Plight of Horses Continues

Limerick Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would like to thank all those who have donated hay over the last two weeks. They are monitoring horses every day and in light of recent flooding they are trying to get hay to as many horses as they can throughout Limerick City and County. The charity would greatly appreciate if people could continue to either donate hay or send in donations for hay as it is being used up as fast as it’s coming in. The amount of dead horses they have come across since the start of January is startling. These horses are from many different areas around Limerick. Many horses drowned in the floods over the last few weeks as seen by the inspector when trying to rescue stranded horses. Dead horses were floating around the water and it was a horrific sight to see.

2014 Special Olympics Ireland Games

June 12th to June 15th will be four very special days in Limerick when the Special Olympics Ireland Games 2014 will descend on the city.

1,500 athletes from all over the island of Ireland will travel to the Treaty City for what will be one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events to take place in Ireland this year. They will be accompanied by 500 coaches and official delegates as well as a contingent of more than 3,000 family members. Most importantly the games are relying on the support of an army of 3,000 volunteers. The organizers are asking Limerick people and beyond to sign up to be part of an amazing and joyful experience. They are looking for volunteers across a wide range of areas including event services, stewards, catering, security, sound production, field of play officials and awards assistants to name but a few. Potential volunteers needn’t worry if they don’t have specific experience in their chosen area as Special Olympics Ireland will provide full job specific training in the run up to the games.

Anyone interested in signing up should do so without delay as places are limited. Go to specialolympics.ie or lo-call 1850 555 222 or email [email protected]. Businessman Denis O’Brien, who is chairman of Special Olympics Ireland’s Council of Patrons said “it is a great endorsement of the success of the 2010 Ireland Games that special Olympics has chosen to return to Limerick for its 2014 Ireland Games, I have no doubt that the 2014 games will be equally as successful and enjoyable for all concerned”.

Evening with McEvoy

Son of the sixties Irish folk revival, Johnny McEvoy, is undoubtedly an artist of enduring appeal. A consummate entertainer and distinguished songwriter McEvoy is maybe best known for hits such as Muirsheen Durkin and Michael Collins. Join Johnny for this special evening at the Lime Tree Theatre this Thursday night at 8pm. Ring 061-774774 for more information.

Extreme Weather

The extreme weather and raging storm that blew through Limerick, Kerry, Cork and most other counties was frightening in its intensity. In Limerick, here in Athea and most areas it felt unsafe, driving conditions were treacherous, cars were being blown around and there were numerous reports of falling trees and property damaged. Following on from the devastating flooding that took such a heavy toll on so many in Limerick and elsewhere, these extreme weather conditions are deeply unwelcome. Some are attributing the weather to man-made climate change. It there are vulnerable people near you, perhaps frightened of these extreme weather conditions it would be an act of friendship to check on them and let them know help is at hand. Also many thanks must be given to the ESB workers, Fire Brigade, Eircom, Gardaí and many volunteers who worked tirelessly to restore power to homes, elderly people especially to have their phones and people in isolated areas who were looked after so well by local volunteers,  Fire Brigade and Gardaí.

Help at hand for Stressed Parents.

Parents under stress can avail of the country’s first targeted support structure after it was officially launched in Limerick last week. Barnardos Homemaker Family Support Service is a unique home-based service for parents who are struggling to cope with the demands of daily life. The work takes place in the family home at key times during the day, such as getting ready for school, mealtimes and bedtime. The scheme will see workers deal on a one-to-one basis with families for up to six months at a time. Parenting Limerick, a network of organizations that provides parenting and family support services was also launched.