Limerick Teenagers Voice Concern over Social Issues

Limerick teenagers have spoken out over their concerns on social issues ranging from mental health to bullying, suicide awareness and childhood obesity.

Around 400 students from 11 Limerick schools participated in the ‘All Ireland Speak Out’ event at the Lime Tree Theatre in Mary Immaculate College.

The programme which gives young people the skills to examine social problems and bring about the changes they wish to see in their communities, was organised by Young Social Innovators (YSI) which was founded in 2001 by Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy and Rachel Collier to empower young people through social innovation. At the Limerick event, young people highlighted the practical steps they are taking to tackle a range of issues including mental health, bullying, healthy living and suicide awareness to preventing childhood obesity as part of their Y.S.I. project stating that young people were too often dismissed as being self-absorbed. Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy said the Limerick event highlighted the role of young people who were completely engaged in society and prepared to play an active role in resolving some of the most pressing social issues. The naturally inquisitive nature of our young people is to be applauded and we, as a society need to take heed of the issues they are highlighting. Direct involvement in action is the best possible way in which we bring about real change and learn about the society we live in, commented Chief Executive Officer and Y.S.I. Co-Founder Rachel Collier.

Recent Deaths

Sympathy is extended to the O’Mahony family on the recent death of their sister Bridget Ward (nee O’Mahony) formerly Coole West and London. She was the wife of the late Jerry. She will be sadly missed by her son Gerard, daughter Susan, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers Sean, Dan, Paddy and Tom, sisters Sheila, Maudie and Margaret, brother-in-laws, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and a large selection of friends. Removal was from Kelly’s Funeral Home to St. Bartholomew’s Church followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Sympathy is extended to the McMahon family on the death of Mary (nee O’Keeffe) formerly Knocknagoshel and Upper Athea. She will be sorely missed by her husband Jim, daughters Nora and Mary Teresa, her son Dan, grandchildren, son-in-law, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. May her soul rest in peace.

Recording History

West Limerick Resources is offering a free 10 week evening course of 2 hours each evening in Oral History Interviewing. The course begins on April 7^th at a venue to be fixed and is open to residents from West Limerick. Topics will cover both the theory and practice of interviewing techniques, the ethical issues involved and the storage and possible use of the material for public consumption broadcasting. To register, contact Suzanne Rowley at West Limerick Resources, St. Mary’s Road, Newcastle West, Co Limerick. Tel 069-79114 or email [email protected]

Social Dance

A social dance in aid of the Dromcollogher Respite Centre will be held on Friday 11^th April in Dromcollogher Community Hall at 9.30pm with music by a variety of artists. Admission €5. A raffle will take place that night and refreshments will be served.

An Exhibition of Limerick Lace in Glin Library

There is an exhibition of Limerick Lace in Glin Library which is a ‘must see’. Geraldine Cahillane of Ballyhahill/Loughill ICA has kindly agreed to show her items of Limerick Lace which she has been working on for the past 2 years and for which she recently won a National Crafts Award within the I.C.A.

Limerick Federation of I.C.A. have been holding classes to revive the art of Limerick Lace and Geraldine has been an enthusiastic worker since classes began. All are welcome to come in and admire the detail of her work which is astounding.