WITH one city roundabout already named after a legendary Limerick hurler, the great Mick Mackey, the idea was pucked out this week around renaming the Parkway Roundabout in honour of one Gearóid Hegarty.
Speaking at City Hall, Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, took influence from the US President as he addressed Council members. Councillors had been discussing the need for conducting a safety audit on the Parkway Roundabout, when Cllr O’Hanlon broke up play.
“I feel like Donald Trump now. He changed the Gulf of Mexico, but I actually think we should consider that the Parkway Roundabout should be the Gearóid Hegarty Roundabout,” the City East representative commented.
“You already have the Mackey Roundabout out there,” he pointed out before blowing the final whistle on the discussion around Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley’s original proposal.
Five-time All-Ireland winner with Limerick, Gearóid Hegarty, who turned 30 last August, returned to play in the Green and White Limerick colours last weekend after breaking a bone in his hand against Cork last month.
A four time All-Star winner and St Patrick’s clubman, Hegarty is well worthy of such an accolade as having a roundabout in the city named after him, former Limerick Mayor Kieran O’Hanlon believes.
The Mackey Roundabout, off the M7 into Castletroy, was previously named after the great Limerick hurler Mick Mackey. A native of Castleconnell, the iconic hurler played for Ahane GAA club and was a centre-forward for the Limerick team that won three All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships in 1934, 1936, and 1940, five Munster titles, five National League titles, and eight Railway Cups.
The Limerick Post contacted Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon after this week’s Metropolitan District meeting to expand on his hopes for renaming the Parkway Roundabout after one of Limerick’s most decorated hurling heroes.
“Discussions would have to be had with Gearóid and his family, and I have to stress the point that there are procedures that have to be followed when naming things, as well. The Council got into trouble years ago when we named the Abbey Bridge after Jim Kemmy and the people of St Mary’s Parish kicked up,” he said.
“But I am serious, Gearóid is a hero to the hundreds of girls and boys in the St Patrick’s and St John’s area. I think it would be great, but again there’s procedures and you have to get the views of the Limerick people as well.”
