music I play though is the contrast between dark and light: Dark heavy bass and loose shuffles and funky rhythms.

Who have you collaborated with?

I did a remix for Limerick band Fox Jaw at the end of last year for their single Falling Debris which

was released on 7”. Apart from that I’ve mostly

been working on solo beats recently. No plans at the moment for putting anything out there yet but it’s something I’m hoping to focus on in the new year. Preferred weapon of choice?

I don’t actually have a proper setup at home, only a battered turntable and mixer but in the club I use either turntables or CDJs with Serato. I just love

having my entire library of music at my fingertips

while I’m playing, I usually only have a few key tunes planned out for a set and fill in the rest as I go along. Where have you gigged?

Outside of the regular nights in Limerick, I’ve played

for Elemental in Clare, Subsession & Nancy Schnare down in Cork, Chow Down in Manchester and have played at a bunch of various LSAD events and random one-off parties.

Where can we catch you next?

You can catch me on the second Thursday of every month at Gutter in The Underbelly at The Blind Pig and the third Thursday at Dolan’s Warehouse for D.I.E.

Article by: Olivia Chau

Photography by: Eoghan Lyons

Article by: Olivia Chau

Photography by: Eoghan Lyons

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Sa m e D4E nce In a society that seems to be on the up after what has been

Tell me how you first formed Same D4Ence? Did

Rap and Hip-Hop seem to be gaining popularity in

and rap have also been on the increase around Ireland.

Well firstly, before we became the group known as

of years. Is it because it’s a genre that more and more

classed as one of the worst recessions of our time, hip-hop

Our country has always been seen as a small talented

island with amazing talent amongst the rock scene, with bands such as The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy, The

Villagers, Ham Sandwich, Windings, Shardbourne, Walking on Cars, and, And So I Watch You From Afar. Rap or Hip-Hop always enjoyed more of an

underground scene but in the last few years, more and more acts are gaining popularity around our small

island. And it would seem that most of the talent is coming out of Limerick too. With Rusangano

you all grow up together?

Same D4Ence, the three of us grew up together in The Island Field, in Limerick. We were close as

younger friends and became closer over the years. I started writing at a very young age and told the boys

about it. After that, MC B and Hazey Haze started

to build an interest in writing and soon the three of us were rapping and writing in families’ coal bunkers

and sheds. It wasn’t until about 2013 when Same D really came together as a group to develop and create our music.

Family and Naive Ted garnering attention from

Were you always into Rap and hip-hop?

other groups were jumping out of the woodwork and

young age and since then we’ve been listening to

the Irish media, it was only a matter of time before blowing us away with their unreal talent. One group that immediately stands out and should grab your

attention is Same D4Ence (or Same D! as they are referred to amongst the music community).

Same D4Ence consists of Size, Hazy Haze, and

MCB and have only been a part of Limerick’s scene

We were all into Rap and Hip Hop since a very

music by people like Eminem, DMX, 2Pac, 50 Cent,

several memorable shows around Limerick and will

be taking the show on the road around Ireland soon. In the meantime, Olivia got chatting with Simon aka

Size about being in Same D, growing up in Limerick, and their opinions on what goes on around the city.

and is impacted by people who listen to different things, and at different times.

It is now being greatly noted in the Limerick and

Ireland and I think that before musicians in this genre were not getting themselves out there and not

being ‘’seen’’ by an audience enough. But honestly, the

music that has come out over the last 2 years has been especially good. Not to blow our own trumpet too

much, but we have made an impact as you said, and we are very proud of our style of music and the work put into creating it.

that was deeply affected by the recession and our

we could mention! Hip-hop and music have always been a massive influence in our lives.

Limerick musicians, how does it feel to be part of

by mynameisjOhn and Naive Ted. They have had

and it is connected and influenced in so many cultures

5’9, Passionate MC, Flawless and a whole lot more

Yelawolf, G Mo Skee, Slaughter House, Royce Da

it, making the walls sweat from the heaving crowd now called ‘Basic Instinct’ that features production

Well, Hip Hop and Rap has a wide variety of sound,

Would you class yourselves as angry young men or

Same D4Ence are relatively new to the music scene

who couldn’t get enough! They have an EP out

people can relate to, especially for your generation?

The Game, Tech N9ne, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole,

since 2014 but in that time, they stormed onto the stage at Make a Move Festival and absolutely killed

Limerick and Ireland in general over the last couple

but you’ve made a massive impact with a lot of the music community?

It feels great! To have people like Naive Ted and

Rusangano Family supporting you is incredible. Also, we have to mention out extended family, DJ DShii, and rappers Bubbha Jay & Dred. It’s a business founded on friendship and love for music.

acutely observant about life growing up in a city severely high suicide rate?

Well, to be honest, I would have to say both. We are constantly noticing and discussing things that are

happening around us, and seeking the answers so we can express our point of views. Having said that, as

you hear in our music, yes we display a lot of anger, from events that play out in Limerick to issues around

the world. We feel anger, annoyance and sadness towards how things are handled around the city and

country. Of course our music is our expression, art and message we use and love to demonstrate what we really think of the matters that affect others and ourselves every day.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

As a group, you have a good platform to talk about life in Limerick, what message are you trying to convey to your audience?

Well of course there is no one answer to that question. We’ are trying to show people how to break the cycle. Why should we be pigeon holed as one thing or another, or why should be stand back when something

happens? Our message is to fight for yourself and

your loved ones. It’s all about the power of speech! Use your words!

You recorded your EP ‘Basic Instinct’ with mynameisjOhn and Naive Ted, and released it in

September. Tell me about recording and releasing the EP - I love the Traditional music mixed with beats that you have in a few of your songs. Do you

think it’s time that it was recognised in the Rap/ Hip-Hop community worldwide?

Oh yeah, definitely! The progress over the last few years was immense and now people all around have

found themselves as artists more, and are now ready again to do something great!

No-one could say Same D4Ence won’t be big! To

quote Hazey Haze ‘’I will die a f***** legend in the future... Better believe, I put my life on that.”

Article by: Olivia Chau

Photography by: Eoghan Lyons

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

De l or e nto s Dublin band Delorentos are taking a back to basics

What memories stand out to you Kieran from over

It’s great that we can do it - Ró is a native speaker

have no interest in the frills frippery and bombast that

The Artic Monkeys?

another way to interpret our stuff. It’s great that we

approach to music. Their musical biography declares they

occupy other bands, and it’s an ethos that seems to be paying off. They have three critically acclaimed albums

under their belt, and are in the middle of their acoustic Irish tour, Home Again. TLM caught up with the lads

before they hit Limerick’s Lime Tree Theatre on 12th December.

You guys have been together for ten years now, you

the years? How about performing with Bell X1 or It’s all relative to what stage we are at in our careers I

guess. We played with the Artic Monkeys a few times

Naturally your sound has evolved over the years, it

Springsteen has such a large following, his ‘fandoms’

more acoustic, what drove you guys to develop your

support act for Bruce Springsteen too. It was crazy, were even contacting us saying they approved us to play before he came on stage.

Being the first unsigned artists to ever play at

funny stories to share?

been some feeling! Was it difficult to get your names

There is an endless list of stories to tell with some unexpected twists we met that we will always look

back on and think ‘that was crazy!’. We played a gig at an international venue and the ground was so hot our

shoes melted, the soles of our shoes just disappeared! Another memory I will always cherish is when we

went out to Haiti to help with the relief work after Hurricane Katrina. We were rebuilding houses and

providing entertainment for the victims in shelters.

Oxegen and Electric Picnic back in 2006 must have out there as unsigned artists or was there a gap in the market for your sound?

a tiny basement in Memphis, on St. Paddy’s day, we

weren’t supposed to be playing but said for the day

We can top our last release. That’s what keeps us

going, constantly trying to do better, and we’re lucky we’ve had the support of our fans.

a group or more on an individual basis?

has an idea they play it, we discuss it and another

and ourselves - that’s why we’re always trying new things I guess!

own label ‘Delorecords’. Would you guys ever sign You know, it’s any idea we have toyed with a lot and

we would never rule it out for the future, but when you want to do something like that you have to

commit so much time to it. It wouldn’t be right to sign somebody if we didn’t have the time to commit to them. Someday, maybe, but for now, we are happy to keep gigging and writing and evolving.

be open to new suggestions or ways to rework a song

you away?

would sound better in a particular way. We’d always from its initial inception.

of our heavier stuff and there was such a wild vibe, like

Well we have a good few songs translated to Irish,

instruments. We always want to surprise our audience,

You have always done well at award ceremonies, is

Ye seem to have a passion for Gaeilge, where did

wild animals. That was the best craic!

the same words with different feelings and different

one of us may have heard it differently, or thought it

that’s in it why not. We were en route from NY to Texas and played with a blues band. We played a lot

that we are reimagining songs in a new acoustic way;

another band or artist?

Well it differs a lot, most of the time when somebody

is one gig that stands out for me though: it was in

Well I wouldn’t say that we’re going acoustic, more

the drawing board it feels like we can still do better.

We are four albums in but every time we sit back to

Obviously gigging and playing concerts is your life,

No gig is ever more or less meaningful to us. There

sound in this way?

All you albums bar the last were produced by your

You are all songwriters, do you write collectively as

you for a particular reason?

started out with a sense of punk/ pop but now it is

We have always been headstrong anyway! (Laughs).

That was unforgettable.

but is there any one performance that stood out to

can tap into it, it’s our culture too.

in Malahide Castle, which was amazing. We were

must know each other like the back of your own

hand and have many stories to tell, do you have any

and when he translates things it proves there is even

that come from?

we all know them and can sing them, like Sanctóirí

(Sanctuary) and Gunnaí ar bith (Bullet in a Gun).

there any nominations or awards that really blew Well it’s always a great feeling to be nominated and

even better to win - you know you’re doing something

right! When Little Sparks won Irish Album of The

Year with the Meteor Awards in 2013, that was… words cannot describe it really, we were so delighted!

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

What other roles have you gotten to assume as a band member?

Well making the videos gives us cool creative

opportunities. I’ve produced some videos, Níal directed one, it’s a great experience! And you guys sell vinyl now too?

Yes! People didn’t have an interest before but now it

is really growing in popularity again, so it’s class to have that as an option. We put a lot of thought into

it too, the artist is Matt and Emelie or M&E Art & Design from Sweden, we really wanted it all to be the

absolute best! It was recorded and produced by Rob

Kirwan, so all people we have full faith in and who share our vision.

You played mainly at festivals when in Spain, is the vibe much accelerated at a festival gig compared to a concert?

Every gig is so different, no two are ever the same - that’s why we do it! SOS festival in America was formidable two years back. Then on the Spanish tour our song ‘Care For’ was so popular because it was played in a TV advert and was theme tune to the festival so the reaction was unbelievable. We were

playing in front of 25,000 people, a small towns worth

of people, it was euphoric! Ross sings the track on the album but I sang it that day and it’s something I’ll never forget.

What is the feeling in the camp now before your Home Again tour this November and December?

Well we’ve been setting it up a while now, really got stuck into organising the set in September, the whole

process is so exciting! Each gig will have different people joining us as special guests, but all gigs will

have the same personality. We have a big set list but we’re leaving room to rotate tracks so if we get a tweet

or request from the audience we can put it on the list in advance. Technology is great that way, it enables us to engage with our fans so much more and play to

songs are reimagined with a more acoustic sound. We think it will surprise a lot of people!

their needs.

Finally, you have labelled this your ‘most

You seem so appreciative of your fans…

consider it so?

You’ve got to be! That’s why we do use technology

to their and our favour - you want them to get their money’s worth, they could be off doing anything they

please that night, but they choose to come and see us. We want to make it worth their while, we want it to be an experience they will always remember.

