CHRISTMAS, a time when our hearts grow fonder with memories of yesteryear, and happier times.
What better way then to relive those magical childhood memories than with the latest version of Limerick, A Stroll Down Memory Lane, this year celebrating its Silver Jubilee.
It’s officially Christmas around these parts when veteran author Sean Curtin returns with his perennial publication of his popular series.
“Little did I think when I first published Limerick, a Stroll Down Memory Lane in 2001 that twenty-five years later it would still be going strong and eagerly sought-after year on year. Certainly, a lot of the emphasis has changed in that time. Originally, I concentrated on streetscapes and buildings and the rapidly changing face of Limerick. While that is still a priority in these fast-changing times, I also now feature social images showing changes in fashion, culture and entertainment,” Sean explained.
He continued: “I was very lucky to be employed in the Limerick Leader for over 40 years where I was encouraged to pursue my passion for all things Limerick. I am indebted to all those amateur and professional photographers – way too many to mention individually – who offered me their images over the past quarter of a century, many of which enhance this silver jubilee edition too”.
On page 6 the great Garryowen prop Tom Carroll is featured with his family when he was recalled to the Munster team after eight years. The old Pennywell Road from the 1940s is featured with the Richardson family posing for neighbour Tony O’Shea. Milk deliveries in Limerick were done by a fey hardy men like Willie O’Dwyer, Mattie Connery and this year we feature Denis Malone from Rosbrien.
Limerick Fire Brigade took possession of the their brand new Merryweather Albion back in 1930 and its first call out was the Abbey Kinema fire shortly after. Caledonians, a very famous soccer club in Limerick gets a mention having gone out of the league after 92 years continuous football. Also, there is a wonderful 16-page colour section featuring some magnificent pictures seldom seen locally.
Sean went on to tell me that the Plassey drownings of 1930 – where three locals, John O’Connell, Pennywell; Thomas Madden, Pennywell and Thomas Anslow, also from Pennywell were drowned returning home after a fishing expedition on February 3 of that year.. There was one survivor, John J. Airey, Clare Street, who was plucked from the freezing water. At the inquest the coroner was told by one of the rescuers Michael Mulcahy that he requested help from two passers-by but they refused.
The housing situation in 1930, as now was a very hot topic and pages 40 and 41 are handed over to that issue from 95 years ago.
From a musical standpoint, there’s a look at The Groove’s support slot with David Bowie (1987) at Slane Castle and also a mention of the 1991 Lark in the Park which, among others, featured The Cranberries.
There’s also a look at the 50th running of the Limerick and District Motorcycle Club’s Shamrock Rally — the rally’s commemorative badge is pictured above. Incidentally, the club are 60 years old in 2026.
There are many stand alone images in this book including a 25th anniversary present of a new car from Janesboro residents to Fr. Houlihan, the local curate. There are lots of Irish dance images as well as a classic image on page 59 of the Limerick Show. The de Lacy Twins Queen of Taps competition gets another mention in the silver jubilee edition having featured in several other editions of the series. This is from the 1955 iteration of the event.
All in all, this is an excellent edition of Limerick A Stroll Down Memory Lane and one not to be missed.