RTÉ would want to move out of Dublin and realise what’s going on in Limerick.
That’s according to Cathaoirleach of Limerick’s Metropolitan District, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, at the May monthly meeting of Limerick City and County Council.
Cllr O’Hanlon expressed disappointment at, what he considered, a lack of coverage for Riverfest over the May Bank Holiday Weekend from the national broadcaster.
As the sun sizzled above Limerick’s flagship festival, more than 140,000 soaked up the spectacle which included breathtaking aerial performances, games, and street theatre, a spectacular fireworks display, and much more.
However, Cllr O’Hanlon was not impressed that all eyes were not on the Treaty City over the May weekend. The former mayor hit out at RTÉ’s coverage of Riverfest, and suggested they spend more time outside the Capital.
The action-packed festival that included the Riverfestival Village, the Panoramic Wheel, an adrenaline-pumping freefall, and the mouth-watering National All-Ireland BBQ Competition, was deemed a great success by councillors. But Cllr O’Hanlon felt more should have been made of the event by the national broadcaster.
“The feedback I got from people was absolutely superb and it’s a pity we can’t have it in Limerick every weekend,” he said.
“The one disappointment I had was listening to RTÉ radio on the Friday and they were doing a roundup of what was on around the country. They didn’t mention Limerick or Riverfest, which was the biggest festival on.”
The Limerick City East representative had a few suggestions for RTÉ.
“I think the sooner RTÉ move out of Dublin the better. They would want to realise what is going on around the country because I’m sure a lot of people were disappointed they weren’t in Limerick that weekend.”
Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle also expressed his disappointment at the lack of press coverage for the National Famine Commemoration in Kilmallock. The public ceremony, which was broadcast on RTÉ News Now channel, was officiated by President Michael D Higgins.
“I was greatly disappointed by the lack of press coverage for the commemoration in Limerick. Maybe the only cover is when it’s in Dublin?” Cllr Doyle opined.
On listening back to the show in question on RTÉ Radio One on Friday evening of May 2, the Limerick Post could find no reference to a roundup of events elsewhere around the country.