You chose a lot of theatres rather than concert halls, why?

We are in lots of theatres for the Home Again tour. It

is a concert tour, that’s why we are in theatres not gig

venues. It’s not going to be a heavy or wild experience, more a rousing experience. There will be moments you will hear a pin drop. We want to present the set

and the tour as an experience. As we said, a lot of our

adventurous and ambitious tour yet’. Why do you

Well we really will be outside of our comfort zone. Lots of people coming will have been to our electric gigs, they won’t ever have seen us in this light. But we’re excited and can’t wait to bring it to all the

venues in the small and larger towns of home! We’re told that Limerick audiences are great too, so we’re

looking forward to our gig in the Lime Tree Theatre on the 12th of December.

I’ve heard that before, and we’ll take the compliment! Go n-éirí libh ar an dturas, see you soon Delorentos!

Article by: Rebecca Egan

Photograph by: Mark Duggan

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Music g en e ration

Ahead of their ISPCC Childline Benefit concert taking

of great benefit to me. Everybody working there is

take a look at the work of Music Generation and how it

inspiring.”

place at the Millennium Theatre on November 21st, we supports new music talent in Limerick.

There’s no doubt that Limerick is a city bursting

with musical talent. Anyone who visits the city is

immediately welcomed by buskers at every corner, each one more talented than the next, bringing life and soundtrack to the city of culture. You needn’t

walk far to find musical talent in Limerick. They’re scattered all over the city, from the Milk Market to Cruises Street we have singer-songwriters, accordion

and banjo players, and of course plenty of DJ and rappers.

In recent years, Limerick has become one of the many counties to introduce the Music Generation programme (Co-funded by U2). The aim of this

programme is to inspire like-minded young people to make music and collaborate with one another to

create something new and unique. Music Generation Limerick

gives

young

musicians/bands

the

opportunity to get studio time, create music videos

and get gigs around the city in local venues like Dolans, Lava Javas Youth Café and more.

One of the musicians on this programme is young Producer & DJ, David Wallace. Inspired by an array

of different artists such as Grimes, Aphex Twin and

Tchami, David began making music at the young age

of fourteen. Now he produces many styles of music

ranging from Electro, Dubstep and Deep House, constantly experimenting with local artists around

him and trying out new projects. Recently David

has begun working on hip-hop production with local talented rappers he met through Music Generation

Limerick. He says of the programme: “It has been

very passionate about music and I find them very

Music is one of the most effective creative outlets for

young people. It helps them excel academically and

improves focus, according to studies. Having a passion for music, or any creative art form opens up a whole new community for teenagers to immerse themselves

in and meet like-minded people - especially in a

city like Limerick, where there are programmes and workshops geared towards young people running

throughout the year, encouraging them to embrace their creative side and share their talents.

Music Generation Limerick’s Reach Out initiative is

a continuation of that ethos, with three main projects: using music to literally reach out to vulnerable

young people and support a service that helps them, strengthening the connections with Limerick’s musical community worldwide, and reconnecting with Limerick’s musical past. The Reach Out ISPCC

Childline benefit concert will feature a mixture of much loved Limerick music acts including Kathleen

Turner, Limerick Voices and Liam O’Brien. The event will connect the Limerick Diaspora as it will

be streamed to Limerick communities internationally, as well as featuring musicians from across the globe

performing live at the concert via video link. Finally, there will be a major research project to tie in with 1916 centenary, looking at the Limerick music scene today and how it has evolved over the past 100 years.

For more information on Music Generation Limerick and Reach Out, visit:

www.musicgenerationlimerickcity.com

Article by: Christine Costello

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Ri v e ri ne exhibition A quiet, yet powerful revolutionary movement is

Maurice Gunning, who is photographer in residence

“We were talking to women who knew of female

Gambia, to protect and nurture female health and

UL. recently spoke to TLM to tell us the background

Cutting, as it also known, is a complex issue. Some

underway throughout the small African nation of The sexuality across the country. Limerick photographer

Maurice Gunning, and his partner Alice McDowell

wanted to bring the quiet revolution to a wider audience, in a thoughtful, yet impactful manner. So, with the

support of the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, Maurice Gunning and Alice McDowell travelled to The Gambia

in early 2015 to create RIVERINE: 9 Stories from The Gambia. It will be one of the largest photographic exhibitions in Ireland this year with 65 prints presented at the Hunt Museum.

In the series of intimate photographic portraits, this fascinating exhibition explores the physical and internal

landscapes of nine women: utilising interviews and

ambient recording from their homes in The Gambia.

at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at behind the trip and the stories of these incredible trailblazing women. How did it all begin?

“Alice had already spent some time in The Gambia,

“We travelled with the assistance of a Gambian

much of a leap it must be to make the decision to

2014, we set off in May 2015,” Maurice explains. community organisation, who connected us with a local community ambassador. The women we spoke to were situated in very rural villages, surrounded only

leave that behind and go against what is essentially seen as a rite of passage in a woman’s life.

Absolutely, says Maurice. “It’s been a part of the

in isolation in the country, you begin to see why the

just the declaration that it is wrong.” A Symposium

you realise just how many of these rural areas exist practice has continued as it has, and why there is such a drive to raise awareness to eradicate it.”

FGM, in rural parts of practicing countries like The

a religious and cultural obligation.

practice is still ingrained in societies, and just how

by desert. It was often difficult to travel, and when

However, as custodians of the tradition, their actions to communities: as female circumcision is widely regarded as

years old, others claim it pre dates the Qur’an.”

With that in mind, we start to understand why the

The practice of female circumcision, more commonly

cease this practice have not always been embraced by their

say it’s religious, some say cultural, some say it’s 1000

and after successfully applying for funding in

These women have made the life-changing decision to

abandon the traditional practice of female circumcision.

circumcision not just from a victim perspective.

referred to here as female genital mutilation or Gambia, is often carried out shrouded by secrecy, without sterilisation or anaesthetic, and using crude

non-medical instruments. Worldwide, it is estimated that 120 million women and girls have had FGM

practiced on them, so it’s by no means an isolated issue. The subject is of huge concern and has been

gaining much attention in recent years with global campaigns led by organisations such as the UN, The

fabric of these societies for so long, it takes more than

for Religious Leaders and Medical Personnel on FGM as a Form of Violence was organised by the

Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices

Affecting the Health of Women & Children of The Gambia, GAMCOTRAP. This resulted in the Banjul Declaration of 1998, which stated that the

practice has neither Christian or Islamic origins or religious justifications and condemned its continued

practice. Alongside this, BAFROW (the Foundation for Research on Women’s Health, Productivity & Development) began working with local communities

on an alternative rite of passage project for girls in 1996.

Guardian newspaper, Equality Now, and Amnesty

Maurice tells us: “The Gambia as a country is

Gunning and McDowell’s project is remarkable and

steps to put a halt to FGM – they have set a target

International.

particularly thought provoking, as it is providing a perspective we don’t often see. The duo photographed

and interviewed women who not only had the practice carried out on them, they actually were practitioners.

remarkable in that this tiny nation is taking massive to eradicate the practice by 2020 and are well on the

way to achieving that aim. That said, it’s still not easy

for anyone who wishes to turn away from that part

of their culture – women still face being ostracised.

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For the women we spoke to, it was their only means

retrained with the help of organisations that help

years, a couple of them only in the last year or so. So

one woman learned pottery and now sells clay pots,

of income. Most of them had stopped in the last five this exhibition is largely the story of what happened after, what they did to remove themselves from the

life they had known. They had to stay strong in their own beliefs and find a means to survive.”

How did they make such a huge step? “Many of them

individuals into alternative employment. For example,

themselves, but for many others the only way to do that is to leave everything behind.”

another got a grant of $100, and with that bought

With so much debate raging about asylum seekers

young men to make it for her and runs the business.

something else Maurice had in mind when putting

a stove and began making bread - she now employs While another bought a fridge freezer and began selling bags of ice. They are making another life for

and European countries response to refugees, was that the exhibition together?

“Of course it is an underlying issue, but it’s something

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not really discussed explicitly in the exhibition. We do feel it’s important to realise that many women are

seeking asylum to escape FGM, but we’re not actively trying to make a point, we just hope that by sharing

these individual experiences it makes people consider the individual lives behind the broader issues we hear

about in the media. We didn’t want to make this a campaign or push any agenda, Riverine is a gentle

narrative, we just wanted as much as we could to relate what the women had told us in the way that

we heard it. We wanted to present their stories, not

with any imposed narrative or angle, just a poetic and

visual representation of their lives after FGM, and show that there can be positive outcomes.”

Through dialogue and advocacy with religious scholars and the district chiefs of the villages which stretch

from the Upper River Region of The Gambia to its meeting with the Atlantic, local organisations have

begun to eradicate this practice from the country. The

nine women and their stories presented in Riverine, illustrate how combining the elements of custom and tradition with education and knowledge, great

change can come about for a country and its people. All nine women are forging a new life and livelihood for themselves, and most importantly, a new future for women in The Gambia.

The exhibition will be formally opened by Professor

Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, on Tuesday 24th November at 6pm in the main gallery, The Hunt Museum, Limerick. RIVERINE: 9 Stories from The Gambia

Exhibition open daily from Monday 23rd Nov Sunday 29th November.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sundays 2-5pm. Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photography by: Maurice Gunning

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Opinion: Rebelle relates her experience of joining the Abortion Bus Pro Choice event in Limerick…

Truth be told, I have limited experience when it

comes to activism. Apart from the occasional pride

parade my activism is what could be described as

armchair based, at best. I write and share articles, pictures and information pointing out injustices as

well as signing the odd petition. However when I

heard that the “Abortion Bus” was coming to town, I knew it was something I had to stand with. It’s important to remember as you reading this article that I am staunchly Pro-Choice. Pro-Choice does not

mean Pro-Abortion, it simply means that I support a woman’s right to make whatever choice is right for them about their own bodies.

Ireland has one of the most restrictive abortion laws

in the world. This is underpinned by our Constitution, which protects prenatal life on an equal footing with the life of the woman. Ireland only allows women and girls access to abortion if their life is at risk, and even

this is not a guarantee, as we have seen in the Savita

case. In all other cases, abortion is a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Irish healthcare providers are effectively gagged from giving out full information

about terminations, for fear of being accused of “promoting” or “advocating” it – a crime that carries a

fine of up to €4,000. Instead of receiving information from a medical practitioner women are forced to trawl through the dark recesses of the internet in the

hopes that they might find some accurate and safe information. In the year 2015 women are being forced

to scurry around in secret, hiding their problem for fear of being prosecuted. As if Ireland hasn’t learned

enough lessons about the dangers of having people

keep secrets and living with fear and lies, but I digress. The bus was organised by the group WomenOnWeb. org. Women on Web is a digital community made up of women who have had abortions and individuals

as well as organisations that support abortion rights. Women on Web is an international collective that

answers thousands of help-emails every day in many languages from women around the world. As Women

on Web helps women in very many countries, there

is no phone number to their helpdesk, but they will respond to every email and will provide support.

The bus travelled around Ireland for two days offering

information on how women could obtain abortion pills, as well as consultations with Women on Web

founder Dr Rebecca Gomperts. The bus stopped in

Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway for rallies and

demonstrations protesting the eighth amendment, which bans abortion in Ireland. I took part in the

Limerick leg of the bus tour. When I arrived to our

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meet up location on Thomas Street I was surprised

whatever he saw fit but I did not think it was fair that

While we are at it, amending the eighth isn’t enough.

large gathering of mainly older men, teenage girls

over their own bodies. However, when he referred

autonomy and for too long. We need to join the

by the size of the Anti-Choice group. There was a

accompanied by one or two priests in full garb, chanting loudly and carrying professionally printed banners and signs. They were really a sight to behold compared to our smaller gathering, carrying our home

made signs and chatting to passers-by about the bus and what was happening.

