2012
- Presidential Election Thursday 27th October 2011
- Website of the Presidential Returning Officer
- Revision of Draft Register of Electors 2012-2013
- Be Winter Ready
- Free Parking For Limerick City Shoppers In Participating City Centre Car Parks!
- Minister Advises on the Register of Electors
- Household Charge
- Paul O'Connell receives the Freedom of Limerick City
- More than 250,000 people visit Limerick.ie in its first 18 months
- Sculpture to honour the past and present members of the emergency services unveiled in Limerick
- National Day of Commemoration Ceremony to take place in Limerick
- Septic Tanks Information Leaflet
- Limerick Parks Department plays key role in keeping City looking its best
- Limerick public urged to come out and support Thomond Swim 2012!
- Elemental Limerick Arts and Culture Festival 2012
- Limerick Pride Launches In All Its Glory
- Ireland’s first Fashion Quarter is launched in Limerick
- Pery Square to Become Open Air Art Gallery
- Five Local Projects in the Running for a 2012 Pride of Place Award
- Limerick to become Ireland's Jazz Capital this September
- Culture Night Limerick 2012
- Late Payment Penalties and Interest to rise by €11 in October
- Croke Park Savings and Household Charge Collection Rates
- New public meeting date for the Gathering Limerick 2013
- New Director of Economic Development and Planning Appointed
- Statement by Limerick Local Authorities Manager, Conn Murray
- Limerick’s most interesting buildings welcome the public for ‘Open House’
- Great Limerick Run Delivers €2.45 Million Exonomic Boost to City
- Limerick to Host National Pride of Place Ceremony this Weekend
- Limerick Fire Officers Issue Halloween Advice
Tuesday, April 10th 2012
RUGBY INTERNATIONAL PAUL O’CONNELL TO RECEIVE THE FREEDOM OF LIMERICK CITY
Limerick City Council has announced that international rugby player and current Munster Rugby captain Paul O’Connell is to receive the Freedom of Limerick City.
The announcement was made this morning (Tuesday) by Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Jim Long after a unanimous decision by members of Limerick City Council following a private meeting.
The Freedom of Limerick City will be conferred on Paul O’Connell at City Hall, Limerick on Sunday, April 22nd at 2pm. The ceremony will take place outdoors (weather permitting) and members of the public will be able to view the proceedings.
Mayor Long said Paul O’Connell is a ‘terrific Ambassador for Limerick both on and off the field”.
"We want to recognise Paul’s outstanding contribution to Limerick, to Ireland and to sport," Mayor Long said.
“He is a proud Irish man, Munster man and a Limerick man. This is the highest civic accolade that Limerick City Council can give to a man who is an inspiration to all of us in all walks of life both young and old. He carries a tremendous badge of honour for Limerick and it will be my absolute pleasure to confer the Freedom of the City on such an iconic person.”
Paul O’Connell has captained the British and Irish Lions team, the Irish Rugby Union Team and is the current Munster Rugby captain. Recognised as one of the best second rows in the world, the 32 year old educated at Ard Scoil Rís is a world class lineout jumper and a forward of immense power and presence.
A former IRB World Player of the Year nominee, he was a member of Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam winning team, winning a Heineken Cup medal with Munster in 2006 and again in 2008 when he skippered Munster to Heineken Cup glory. He also captained the Munster Rugby team to Magners League title success in 2009 and 2011.
Speaking today, Paul O’Connell said he was delighted with the ‘massive honour’ about to be bestowed on him.
“I’m always conscious when I’m playing for either Munster or Ireland that I’m also representing Limerick,” he said. “I’m very proud of Limerick and where I come from. I’m lucky to have played for Munster for the last 11 years and my upbringing in Limerick and the influences that I’ve had in Limerick has played a massive part in my success in rugby. I’d also like to thank Limerick City Council for bestowing this huge honour on me and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
The Freedom of Limerick is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual by Limerick City Council. A total of 63 Honorary Freedoms have been granted by Limerick City Council since 1877.
The Honour is reserved for those who have made exceptional or unique contributions to the common good or to persons who have made outstanding contributions to the business, commercial, education or cultural life of the City.
Previous recipients include Eamon De Valera, John F Kennedy, John Hunt, Dr Ed Walsh, Bill Clinton, JP McManus, Sir Terry Wogan and Bill Whelan.
ENDS
For further media information, please contact Laura Ryan, Limerick Communications Office, 88 O’Connell Street, Limerick. 061-400010 086-6042544