It was all quite a peaceful affair until one of the AntiChoice side produced a sign that read “I don’t support

Lenin or Hitler or Stalin or ‘The Death Bus’”. A woman passing by myself and a friend asked us to

confirm what the sign said and she became quite upset. She told us that she was Jewish and found the

sign very offensive. The woman proceeded to cross

his belief system should impact on women’s rights to rape and forced pregnancies as a woman’s burden

much like conscription to the army was for men then

I had to call an end to the conversation. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the day but I certainly wasn’t expecting to be shoved and shouted at. I would like

to say this was an isolated incident but another lady

I spoke to told me that she and a number of others had holy water thrown on them. This group promote themselves as being pro-life, pro-woman and probaby. I sincerely struggle to figure out how any group

can consider themselves pro anything when they have such aggressive tactics and are so negative in their approach.

the road to Bedford row and had a lengthy discussion

The simple reality is that abortion restrictions don’t

it away.

When the bus arrived onto O’Connell

forced to leave Ireland each year to access abortion

became much louder and lasted the duration of the

month, so chances are you already know someone who

Coppinger and one of the founders of The Limerick

only an estimate and the actual figure could be much

over women were invited onto the bus to receive

when the travel abroad to the clinics. Some women

stood by the door of the bus waiting my turn to board,

women are made to feel ashamed and like criminals

to his collar approached me and asked if I wanted to

alive is utilising abortion as contraceptive, no woman

leaflets during the day and I responded the same to

into the clinic and no woman relishes the thought of

man began pushing against me repeatedly informing

and away from the comfort of their own home and

being used by the demons. I told him because I was

stories on the Woman on Web website will tell you

with the man holding the sign, who eventually put

eliminate abortions. About 4,000 women and girls are

Street the shouting from the Anti- Choice side

services in other countries. That is over 300 women a

speeches being given by members of ROSA, Ruth

has had to travel to avail of this service. This figure is

Family Planning Centre. When the speeches were

higher as some women do not give their Irish address

information and/or a consultation. At this point I

risk their health by seeking out unsafe alternatives. All

a man in a brown suit with a large silver cross pinned

for making this choice. I am fairly certain no woman

read his leaflet. I had been offered many Anti-Choice

enters into this decision lightly and no woman skips

all of the offers, a firm but polite no thank you. The

having to undergo such a traumatic event, in secret

me that there were evil forces at work and that I was

away from their support networks. The hundreds of

Pro-choice I fully supported his right to believe in

the turmoil women face even contemplating this issue

Enough limitations have been put on women’s bodily

countries across the globe who embrace a woman’s

right to choose. The problem is very real and very current and forcing it overseas does not make it go away. If you believe now is time for a change, contact your local councillors and tell them that you support

a woman’s right to choose. Visit WomenOnWeb.org to learn more about how you can support women in need. Also worth checking out is the documentary

Vessel, made by Women on Waves, the Dutch Pro Choice organisation.

Article by: Rebelle Haze

Photograph by: Munster Images

much less going through it.

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Christmas

g if t ideas

Let the Christmas shopping fun begin! These little luxuries

are perfect for Secret Santas, cousins, and Christmas stockings. Now all you have to do is figure out the big stuff…

For Women: The Body Shop Frosted Plum Shimmer Lotion

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Bath Fizzers

24 Carat Gold Bassbuds

Plum Shimmer Lotion, a lightweight moisturiser that

experience! Relax and indulge your body with The

leather bound gift box and will include complimentary

Shine all season long with The Body Shop’s Frosted

gives skin a touch of sparkle while leaving it feeling

and smelling softly-sweet. The opening notes of plum, grapefruit, and raspberry give this fragrance a fruity

punch, while its floral heart and musk base adds sophistication.

Transform bath time to an irresistibly fragrant

Body Shop’s Frosted Plum Bath Fizzers. The opening

notes of plum, grapefruit, and raspberry give this fragrance a fruity punch, while its floral heart and

musk base adds sophistication. Contains 10 bath fizzers.

BassBuds™ 24ct Gold earphones will arrive in a chic accessories and information including: • • •

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Leather carry pouch

3 Pairs of luxury memory foam replacement tips (S/M/L)

6 sets of hypoallergenic silicone and memory

foam in-ear tips in 3 sizes (S,M,L) and in 2 colours

Certificates of Authenticity

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For Men: Elemis Men’s Daily Moisture Boost 50ml

Elemis Men’s Energising Skin Scrub 75ml

RED5 Helium Levitate

Tree of A Thousand Virtues native to Polynesia

with this dynamic exfoliator, formulated with Marine

but has the capabilities to float and spin just like a

An exclusive blend of Green Tamanu Oil from the

and Cactus Cerus Flower helps soothe shaved skin, achieving an overall improvement in skin condition. A trio of Cirtus Oils decongests the skin, providing

day-long free-radical protection. Skin compatible, plant based natamilks of Chestnut and Bamboo

assist in restoring elasticity, suppleness and essential nutrients stripped away by shaving.

Recharge and prime the skin for a smooth shave, Phytoplankton in a Vitamin E base. The scrub rapidly

resurfaces, ‘polishes’ and brightens the skin, lifting

the facial hair before shaving and helping to prevent ingrowing hairs and blemishes. The skin is left feeling smooth, refined and deeply cleansed.

This incredible speaker is not only loud and powerful

magician from a Las Vegas show. There are no wires

here, no noisy fans, just pure, unfathomable magic... and a few magnets if we’re being completely honest. The Helium Levitate defies gravity by floating on an

invisible cloud of magnetic force creating the ultimate focal point for any room. You and your friends will

be truly mesmerized as the Helium Levitate floats and spins above its base whilst playing your music

with crystal clear sound through a high quality 3 watt speaker.

Article by: Cornelia O’Riordan

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Th e li me rick magazine

Fas h i o n Winter Survival Style Guide Getting dressed in the mornings is becoming a cold

and miserable task (as if it wasn’t enough of a struggle already). The realisation that Winter is here has settled and we have to come to terms with the fact

TOPSHOP Faux Fur Contrast Collar Patterned Coat €125.00

Can we just take a minute to appreciate how beautiful this is? Everything about this coat is perfection. The colouring, the fur.. I can’t even.

that its freezing and were probably going to have a head cold for the next 3-6 months.

Yes our skin might dry out, our lips might chap and

our noses may run (constantly), but on the plus side, we get to wear faux furs and leather pants and look ‘Cruella Di Vil’ fabulous for a couple of months - so I for one, am not complaining too much.

Winter is my favourite time of year when it comes to fashion as I love layering clothes and AW15 is all about layering…and fur. LOTS of fur. I’ve picked out some casual/glamourous pieces from our most

loved high street shops to give you guys some Winter Wardrobe Inspiration.

Check Belted Wide Cropped Trousers €76.00

These trousers are so effortlessly chic. They are styled perfectly for Winter above, with a white turtle-neck and black fur gilet.

BRAT A-Line Skirt By Motel €38.00 I think a print skirt is a must for Winter and I am

OBSESSED with this colouring and print. Pair with

a black turtle-neck and black knee-highs and you got a pretty glam outfit.

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with Shauna Lindsay Instagram - @shaunalindsay

RIVER ISLAND Grey Check Wool-Blend Sleeveless Jacket €113.00

Black Sequin Embellished Molly Jegging €80.00

anything and just looks so chic. I’ll definitely be

Especially at Christmas time. These are a MUST for

This is just so gorgeous. It would go with absolutely

Christmas is coming and who doesn’t love sparkle?!

purchasing this piece for my wardrobe.

me.

Cream Geometric Faux Fur Trim Dress €60.00 The Fur Trim just completes this.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Th e li me rick magazine

Beauty

with Mary Kiely

Perfecting Eyelashes Make Up Artist Mary Kiely explains how to keep your

eyelashes thick and fluttery for all your flirtatious needs… We’ve seen an increase of false eyelashes and eyelash extensions over the past couple of years. Using these

all the time has a big effect on your eyelashes, so its

best to save them for only special occasions. With the right products, you can achieve amazing results every day with your very own eyelashes.

Eyelashes can be very sensitive so we need to look

after them. Not looking after them leads to eyelashes falling out, and it can take up to seven or eight weeks for them to grow back. Constant pulling on the

eyelashes and frequent fall-out leads to permanent damage.

Having naturally good eyelashes is great, so looking after them and keeping them strong is necessary. If

you have short, weak or very little lashes here are some tips to help…

1. Treating the eyelashes is the most important part

to support the eyelashes natural renewal cycle. For eyelashes to regrow and get stronger a good treatment is needed. There are lots of products out there but

my favourite and the one that most definitely works

centre that holds mascara, so from root to tip every

Serum. Its full of vitamins, botanicals and eyelash

with smaller eyelashes, the top of the brush is very

is Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eyelash and Brow conditioners that make the hair stronger and reduces

breakage. It can be used on the eyebrows too. It is fragrance, prostaglandin and colorant free, leaving the

lash is being coated. This brush is fantastic for anyone

neat so it very easy to get into all those hard to reach eyelashes. This mascara retails at €25.

eyelashes and eyebrows feeling longer, fuller, healthier

Diorshow mascara is one of the best and most

worth it if regrowth of the eyebrows or eyelashes is a

Dior decided to change the ingredients of this iconic

and thicker. It retails at around €100 - expensive but problem, it will most definitely fix it.

Another option is the Dior Lash Maximiser. It’s

a primer and treatment in one, instantly making the eyelashes volumised, with the benefits of daily lash care. It’s a fantastic primer and really makes a difference to the eyelashes by curling, thickening

and lengthening them intensely. The minerals in the maximiser are to promote plumping and eyelash growth. It retails at around €33-€35.

2. After treating and priming the eyelashes the next step is the mascara, here are some of my favourites at the minute:

M.A.C Upward Lash is MAC‘s latest mascara. It comes in the most amazing packaging, it looks like a

popular mascaras out there. 2015 was the year when mascara. The new formula gets between eyelashes and naturally thickens them without clumping. The

beeswax texture coats the eyelashes for that lash

extension effect, with an amazing smell from the wax. It also has a patented Airlock system which prevents the mascara from being in contact with air, keeping the mascara from drying out. The brush is a big size so for anyone with very small eyelashes it could get

messy, I would recommend this mascara for medium to long length eyelashes. Diorshow retails at €33.50.

Bare minerals Lash Domination does it all -

volumising, lengthening, thickening and separating. It’s a long wearing mascara and has a ProTwist180

wand that goes 180 degrees to curve around all the

eyelashes. As it is Bare Minerals there are no parabens or phthalate. Lash Domination retails at €22.

giant MAC lipstick! On the inside there a surprisingly

3. After applying all these amazing long-lasting

and curl straight away. The brush head has a hollow

day. Mascara needs to be taken off properly as the

small brush head but it gives fantastic volume, length

products, we now have to take it off at the end of the

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area and eyelashes are so sensitive, but we also need to

Clinique Take Off The Day Oil can remove anything,

Dior Instant Eye Makeup Remover is so gentle and

to be removed with good eye makeup removers. Here

skin, retailing at €29.

free so there is no residue left on the eyes. It retails at

remove any product gently. Good eye products need are a couple of my favourites…

and it’s not harsh on the eye area. It does eyes lips and

great for sensitive eyes or anyone with contacts. Its oil €31.50.

Article by: Mary Kiely

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Pro du ct review Th e Body Shop - Oi ls of Li fe - In te nse ly R e v i ta l i s i ng Faci a l Oil

Th e B o dy Sh o p - O i l s o f L i f e - I n ten sely R ev i tal i si n g G el C r eam

The Body S hop – Oi l s of L i fe – Twi n-Bal l Revi tal i s i ng Fac i al M as s ag er

How much is it?

The Body Shop have recently released their new

After using the Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil, this

To get the most out of all of the products in the

have infused seed oils from all over the globe in their

the products in this range, it is infused with oils from

products along with The Body Shop’s Oils of Life

€48.00

Oils of Life range. As the name may suggest, they

products so that you can get the best from around the world without going further than your local high-

street. These new age-defying products include black

cumin seed oil from Egypt, camellia seed oil from China and Rosehip seed oil from Chile, which not

only make your skin look great, but they also smell pretty great too.

€42.50

is the perfect product to follow up with. Just like all of around the world for the best results possible.

One of the first things that is noticeable about this product is that there are tiny little sparkles sprinkled throughout the moisturiser. They would be the

illuminating micro-pearls that The Body Shop added

to their product in order for it to hydrate the skin in the lightest, and prettiest, way possible.

If you’re worried by those stubborn lines and wrinkles,

The best thing about this product is that it’s perfect

of ageing after just four weeks. This is due to the

very heavy, greasy and sticky but this moisturiser isn’t

this product is for you. It has proven to reduce signs

three different seed oils which revitalise the skin and improve the skins elasticity and firmness.

for any skin type. Regular face creams can often be any regular face cream. As it’s a gel cream, it’s very

light compared meaning that it’s perfect for anyone

with oily skin. However, it’s still moisturising and

hydrating enough to be used by anyone with dry skin.

€42.50

Oils of Life range, we recommend that you use the

Twin-Ball Revitalising Facial Massager for the best results possible. Just apply the product as usual and

use the Facial Massager to massage the product into

your face. Not only is this relaxing but it also helps to

reduce lines and wrinkles, increases the blood flow in your face and increases the skins elasticity. Article by: Sophie Butler

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Fi lm BFI London Film Festival 2015: Five of the best Article by: Fernando Sanchez

Film lovers of the world will have been closely following one of the biggest events in the global film festival calendar that took place recently, the BFI London Film Festival. Now in its 59th edition, the event showcases pieces submitted by up and coming film makers from around the world. The organization behind the festival provides funding for talented new directors, enabling young authors to show their films to a wide audience. This year’s schedule packed in 240 films from 72 countries over 12 days. Here’s a pick of the 5 best and most intriguing films to come out of this year’s festival. Add them to your to-watch list.

The Lobster Odd and blackish comedy The Lobster brings together a bunch of singletons into a resort hotel. These people are then given 45 days to find love among their fellow loveless peers, or else they will be transformed into an animal of their choice and banished into the woods. Ireland’s own cinema poster boy Colin Farrell stars in this off-the-wall comedy, though Farrell’s trademark good looks have been cleverly erased by a paunch, a rather odd Father Dougal hairstyle, and a quirky looking moustache this time around. Former makeup model girl Rachel Weisz co-stars, along with John C. Reilly, Ben Whishaw, and Olivia Colman (of Channel 4’s Peep Show fame).

The Witch Fans of the horror genre will not be disappointed with The Witch. Though its title may be somewhat non-descript and vague, first time writer-director Robert Egger’s debut film certainly delivers where it counts. The Witch beautifully depicts the descent of a 17-century New England family into madness. While not a horror film in a true sense, The Witch has all the hallmarks of a supernatural thriller where nightmarish, blood-soaked visions haunt the family’s environment. There is a sense of religious ambiguity pervading The Witch’s 92-minutes running time, but a tale of

morality it certainly is not. The Witch’s unsettling ideas and concepts will stay with you for quite some time after the film’s end.

The Assassin After a long 8-year absence from film making, Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien returns to full splendour with the beautifully shot historical martial arts epic The Assassin. Those expecting fast paced chop-socky kung-fu marathons need to look elsewhere. The Assassin is a slow paced. meditative movie with a martial arts backdrop. The film follows the tale of Nie Yinnian (played by Shu Qi), who was trained from the age of 10 by a nun, Jiaxin, (Sheu Fang-yi), to efficiently kill corrupt officials. During an assignment, Nie’s about to execute a man, but the presence of his young son prompts the assassin to spare the man’s life. After faltering in her prior immutable determination, Nie’s trainer sends her on a mission to rid the assassin of any lingering feelings of pity.

Ixcanul ( Volcano) This is definitely one for the hardcore fans of Latin American cinema only. Excruciatingly slow, Ixcanul explores the world of a girl who becomes pregnant in a remote house at the foot of a Guatemalan volcano. While the premise itself is outlandish enough, the movie goes on to explore a way of life up in the mountains which is alien to most of us, yet moving and hypnotic at the same time.

A Bigger Splash A romantic comedy of sorts, if you are into that kind of thing, A Bigger Splash is a tale of tangled love and lust between four people; rock star Marianne (impeccably played by the always hypnotic Tilda Swinton) and her lover (Matthias Schoenaerts), and Marianne’s ex, Harry (Ralph Fiennes), who comes along with his sultry young daughter Pen (Dakota Johnson). Of course, conflict ensues, and loyalties are put to the test. A Bigger Splash lacks originality, but makes for an enjoyable 100-odd minutes of mildly romantic comedy.

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se e the li ght Dance Limerick Light Moves Festival of Screendance

Do you believe that there is a strong screendance /

This year’s festival theme is ‘Peeling Away the

the highly successful inaugural event last year. This year

The presence of screendance in Ireland and

behind choosing this particular theme?

2015 takes place 19th-22nd November and follows

looks set to be even bigger and better with a whole host of eagerly anticipated screenings and events taking place throughout the weekend.

This being the second year of the festival, will you be introducing any new features that weren’t in the

dance film presence in Ireland?

internationally, is growing stronger and stronger - and

in fact Light Moves emerged as a response to that. Artists are embracing new technologies and taking

full advantage of the increased possibilities that film offers in the making of new and innovative work.

inaugural event?

What inspired you to arrange the festival in

screenings and installations and involves 92 artists.

Mary Wycherley and Jurgen Simpson are the founders

We have a strong programme which includes 55 In addition to the screenings and installations, we

also have a symposium featuring 24 speakers and a Screendance Lab for artists interested in delving into

the practical and aesthetic questions surrounding

the field of screendance. The Lab will provide

valuable time for both the emerging and experienced practitioners to engage with two leading artists in the field, Lucy Cash and Marisa Zanotti.

Also, as part of the screenings, Light Moves is collaborating with Carriageworks - Australia’s largest Arts Centre, who has commissioned a series of works

from 24 artists under the title 24 Frames Per Second. This year we are showing 10 of these works in various

venues, including Dance Limerick, Limerick School of Art & Design and an outdoor projection at

Lower Cecil Street. All of these works are European premieres, which is very exciting for Light Moves. What is the main focus of the festival?

The main focus of the Festival is on the trans disciplinary nature of dance film or screendance. It

is a hybrid art form involving choreographers, visual

artists, performance makers and filmmakers. The

festival aims to highlight the collaborative nature of

these roles and processes and to stimulate discussion and debate.

Limerick?

and curators of Light Moves and are Limerick based.

Layers’ - what was the inspiration and meaning

This theme was chosen to invite people to explore the tendencies and scope of screendance. The festival opens up the possibilities for what screendance

is and how it expands the fields of dance and film. The symposium will bring 24 speakers from Europe, the US and Canada to share their experiences and

thinking on this theme with the audience. It will make for some very interesting debates and chats for all interested in finding out more!

When the City and County Council were preparing

Would you recommend the festival as being an all

me as Director of the then-newly established Dance

We were mindful of including young people in

for the City of Culture, Mary and Jurgen approached Limerick. Dance Limerick is a resource organisation

for professional dance practice and Light Moves is a festival responding to the newly developing practice

of dance film. The synergies were obvious and we were thrilled that City of Culture 2014 accepted our

proposal to fund this exciting new venture as part of its legacy strand of programming. 2014 was Light

Moves’ inauguration and it is the only festival of its kind in Ireland. It was always intended that Light Moves would continue and become embedded as

a national/international experience unique within

ages and family friendly festival?

the programme, not just as spectators but as active

participants. Children aged 3-6 can attend the Light Moves Little Kids Club, and those aged 7-11 years can attend Exploring Sound for Dance Film - both at

the Hunt Museum. We also have a screening session on Saturday morning showcasing films made by

students, including one by Limerick Youth Dance -

who are so very excited to premiere their film at Light Moves and have their families, friends and peers see

their creativity and what they made, on the big screen.

Limerick’s annual cultural calendar.

Where can we find out more information about the

What should we expect to see at the Light Moves

www.lightmoves.ie. Brochures can also be found in

Festival?

Many exhilarating variations of demonstrating the physicality of dance as presented on screen. Light

festival?

coffee shops, the library and other outlets throughout the city.

Moves is a festival of opportunities and audiences

Article by: Cornelia O’Riordan

as they see new and thought-provoking ways of

Tarr and Agnes Hranitzky, which will be screened as

will be surprised, challenged, provoked, and engaged combing performance and movement on screen.

Photograph: Turin Horse (2010), directed by Bela part of Light Moves festival of screendance

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

#e at i nli merick with Olivia O’Sullivan Twitter & Instagram: @eatinlimerick

What’s new on the Limerick food scene? OPENINGS… Recently opened is Lana Asian Street Food in Castletroy, its sister restaurant opened in Galway

earlier this year and has been enjoying great success so

it’s great to see the owners bring it near the University of Limerick to one of Limerick’s busiest suburbs.

And good news for Limerick’s own original Asian

street food concept Aroi, having opened a second

restaurant, they are now celebrating the opening of a third establishment just recently in Kilkenny.

Coming soon… we have heard whispers of a new

Italian restaurant called La Piatto opening in Grove

Island, Corbally, very soon, hopefully at the start of December. Keep an eye on the #eatinlimerick social media for further updates.

HAPPENINGS… Ireland’s ‘fermentalist’ and Limerick’s own food

writer/teacher Valerie O’Connor continues her

cookery classes with ‘Guilt Free Baking’ coming

up on December 3rd where you can learn to make delicious, grain free and gluten free breads and

cakes. All ingredients and equipment are supplied at

Hook & Ladder Cookery School on Sarsfield Street but book fast as numbers are limited to 12. Other

classes taking place include Christmas with Chef

Keith Pigott, Mulled Wine & Festive Finger Food, Christmas Desserts, Christmas Baking, to name but a few. There are lots more with different cuisines, check

out hookandladder.ie to see the full list of classes available. Could be a nice Christmas gift for someone perhaps?

Garret’s craft butchers in Castletroy and Dooradoyle has started stocking Riot Rye Bake House sourdough bread by Joe Fitzmaurice in Cloughjordan. Commited

to “creating and actively fostering a culture of bread

without the use of industrial additives or chemicals” this bread is made using exclusively organic flours, natural and wild ingredients in a wood fired oven. Available at the Milk Market on Saturdays, and The

Urban Co-Op which opens on Thursdays (3-6pm), Fridays and Saturdays (12-4pm), and also in Eats of Eden on Thomas Street.

#GIBO - The Great Irish Bake Off on TV3 has two

TALKED ABOUT… Rachel Allen visited Rigney’s Farm in Curraghchase, Co Limerick for her RTE series Rachel’s Coastal

Cooking in which she also visited the home of Valerie O’Connor to do some fermenting and learn about the health benefits of this ancient traditional process.

The Limerick Strand Hotel featured in Georgina

Campbell’s selection of 10 Best Festive Breaks in Ireland for their Family Panto Package including

overnight for 2 adults and 2 children in a family room, delicious breakfast and tickets to the show.

La Cucina featured in 17 Irish Restaurants Outside

Dublin You Have to Visit Before You Die by Lovin Dublin’s chief Niall Harbison. This small eatery in

Castletroy continues to be loved around the country for their fresh Italian offering.

Circular Road and Claire Ryan from North Circular

Hampers & Festive Limerick Produce

on Sunday nights at 9pm to track their progress.

Of course retail businesses throughout Limerick will

Limerick contestants in Emer Hough from South

Road, now living in Fedamore, Co Limerick. Tune in

Dalton Greene of Canteen took part in the Irish Barista Championships in Dublin recently. Dalton

recently joined Canteen owner/chef Paul Williams as

both were invited to take centre stage at a discussion all about coffee during the Savour Kilkenny food festival.

be celebrating the season offering festive produce and

hampers. Limerick Craft Hub and Bobby Byrne’s

Food Shop are just two outlets you can find Limerick

produce for gifting, and local hospitality businesses such as the Limerick Strand Hotel offers hampers

of their Pantry Range at Christmas with festive

essentials such as Christmas puddings, mince pies, ham glaze and cranberry sauce with port.

LANA CASTLETROY Dublin Road, Castletroy, Limerick Phone: (061) 508 061 Email: castletroy@lanathai.ie

www.lanathai.ie

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

L imeri ck f oo d At it’s best

applauded and would rival any of the new restaurants on

The Treasury Restaurant Marks 1 year in Business

‘’Overall, The Treasury provides a generous and equal

A beautiful addition to a growing foodie city - The

‘’The concept and execution of the food and service is to be the Dublin scene’’ – Sinead Deegan

measure of style and substance’’ – Kayleigh Ziolo

‘’My overall experience was of a modern restaurant

touching on the fine dining experience but in no way stuffy’’ –Nigel Dugdale

Treasury Restaurant first opened its doors to rave

reviews a year ago. Although the restaurant has only been open for twelve months it has most definitely

made its mark on the dining scene of Limerick. With not only fantastic food on offer but an inviting

atmosphere and captivating interior, there is no doubt that the Treasury has solidified itself as one of the best restaurants to visit in Limerick city.

The Treasury Restaurant is the perfect dining

experience, from the decadent decor designed by

owner Barry Kiely in collaboration with Alice

O’Farrell from Looking Glass Interiors, to the fantastic food prepared with passion and an intricate

attention to detail by head chef Derek Fitzpatrick and his team.

When Barry Kiely set about the task of renovating the

basement of 74 O’Connell Street into the beautiful restaurant it is today he made a point of keeping many of the historical features. It is the original features of

the basement along with the new additions to the decor that ensure you are transported into a relaxed

and intimate atmosphere, a far cry from the bustling streets of Limerick city centre.

During the year The Treasury Restaurant has been the recipient of a multitude of magnificent reviews.

It is clear that The Treasury Restaurant is a unique

addition to the food scene of Limerick city and is

guaranteed to have many more years of success ahead of it. Congratulations guys.

Article by: Cornelia O’Riordan Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Health & Wellbeing Winter immunity The cold and dark winter months are here, which

means we need to take particular care of ourselves. We need to think more about our immune system and how to keep it strong and protected.

The immune system is a very important mechanism

as it protects us from infection and toxins. So even

though you might want to stay in and lay by the fire you should do something that could strengthen your immune system.

Contrary to what we might think it has been proven

that staying indoors leaves you at a higher risk to catch a cold. So, first of all, changing your scenery

and getting outdoors will help your immunity. This seems very manageable, but we’re all guilty of making

the excuse of staying in because it’s rainy and windy, which could be fair enough if we were living in a different country, but let’s face it, we should be used to

that by now! All you need to do is dress appropriately

for the weather to stay comfortable and get outdoors, you will warm up once you start moving.

Secondly, start doing it today! Help keep your

immune system strong and don’t wait for that cold to catch you. Prevent future illness by being physically active and eating balanced nutrition daily.

If you are, or are just starting to become active and your daily diet is balanced, but you still find yourself

getting colds and flu easily then you must ask yourself, what I am doing wrong? Do I eat enough natural vitamins and minerals? Is my exercise intensity high

enough to bring up my heart rate daily? Do I enjoy it? Be honest with yourself to find the right answers.

The key for maintaining strong immunity is staying in

harmony and in balance with your body, maintaining

immune system stay strong and healthy. After all it is

being physically active daily.

every day, without us noticing so let’s thank it and

a healthy weight while eating balanced nutrition and

Add small immunity boosters to your diet. Include simple remedies like hot water with lemon and honey or try eating a clove of garlic daily which will naturally

support your immune system. Your very intelligent

such an amazing mechanism that keeps us protected

support it simply by moving, eating well and listening to it.

Believe that you can heal your body and stick to a healthy lifestyle.

immunity mechanism needs your support to work

Immunity booster recipe

can take time. So believe and stick to healthy living,

Vegetable stew

properly, and to do that you need to heal it first which

being patient will grant you all health benefits. Your

Ideal for lunch, made in less than 20mins

stronger.

Ingredients

body will thank you and your immunity will become

Thirdly, try to eliminate stress. When we get stressed

•

our immune system shuts down until we calm down. If you are stressed one of the best ways to reduce stress

is exercise. You might have your own unique activity,

•

Vegetables:

Pepper, zucchini, celery

onion, broccoli, cauliflower, spinnach, tomatos, mushrooms, and any other vegetables of choice.

Beans or brown rice (if short on time use canned beans or boiled rice)

it could be simply a walk in the park or cycling, even

•

especially outdoors, it will clear your mind and make

Preparation

hiking if it’s possible. As long as you get moving and you feel happier.

•

Finally, don’t rely on supplements to boost your

immunity. The reason why we all react to foods/

stress/medication differently is because each one of

•

Tomato sauce/pasta

Lightly fry onion and zucchini together then add rest of the vegetables (that could also be steamed so that less oil is used)

Add tomato sauce or pasta with seasoning of your choice (chilli, pepper, paprika, tumeric, salt)

us has a unique immune system and that is why you

•

your immune system. There is no such thing! Instead

Benefits

don’t need to run after some pill that claims to boost

become more positive and thankful for what you have, become more patient and exercise to keep your heart healthy and eat well for the nutrition.

Our immune system is so busy fighting off infections

and toxins daily, the least we can do to support its

function is adapt to a healthy lifestyle and worry less. These small modifications will all help keep your

stick,

Finally, add beans of choice or boiled rice.

Help with digestion and keep you hydrated. Helps to reduce bad cholestrol, lower risk of heart disease

and promote good nervous and immune system as it is packed with vitamins and minerals. Will also help you with weight control.

Article by: Sintija Zorge

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Poetry from s tanza s

Whispers By Michael McGrath Within starry blankets of the fall

And whittled reeds in slender hands, Our air is lost in fleet footfall

While roaming on these pastoral lands. Oh sing to the moon, my lovelies.

Warm children mumble in their beds As we row ferries out from Foynes, With cargos of the recent dead

Whose eyes are crossed with silver coins. Oh sing to the moon, my lovelies.

Encroaching from those darkest seas, We moor amongst their petty ways And spin our spools of trickery

For we know secrets of the grave.

Oh sing to the moon, my lovelies. Oh sing and tumble through this night; Yes, seep beneath tight window seams To blow upon weak candlelight

And weave old troubles through their dreams. Oh sing to the moon, my lovelies.

Oh sing to another streaming mist, Dance and ebb on morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rise. Leaving with a poisoned kiss Our icy lips upon their eyes.

Oh sing to the moon, my lovelies.

Michael McGrath is an emerging Irish fiction writer who

has been published both nationally and internationally in journals such as Roadside Fiction, Writing Raw, The

Ogham Stone and most recently in the January 2015 edition of Literature Today. He achieved success in two categories at the University of Limerick Arts Awards 2014: 1st place in the Short Story category for his work

Entropy and 3rd in the Poetry section for The Trouble

With Atoms. He is currently completing his first novel. He works as a second level English teacher and lives in Cork City, Ireland.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

t e k r a M k il M e h T @ s Christmas @ The Milk Market a Christm Colouring Competition

Choirs Competition

Best Dressed Stall

Christmas Dates

Select Christmas Markets from the 4th Dec with a full week of markets 17th to 24th. Further info at www.milkmarketlimerick.ie It will feature up to 60 stalls & shops. All packed with a wide range of artisan food, craft & gift possibilities, Christmas crafts & gifts, quality festive & speciality foods, collectables, bric-a-brac, toys, books, fashions, seasonal decorations & more!

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

L ite ra ry review I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Roisin Meaney I’ll Be Home For Christmas is the third book in a series

set on the imaginary island of Roone off the coast of Kerry

by the number one bestselling author Roisin Meaney. Although this book is indeed part of the series all three books can also be read independently.

Meaney’s third instalment to the series focuses on the lives of two central characters, whose lives, up until

now have been totally different: Tilly, an Australian

teenager, and Laura, a stay at home mother living on

the quiet costal island of Roone. Both women live totally different lives, each with secrets and regrets are about to find out that they’re much more similar than anyone could have thought.

In the opening of the book it is December 22nd and Tilly is being issued her very first passport and is

preparing for a much anticipated trip, although it is

only she who knows of the trip’s true end destination. Meanwhile, on Roone, Laura is preparing her family for the festivities of Christmas, not knowing that

it would quite possibly be the most interesting and unexpected Christmas that she has ever seen.

Whilst Laura is living her life day by day going about her usual duties on the small island of Roone, Tilly is

travelling across the world, doing everything possible

to make it the small coastal Island by Christmas Day, though no-one knows that she’s on the way. Will there be room for an unexpected guest at Laura’s table

this Christmas? Tilly is soon to find out. A storm is heading for the island, but will peace be restored before the snow melts?

This wonderfully written story by Roisin Meaney tells

a tale of families and new-beginnings, the good, the

bad and the unexpected. It is a delightful read and

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

certainly a book to have you marvelling in the true

essence and charisma of Ireland, as seen through the eyes of the Australian teenager Tilly. I’ll be home for Christmas describes Ireland’s charm and beauty

in an extremely heart-warming and loving way, a description that could only be formed by a true Irish writer such as Meaney.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas will have you glued to

the plot and thoroughly invested in the characters; it is a book you can’t put down. With new revelations

and plot twists hidden in each chapter it is most definitely a captivating read.

Roisin describes the essence and writing process of I’ll Be Home For Christmas in her own words:

“This book is the third in a series that I’ve set on Roone, an imaginary island off the Kerry coast. I never meant to write more than one Roone book, but when I’d

finished the first, One Summer, the characters refused

to go away, so I found myself returning to them a year

later when I wrote After the Wedding. ‘That’s that,’ I

thought - but again I couldn’t get the characters out of my head, so earlier this year I revisited Roone for the third.

Educating the future

INTRODUCING SECOND-LEVEL TEACHING PROGRAMMES AT MIC ST. PATRICK’S CAMPUS, THURLES

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, is a university level College of Education and the Liberal Arts, serving the needs of a growing and diverse student population of over 3,500 students

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES BA in Contemporary and Applied Theatre Studies: (MI001) *NEW BA in Liberal Arts: (MI004) B.Ed. in Primary Teaching: (MI005 and MI006) BA in Early Childhood Care and Education: (MI007) B.Ed. in Education and Psychology: (MI008)

INTRODUCING MIC ST. PATRICK’S CAMPUS, THURLES BA in Education, Business Studies and Accounting: (MI009) BA in Education, Business Studies and Religious Studies: (MI010)

I’ll Be Home For Christmas is the first of my books to be published for the Christmas market, so I’m really looking forward to seeing the reaction to it. Because of

the time of year in which it’s set, the book’s overriding

BA in Education, Irish and Religious Studies: (MI011) BA in Education, Irish and Business Studies: (MI012)

theme is families, and I deal with several aspects of

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

myself was introducing an Australian character who

Mary Immaculate College also offers a wide range of postgraduate qualifications up to and including Masters and Doctoral degrees in the Liberal Arts, and in Education.

family life, good and bad. The main challenge I gave travels to Roone in search of her sister, so I had to

hunt down some Australians living in Limerick and interrogate them.”

I’ll be home for Christmas is published by Hachette

Books Ireland and is available at Amazon and all good

booksellers nationwide. Signed copies are available in O’Mahony’s O’Connell St.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES AVAILABLE FROM: Admissions Office, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick

T: + 353 61 204929 / + 353 61 204348 F: + 353 61 204903 E: admissions@mic.ul.ie

www.mic.ul.ie

Article by: Cornelia O’Riordan Limerick Magazine 274mm x 175mm

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

l ite ratu re: Donal Rya n When I read Donal Ryan’s The Thing About

Ryan spent most of the past fifteen years working as a

Gough who has used the theme of economy in his

capture the essence of the book’s protagonist, Johnsey

a lot of false starts down through the years. That

In fact it is the work of Julian Gough that Ryan credits

December I was profoundly moved by his ability to

Cunliffe. An isolated, lonely man trapped in a rural

graveyard of ambition, Cunliffe’s story is one I defy any man not to identify with.

In some way I expected Ryan to be a larger than life character, a gregarious storyteller in the true Irish sense. This was not the case. Upon meeting Donal Ryan I was struck by the sense that the man is a

thinker. His quiet spoken, slightly shy demeanour hides his innate creative skill that has seen him top

bestseller lists, win Irish Book of the Year and be longlisted for the Man Booker Prize for his debut novel.

civil servant. From a writing perspective he describes

niggling lack of confidence in his own ability and a fear of others not accepting of liking his work are

some of the reasons he attributes to a relative late arrival on the literary scene.

“This is the dichotomy that tears at the soul of all

writers. Writing is such a personal thing”, he says. “You can’t allow yourself to be self indulgent. You

must keep part of your mind focussed on your reader. The art of writing is intensely personal. You create

your art in a solitary environment and then you put it out there into a world in which you have no control as

to how it is interpreted, understood or received. It is so easy for your confidence to just disappear.”

Donal Ryan doesn’t strike you as the stereotypical

Ryan admits he didn’t take writing seriously until

reflective of the struggle with confidence that defined

his wife Anne-Marie as the one who gave him the

storyteller. If anything his inherent shyness is perhaps his early writing period. Confidence is a word that

Ryan touches on a number of times throughout the interview. This issue of confidence or lack thereof

perhaps can be forgiven when you take in the fact that his first two novels were, between them, rejected 47 times before finally seeing the light of day.

Writing has been a passion for Donal Ryan since early

childhood. Growing up in the rural town of Newtown

in North Tipperary, Ryan’s home was one filled with the books that would inspire. An avid reader, Ryan’s inspiration as writer came from the diversity of styles his parents seemed to curate.

“For some reason my parents filled the bookshelves with the work of mid-twentieth century American writers,” he says. “The novels of Steinbeck, Bellow and

Hemingway captured me. I was particularly taken by

the work of Norman Mailer. At an early age I had a

sense that he was a cool dude, a slugger and someone I wanted to idolise.”

he was in his early thirties. He gives great credit to encouragement and the advice he needed when times were tough. It was around this time he started to write The Thing About December.

“It was my wife Anne-Marie who kept me going. She

liked that character of Johnsey Cunliffe so much that

it gave me the impetus to keep going. It is her book,”

work to hilarious and powerful effect.”

as one of the reasons his is who he is today. His short story The Orphan and the Mob won the biggest short

story prize in the world in 2007 and had a profound effect on Ryan’s output.

Gough went to my school in Tipperary,” Donal Ryan

remembers. “He was in the cult rock band Toaster

Heretic and I viewed him as a rock star both from a

musical and a literature point of view. The fact that he existed and could do such amazing things with words was a huge influence for me.”

The discovery of his own unique writer’s voice is something that Ryan struggled with for many years.

“The whole idea of the writer’s voice is a sort of

nebulus, an ill-defined thing and something I found very hard to pin down,” he says.

“I discovered the landscape, language and lexicon of East Limerick and North Tipperary were what I knew best. This released a flow to my writing, gave me

a voice. Colum McCann says of writing that you must

start with what you know and then write towards what you don’t know.”

he says.

Ryan notes how important it was for him to work

of the Celtic Tiger, the skeletons it left behind and

listening to the conversations of others. He sees a

Ryan’s work on some levels seems to use the death the mourning of ambition as the backdrop for his

work. However, Ryan denies that these themes are something that he is overly preoccupied by.

“The landscape of my native place is what I use predominantly in my writing”, he notes. “My writing

is set in contemporary Ireland so themes like these are no doubt going to have some role to play. There is no

way of avoiding it. It is going to become a theme of its own no matter what you do. You can approach such

themes in various ways. Look at the work of Julian

with the familiar. Most of his inspiration comes from uniqueness to the Irish people communicate.

“Our language often is focussed on all the things we

don’t say,” he says. “Every sentence is often loaded. The way we use the English language is perfect. I hate

the phrase Hiberno-English. It is just this academic confection of a concept. Irish people communicate almost universally in stories.”

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

The Thing About December was originally scheduled

“For many years this was what prevented my output,”

Ryan believes Limerick’s bid for European Capital of

Lilliput sold the rights of his work to Random House

question myself. I always felt there must be a better

“For anyone who has an artistic mindset but has yet

for publication before The Spinning Heart. When they decided to inverse this schedule.

“In hindsight this was a good idea,” Ryan says. “There

had been a lot of journalistic commentary about the

he remembers. “I would start telling a story and then way of saying something. Trust in myself was so hard to find.”

Culture is a unique opportunity for the region.

to explore it fully I think the opportunity that the bid presents is endless.” he says.

lack of fiction dealing directly with the economic

Ryan has a deep love for Irish writing and believes

“So many talented creatives feel the urge to drop their

my work.”

of fulfilment.

need to play safe. The fact that a place like Limerick,

crash. The publishers saw a gap in the market with

Ryan admits a slight bias of affection towards The

Thing about December. It was a book was rejected on numerous occasions before finally getting the nod for publication.

solely reading Irish literature could lead to a lifetime “People say there is a new ‘movement’ in Irish

writing but I don’t agree,” he says. “This suggests that contemporary Irish writers are all working with the same theme which isn’t the case.”

talent in return for a ‘traditional job’. They feel they

a small city, a scrapper of a city, could win such a prestigious bid would give such a boost not just to the

city but the vast number of talented creatives the city is now generating.”

“The Spinning Heart was created out of a need to

Ryan has recently taken up the position of writer in

Ryan speaks of a deep respect for the likes of theatre

didn’t keep going I would lose the impetus. In some

of Limerick as part of the MA in Creative Writing

group who formed in the middle of the economic

keep momentum going,” he notes. “I felt that if I

ways that initial rejection got to me. I found it so

hard to believe in what I was doing and to see that

there was merit to what I was trying to achieve. The smallest negative thought can have a profound effect on your dreams.”

The Thing About December is based very loosely on real life stories Ryan has encountered down through

the years. He describes the character of Johnsey Cunliffe as a distillation of lots of beautiful souls, men whose voice you won’t hear that often.

“The thing that prevented me from writing for ten

years was the fact that I couldn’t find a story to tell,” Ryan tells me.

“There is something about the infinity of possibilities

that writing fiction offers that constricts your output. The limitlessness offered by the fictional genre can actually end up causing paralysis for the writer. You

residence in the Arts Department of the University

course which is chaired by Joseph O’Connor. The position has allowed him to encounter new young

writers who have challenged his own way of working. “The fact that I am based at UL has allowed me to have a productive structure to my day,” he says.

“I write in the mornings and then spend the afternoon

storm with Myles Breen’s Language Unbecoming a Lady,” he notes.

“There is a performance in the everyday in

in my own process. My productivity as a writer has trebled since I took up the residency. I see it as a godsend.”

Despite having his roots in Tipperary, Donal Ryan has very strong links to Limerick. Creative Limerick

writers such as Gerry Stembridge, Kevin Barry, Paul Lynch and Roisin Meaney are writers who have greatly influenced his work.

“Frank McCourt is one of the reasons I’m a writer.

afloat. Only recently we saw them take New York by

process with students it allows me to discover flaws

disconnect from my work. As I discuss the writing

ways you can construct a sentence.”

to a fear of actually putting ink on the page.

“They have sailed into stormy waters and stayed

Ryan describes what he sees as an artistic sensibility

“They are all writers with fascinating stories to tell

It is this abundance of possibilities that ironically led

downturn.

working with students. This process allows me to

can find infinite stories and find infinite ways of telling those stories. There is no end to the number of

producers such as Bottom Dog Theatre Company, a

and incredible ways of doing it,” he says.

I often forget to credit his influence because the effect he had on the way I approach writing was so

profound it has almost become part of my make-up, and not something I consciously think about.”

that seems to rise naturally from Limerick people. Limerick. The smallest little thing can become a

fascinating drama. There is an addictive quality to the way Limerick people tell their stories, a sense of

fearlessness that goes back almost a thousand years. Limerick stood against so many invaders and was never conquered. It says it all really.”

Article by: Nigel Dugdale

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

discove ri n g the pas t Was a Limerick man the inspiration for Jane Austen’s romantic novels?

It is known their relationship was a close one, as

Despite some allegations in Parliament that he was

likely to be found on the shelves of her clergyman

Justice until 1866 when, at the age of 90. Tom Lefroy

he lent her Tom Jones, an amazingly racy novel not father’s library. Others thought them a couple, one

acquaintance going so far as sketching a picture of

Tom for Jane to keep. But four weeks after they met,

too old to do the job, Tom did not resign as Chief

lived a full life and died May 4, 1869 at the ripe old age of 93.

Jane and her ‘Irish friend’ were forced to part: he

After Jane Austen’s death Tom would travel from

sister Cassandra:

advancing his law career.

when publishers Cadell & Davies went out of business

“At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last

The following year he was engaged to. Mary Paul

over—My tears flow as I write this, at this melancholy

more eligible match for Tom, as she was born into

In January 1796, Jane Austen wrote a letter to her

was called to his uncle’s house to study at the Bar

with Tom Lefroy, & when you receive this, it will be

from Wexford, sister of a college friend who was a

idea.”

a wealthy family and due a large dowry. They were

These lines written to her sister may have been edged

families had taken refuge during the 1798 Rebellion,

married in in 1799 in Wales where many Wexford

with satire, but this Tom man did leave a mark on

and went to live in Dublin and had seven children.

But who was this Tom Lefroy? He was Thomas

Tom was elected to the House of Commons in 1830,

army officer, only a month older than Jane herself. He

of Ireland on 29 January 1835. He continued as MP

in the heart of the newly developed Newtownpery in

judge (with the title of a Baron of the Exchequer) in

Jane as did Jane on Tom.

Ireland to England to pay his respects. Years later Tom would buy at an auction a letter of refusal to Mr. Austen, who had sent one of Jane’s manuscripts to

them. Jane’s sister Cassandra destroyed the majority of Jane’s letters so we will never know how she really felt about Tom.

The year after his death a nephew Tom’s would write: “My late venerable uncle... said in so many words that he

was in love with her, although he qualified his confession

Langlois Lefroy, the 20 year old eldest son of a wealthy

as a Tory. He became a member of the Privy Council

was born at 108 George’s Street (O’Connell Street)

for Dublin University, until he was appointed an Irish

Jane, by not marrying Tom, was spared a life ground

Limerick city.

1841. He was promoted to Chief Justice of the Court

Instead she had time to write three novels before

His uncle described him as having “everything in his

of Queen’s Bench in Ireland in 1852.

by saying it was a boyish love.”

by almost continuous pregnancy in a foreign country. she was 24, so without this loss, we may never have

seen Jane Austen’s novels in print. Jane remained

temper and character that can conciliate affections. A

In his later years Tom carried a Bible, and argued

correcting him as ever I saw in one of his age”. While

the morals of the lower classes, and he was against

Article by: Sharon Slater

pleasant young man.”

Catholic emancipation, and founded a society to send

Image: From a sketch of Jane Austin by her sister

The pair met as Tom was spending Christmas 1795

of his decisions were harsh: during the Famine he

too far from Steventon (where the Austen family

for encouraging tenants not to pay rent. Tom’s hand

the Austen ladies. It was while attending a ball in the

ancestors had fled oppression in France, is an irony

good heart, a good mind, good sense and as little to

that only a proper system of education could improve

Jane said: “He is a very gentlemanlike, good-looking,

extending the vote to the middle classes. He opposed

Protestant missionaries into Catholic areas. Many

with his uncle George Lefroy, rector of Ashe, not

transported leaders of the Young Ireland movement

lived). Tom’s aunt Mrs. Lefroy was a great friend of

in the oppression of Catholics, when his Huguenot

neighbourhood that Tom and Jane danced the night

Jane would not have missed.

away over the holiday season.

unmarried and passed away in 1817.

Casandra. Thomas Lefroy by William Henry Mote.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Sta r tu p Weekend 54 hours to pitch, build and launch a start-up. Sounds

hours! The first day is pitch day, so participants have

entrepreneurs who take part in Startup Weekend. Shane

narrowed down to the best and most workable, then

impossible? Tell that to the designers, developers and

McCarthy, founder of BlueChief Social and organiser

of Startup Weekend Limerick, explains the excitement, energy and real opportunities the weekend provides.

You’re the recent founder of a startup yourself – what led to you organising Startup Weekend Limerick?

I set up BlueChief, a social media agency just over two years ago, and it’s been going pretty well, since

then we’ve built up a team of 8, we’re one of the

biggest agencies in Ireland providing strategical, account management and training for many third levels organisations.

it’s time to recruit a team and get people to support the business. The final pitches take place on Sunday in

front of our judging panel. It’s not for the passive or faint hearted! Of the 60 people who might be there

Friday, five or so may have dropped out. It is a huge task for anyone but if you do it, and your business is

the one chosen as well, that’s a massive achievement. There were four startups that were founded and are growing from the last start up weekend. They are further along than we were at that stage, I really wish

we’d been able to do a start up weekend when we launched!

So yes, you might wonder how, with my own startup

Why should anyone interested in entrepreneurship

Limerick! I was invited as a guest to Startup Dublin,

There is such a buzz over the weekend, the atmosphere

in its early stages, how I came to head up weekend

at that time none of the others existed in Ireland. Gene Murphy, the founder, took me aside before I even

entered the doors of that event, and propositioned the

idea of setting up in other cities, Galway, Cork, etc and asked if I would be interested in Limerick. Of course I said yes, even though I hadn’t seen the event yet I knew this was something I wanted to be a part

of – it’s a global movement, starting in San Francisco, and it’s changing the way we think about starting a business.

What makes Startup Weekend different to other business events?

The weekend is all about entrepreneurial education. It’s not simply a networking event, a series of lectures or presentations, people who come are learning exactly what it takes to launch a start up, and what’s more they are doing it by actually launching a startup in 54

to pitch their idea, these are vetted by everyone and

attend?

is truly electric. Everyone involved is so excited about the ideas and what’s being learned and discovered. We

have mentors with a wealth of experience, investors who may if they like what they see seek to provide real

monetary backing to a business idea discovered there, the possibilities are endless for anyone who thinks they

might be interested in the world of entrepreneurship, and it’s for anyone of any background, technical or non-technical.

Just a few examples of the names who’ll be there to guide and judge the process, we have Ed Fidgeon

Kavanagh, he’s a presentations consultant and is one

of the top ten in Ireland, presenting is such a vital aspect of starting a business, his insight will be so

valuable. We also have Gillian Barry, Enterprise

Development and Business Liaison Manager of LIT, as well as a whole host of other experts on hand to give invaluable insight and guidance

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

What makes Limerick such a great place for start-

& Johnson. It’s great to have been a part of that, and

We’re the second biggest in the country, well on our

to create this movement, I’ve had to sacrifice a fair

ups?

way to being the top, but it’s not that there were any particular conditions here that made it so, especially

five or so years ago. What’s made it happen, in a

nutshell, is hard work. Hard work to actively build a start-up culture, and work to create a brand around Limerick startups. And multinationals here deserve

some credit too, they didn’t at first but they are now getting involved and supporting small businesses with

sponsorship and initiatives, e.g. Dell, Kemp, Johnson

I’m not the only one who can admit that in order

Startup Weekend Limerick takes place on November 20th – 22nd.

bit, including the growth of my own business. But

The event is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week,

BlueChief, and be one of the only ones doing it here,

more information visit

what would I prefer, to be a bit further along with or be part of a group creating the conditions to see a startup community flourish? That’s better for all of us in the long run, and now Limerick has gained so much confidence and positivity it won’t be long before

we’re the startup capital of Ireland, it’s like a perfect startup storm occurring here!

and it’s the third ever Startup Weekend Limerick. For

www.up.co/communities/ireland/limerick/startupweekend

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

ne t wor k l i m eri ck

The Network Limerick committee is made up of local businesswomen, who give their time to make

On reputation (and causing offence)…

all who attend. Network Limerick President Gillian

we’ve made plenty of rubbish ones too. Our approach

Network Limerick events valuable and exciting for Horan makes sure to tell us just how hard they all work on a completely voluntary basis. A passion for

business, the chance to celebrate success and support

to mischief is making people offended on behalf of others.”

each other on their way is what drives them.

On doing some good in the world…

Members have access to many benefits, including

promote ourselves but to try to make a difference too.

mentoring services and training opportunities in

business and management and personal development, as well as meetings and PR opportunities to promote their business throughout the year.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the network

is the speakers they invite to their events. Again, this is down to the hard work and excellent contacts

the committee provide. Special events are put on throughout the year, many of them open to nonmembers (yes men, that includes you too). They are

“We used the expectation people have of us not just to

Our rainforest stunt (for the Brazil 2014 World Cup Paddy Power pretended it had cut a good luck message

to England into the Amazon Rainforest) showed just how many people care about the rainforest, and we

raised awareness of how rapidly it is being destroyed.” On similarities between Paddy Power and Ryanair…. “No I don’t think we’re similar. We’re not as abrasive

as Ryanair were, and you’d never see us fighting laws and governments like O’Leary. We’re just having the craic.”

well worth attending for the knowledge, insight,

On the future of betting shops...

in a fun and informal atmosphere, held at some of

myself. While UK custom is all online, in Ireland the

and inspiration you stand to gain in great company

Limerick’s finest hotels such as The Savoy and One Pery Square.

Making Mischief with Paddy Power

“We’re not closing ours. I still go in every Saturday

online business is half the size of the retail. We’re

creating the betting shops of the future, using new technology, but the staff will always be the most important part of the experience.”

A recent example of the fascinating speakers you can

expect is controversial bookmaker chief Paddy Power.

Upcoming event: Virgin Media

He brought his own brand of humour to a revealing

talk on Optimising Your Brand in October, telling the

The next Network Limerick members event is

stories behind some of the company’s most famous

focusing on the Magic of Virgin and their top females! Gillian says: “it will be a fantastic panel of

stunts. Here are some of his most memorable quotes from the evening… On social media…

“You can buy followers, but you can’t buy engagement and positive reactions. It’s all about maintaining

the conversation with our customers and creating

conversations with others. We are the first company to be talked about online outside of betting culture.”

“We are known for making good funny ads, but

top female executives coming to chat to us - it is a panel set up so it will be highly interactive and there will be a chance for an attendee to win an iPad on the

night. Virgin Media will be giving goodie bags too and they are branding the room on the night so it will be very much a branded fun event.”

For information on Network Limerick and how to join visit www.networklimerick.com

Working to promote women in business, Network Limerick, part of Network Ireland, is a welcoming and vibrant community of ambitious, talented entrepreneurs and businesswomen. Members are made up of women from all industry backgrounds, those who are just starting out, are established, and are looking to make new contacts or build a support network with likeminded women they often end up calling friends.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

l o ca l c aus e Strictly Care To Dance At The Movies A fundraising night and a fitting way to remember to

a much missed individual, Strictly Care To Dance… is taking place in the South Court Hotel on Saturday November 28th. With the dancing judged by Limerick

legends including Celia Holman Lee, it is sure to be

a night full of sparkle, with all proceeds going three

extremely worthy charities. We speak to the organisers about the event to find out how you can support them.

Why did you decide to organise Strictly Care to

Why did you choose the theme ‘At The Movies’ for

The event came about after one of the committee

At the movies came about when we spoke in great

Dance At The Movies?

members Ger O’Connell lost his brother Matt to

Cancer in November last year. Ger saw the outstanding

care, dedication & support the staff in Milford

Hospice gave to his brother Matt and to all the family. They were a great support network for the family and

helped them get through this extremely difficult time. Ger wanted to give something back so he roped a few

the event?

length about exactly what our night was going to be

like. There are a lot of ‘Strictlys’ on at the moment so

we wanted to be different. Everyone loves the movies

and there have been some amazing hit songs from

them. A theme of some sort is always good. We do

like attention to detail so the movies just hit out at us.

of us in and after a short time brainstorming, we soon

Who are the celebrities that will be judging the

Come Dancing. Matt loved dancing and taught so

We have been very fortunate to have four amazing

realised there was only one thing we could do: Strictly many people how to dance that this is the most fitting tribute we can possibly give.

What are the chosen charities that the proceeds

from the event will be helping? -Why did you

competition on the night?

judges. Celia Holman Lee, Leanne Moore, TJ Ryan & Richard Lynch. Four great personalities all under one roof commenting on our dancing couples, it’s going to be great.

choose these charities in particular?

What can attendees expect from the night’s

first charity. We also choose Cliona’s Foundation, as

Attendees will definitely have one of the best nights

Well, Milford Hospice due to Matt’s passing is our Ger knows the founders Brendan & Terry Ring. They

set up this charity after they lost their own daughter

a few years back. Cliona’s foundation give financial support to families with critically ill children. It’s difficult enough to deal with a sick child let alone

have the worry of financial pressure on you. And the

festivities?

out, with fantastic dancing and a few surprises along the way. Everyone loves surprises so we felt we’d throw a few in for the audience and the dancers! It’s going

to be fun, upbeat and definitely with some comedy thrown in for good measure.

third is the Baby Michael’s Trust Fund. Michael is

Where are tickets available and where can we find

neurotransmitter disorder. Michael is the only child

Tickets are completely sold out. The sales sky rocketed

a beautiful 3 year old boy who was diagnosed with in Ireland with this disorder and is one of 16 in

Ormond Street Hospital in London. Michael needs

24 hour care, he has massive medial bills each month to help with his condition. Michaels father is a native

of Pallasgreen where the committee are from so we know the family well and wanted to help them out.

more information?

more than we ever imagined. It is fantastic. People

even asked us to put on a second night the demand was and still is crazy. But we’re not. One night only

I’m afraid. People can still support our dancers though

by voting. Each vote costs €1 and all money raised goes to the three very worthy charities.

You can also follow us on Facebook: Strictly Care To

Dance At The Movies. The full list of dancers and pictures are all there.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Any parting words?

helping to get our dancers ready for their big night.

A massive thank you also goes also to our dancers.

everyone that has got involved in our fundraiser.

forgetting Catherine Hayes ( Joes wife) and Patsy’s

We are so grateful to you and your families. To

I would just like to take this opportunity in thanking

To our main sponsor St Ailbhes credit union. To

all sponsors who have sponsored a dancing couple, placed ads in programme etc. To Cube printing for all

our promotional material, our dance coaches, Richie Harty, Mary O Neill and Patsy McNamara; they have been truly incredible from the very beginning

A lot of work and commitment goes into it. And not

brother Kevin McNamara whom have come to many

of the rehearsals to lend a helping hand. We thank you all so much.

Only for you we wouldn’t be able to do this fundraiser.

sacrifice several nights a week in rehearsal is a big ask. Ye are an amazing bunch of people thank you all!

Article by: Cornelia O’Riordan

Photography by: Keith Wiseman

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Thoughts on… Limerick humour What springs to mind when asked to name a Limerick

And it’s no coincidence that there have been quite a

Limerick people?

the years – from Tom and Paschal to D’Unbelievables

trait? What characteristic do we think best represents Tenacity, pride, passion perhaps... or what about our distinctive wit?

The uniqueness of our humour should definitely be up there, there’s little doubt in my mind. The natural

quick wit of Limerick folk can be heard on the city

streets if you take time to listen. Limerick people of walks of life, both young and old, can roll a comeback

off their tongue without missing a beat. If they have

a strong Limerick city accent, all the better, it just adds to the effect. You can almost feel the zing! at the punchline.

Being funny is an asset from an early age. Getting a

‘slagging’ at school - or ‘banter’ as it’s called in 2015 - was a rite of passage growing up in Limerick. And

how you took the slagging was equally important. If you fought back with an even wittier comment you

to Karl Spain and the Rubberbandits. Amongst all

these, it’s the Rubberbandits who have most closely reflected the humour of the ‘street’. The accent and indeed the plastic bags haven’t been a barrier to success – in fact, they’ve set the lads apart - they have been

embraced throughout Ireland and internationally

without watering it down; expertly crafted irony needs no translation.

Plus, they are undeniably Limerick And Proud. As well as making us howl with laughter, the lads

have used their voices to speak about topics they

passionately believe in – from drug laws to marriage equality. Rugby however, isn’t one of them, as revealed

in one of their recent tweets: “I wish I understood Rugby. To me it just looks like rich men arguing about a leather balloon in a field.”

were an even bigger legend. In every Limerick school

We can be proud of a lot of things in Limerick, and

most popular in the playground because everyone

be ourselves more credit for who we are as a city and

playground, a quick witted young girl or boy was the knew that by hanging around him/her you’d be guaranteed a laugh about the day’s events in school.

Having a quick wit is also an excellent form of defence. If we do encounter someone making a derogatory

in the last couple of years in particular we seem to county . Now is our time to shine. We should embrace

all that makes us so unique, and that includes our wit and banter.

comment, what better way to stop them in their

Article by: Clodagh O’Leary

Limerick people can be so quick-witted – we have

Have a Thought On Limerick that you’d like to share

negativity more than most.

in touch tlm@fusionmedia.ie

tracks by making a witty remark? Perhaps that’s why

been used to having to defend ourselves in the face of

few Limerick comedians who made it big throughout

with readers? Whatever it is, we want to hear it! Get

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

pa r enti ng 6 Advantages of Breastfeeding

friends rushing en masse to your house. Tea and coffee

making for an endless stream of visitors may lead to a shortage of Avonmore Slimline milk. Thankfully

I have put an end to this problem. I have my own Like all mums, Jane wanted to give her child the best start

personal supply, ready fresh from source to add to

in life. And if it saved on the washing up, even better...

the beverages of unsuspecting guests. I also add it to

Yes, yes, breast is best. However, some of the things

ingredients.

involved in the decision to breastfeed my child were, I confess, entirely unrelated to the lifelong health

benefits and alleged increased IQ. In fact, some were

baked goods and any type of recipe that requires fresh

Reason #3 Producing your own supply of fresh organic, locally

slightly less virtuous and more egocentric in nature…

sourced Irish made milk requires a lot of energy

Reason #1

that the milk making machine is kept well fuelled at

expenditure. It is of paramount importance to ensure

We often hear how breastfeeding is hard going, but

all times. This involves consuming an extra 500-700

decided to nurse my little nursling and continue to do

a matter of taste. Myself, I find that a plentiful supply

I simply could not be doing with sterilising bottles,

tea work best in order to guarantee maximum milk

I think it makes life much easier. The first reason I

calories per day, hurrah. How one wishes to do this is

so 16 months later is because I am sinfully slothful.

of Haagen Dazs ice cream, apple tarts and sugary

sterilising formula and sterilising the steriliser all

making capacity.

day long. I have little interest in extra housework or any housework for that matter, therefore in order

Reason #4

to prevent the child from contracting some type of

The next reason I chose to breastfeed is because I

boob route.

manage to find. Given that the average tin of formula

Reason #2

save around twenty two euros a week which amounts

bacterial infection it seemed easier to go down the

Birthing another human often results in family and

love shopping and I love to spend any spare change I costs around eleven euros, I have possibly managed to

this ‘saving’ affords me the opportunity to give in to my shopping addiction more often...

Reason #5 You are probably already familiar with the cosmetic

uses of this magical white liquid. Previously I would

have spent a fortune on cleanser, toner and eye makeup remover. Luckily I now have my own personal range

of milky facial products. This milk soothes, gently

cleanses and removes all traces of makeup. It can also reduce acne, wrinkles and dry skin. Never before has there been such a multifunctional product.

Reason #6 Fancy a career change? Uninterested in spending

time, money and effort on retraining? Why not consider becoming a wet nurse? No start-up fees or

training required! All you need is a plentiful supply of nutritious boob juice. Now that I am working as a stay at home mother this career option is available to me.

Hopefully I have convinced some new mothers out

there to give nursing a shot - it’s good for the baby, and good for you.

Article by Jane Butler O’ Halloran

to well over a thousand euros in one year. Subsequently

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

th e li me rick magazine E v e nt gu i d e THE GREAT PIANISTS by Stuart O’Sullivan

Monday 16th November @ 7pm - 9pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Lunchtime Performance Series: Traditional Dance Performance Tuesday 17th November @ 1.15pm

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University of Limerick, Limerick

Network Ireland Limerick November Event - Virgin Media

Lumiere

Wednesday 18th November @ 6pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

The Savoy Hotel, Henry Street, Limerick

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Dusk Ahead

(In)visible Lines

Wednesday 18th November @ 8pm

Friday 20th - Saturday 21st November

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

SEE for Cinema – 45 Years

Thursday 19th November @ 8pm

University of Limerick Castletroy Limerick

An Evening with Mae Leonard Friday 20th November @ 8pm

Wednesday 18th November @ 8pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Tuesday 17th November @ 1.15pm

The Grahams

Marc O’Reilly

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University

Saturday 20th November @ 8pm

of Limerick, Limerick

Wednesday 18th November @ 8pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series: A Romantic Voice

Light Moves: Festival of Screendance 2015

Metallitia

Tuesday 17th November @ 8pm

Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd November

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Lunchtime Performance Series: Traditional Music & Dance

All Saint’s Church, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick

Dance Limerick, 1-2 John’s Square, Limerick

A Leaving Certificate Guide to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major K. 488

Lunchtime Performance Series: Contemporary Dance Performance

Wednesday 18th November @ 12pm

Thursday 19th November @ 1.15pm

St Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street Limerick City

Lunchtime Performance Series: Limerick Voices - The Tower Sessions Wednesday 18th November @ 1.15pm

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University of Limerick, Limerick

Keith Barry - Out Of Control Thursday 19th November @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Friday 20th November @ 9pm

Limerick Hackathon Saturday 21st November @ 10am

Fab Lab Limerick, 7 Rutland Street, Limerick

Light Moves Little Kids Club Saturday 21st November @ 11am

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City

Paddy Saturday 21st November : 8pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Saved BY The 90’s

The Addams Family

Standing Tall (La Tete Haute)

Saturday 21st November @ 11.30pm

Wednesday 25th - Saturday 28th November @ 8pm

Friday 27th November @ 8pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Stone Setting (Jewellery Workshop)

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

The Darkest Midnight

Sunday 22nd November @ 10am - 6pm

Wednesday 25th November @ 8pm

Limerick

Castletroy, Limerick

Wyvern Lingo

Two Brothers Vladimir & Anton Jablokov

Limerick Craft Hub, No. 9, Lower Cecil Street,

Sunday 22nd November @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Over The Top Wrestling Friday 27th November @ 8.15pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Santa at Bunratty Saturday 28th November - Wednesday 23rd december

Bunratty County Clare

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Wednesday 25th November @ 8pm

Social Media & Digital Marketing

Castletroy, Limerick

Saturday 28th November @ 2pm - 3pm

Limerick Chamber, 96 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Printing Fabric and Stitching Workshop for Adults

Limerick

Lunchtime Performance Series: Traditional Music & Dance

Thursday 26th November @ 6pm - 8pm

Munster Rugby v Connacht Rugby

Tuesday 24th November @ 10am - 4pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Kids Fabric Painting Workshop Limerick Craft Hub, No. 9, Lower Cecil Street,

Limerick Craft Hub, No. 9, Lower Cecil Street,

Saturday 28th November @ 5.15pm

Tuesday 24th November @ 1.15pm

Limerick

Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick

of Limerick, Limerick

Peter Hook and The Light

In the Shadow of Women (L’Ombre des femmes)

Limerick’s Built Heritage Hidden dwellers within our built heritage

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University

Tuesday 24th November @ 8pm

Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, Knockanes, Adare, Co. Limerick

Lunchtime Performance Series: One Choir, One Community, No Divides, ALL Abilities Wednesday 25th November @ 1.15pm

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University of Limerick, Limerick

Thursday 26th November @ 8pm

Memories (Les Souvenirs) Thursday 26th November @ 8pm 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Lough Gur Santa Experience Weekends from 27nd November - 22nd December

Saturday 28th November @ 8pm 60 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Miracle on 34th Street Sunday 29th November @ 3pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick

‘On the Nail’ Literary Gathering

Lough Gur County Limerick

Tuesday 1st December @ 8pm

Nathan Carter

Limerick

The Loft Venue, The Locke Bar, 3 George’s Quay,

Friday 27th November @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

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Closing Time 1 0 m inutes wit h … joe n a s h Describe your perfect day off in Limerick.

Can you sum up your life in three words?

stroll around the city river boardwalk or Curragh

What would you do as King for a day?

I think it would include a late breakfast in town, a

Chase, a match at Thomond Park or the Market’s Field and a trip to a show.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? The Limerick Today presenter and chief executive of

Live95fm is a voice we all know very well, but we’re

more used to hearing him ask the questions. So we decided to turn the tables and find out a little more about the radio stalwart…

When I realised I didn’t have the skill to be a sports star, it was always about the media, especially radio. Do you have any hidden talents?

I have colour peripheral vision, which the medics tell me is actually physically impossible! Any bad habits?

I like chips a bit too much. Best advice you’ve ever received?

Wait 24 hours before making an important decision.

Your worst fear?

I hate flying with a deep passion but still force myself to do it.

Family, friends, Limerick.

Make Limerick the capital of the universe. Do you have a role model/person you most admire?

I’ve met very few in which I didn’t find something to admire.

Countdown to Christmas, or Bah Humbug? Somewhere between the two...

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Thank You Limerick We are delighted to have been short-listed in the competition to become European Capital of Culture 2020. We want to thank everyone that has participated in Limerick2020 events and workshops, shared their stories, given their time, championed us, connected with us and willed us across the line. Your support and encouragement have got us this far. Thank you! Our next submission is in July 2016. We look forward to your input and support in this final stage of the competition.

ThE LimEriCk 2020 bid TEam

WWW.LIMERICK2020.IE

#we are culture