RED HURLEY TO PERFORM
Doon Charity Clare's Wish Foundation are delighted to announce that their Charity Patron Red Hurley will be in Limerick Friday 26th September 2025 at 8:15pm with his annual How Great Thou Art Fundraising concert in aid of Clare's Wish. Red is considered to be one of the finest performers Ireland has ever produced. His signature rich powerful voice, relaxed charm and energetic stage shows have captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. His Performances throughout Europe and the United States have firmly established him as a truly exceptional entertainer. Red’s concerts are always a joy and he normally sells out .Tickets are on sale now from Redemptorists, Limerick Church shop or www.eventbrite.ie 061201674 for queries
POET DES FITZGERALD
While browsing recently in my own little library I came upon a collection of poetry I had once nurtured great appeal for. Entitled 'Gathering Dust' (1997) it was penned by a Parish native, Desmond Fitzgerald, the second last of a family of twelve who was born and raeared in the Castle Barracks. A rather slim publication it includes quite an eclectic literary output. I recall having been asked to read on the night of he launch and was thrilled to do so. Following his schooling at Creagh Lane and Sexton Street CBS, Des progressed to study Economics at NIHE (Now University of Limerick). I particularly like the final poem in this collection entitled, 'The Island Star' and I cite below just three verses of that poem due to restricted space..
THE ISLAND STAR
What shines a light above our Isle!
The Island Star resplendent
The Island Star resplendent
The night so dark
The star so bright
The Island Star ascendant.
The star so bright
The Island Star ascendant.
The jewel of the Shannonside
You're in my heart forever
Though fortune go, out on the tide
We'll forsake you never.
You're in my heart forever
Though fortune go, out on the tide
We'll forsake you never.
St. Mary's bells ring sweet and clear
Stirring childhood memories
Of that dear Isle I hold so dear
Of that dear Isle that's home to me.
Stirring childhood memories
Of that dear Isle I hold so dear
Of that dear Isle that's home to me.
WISE WORDS
'The tongue is like a sharp knife. It kills without drawing blood.' Buddha
'Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary in life,' Richard Carson
'Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary in life,' Richard Carson
'Ask yourself the question. 'Will it matter a year from now?'
REDEMPTORIST MUSIC CENTRE
Situated on the Island Roadin the Boys' old school building, this music centre featured recently in a brilliant portrayal on Limerick on the highly popular television programme 'Nationwide'. Also featuring in that programme, was St. John's Brass and Reed Band, that celebrates its 160th anniversary this year. Our very own Dr. Derek Mulcahy, Leader of our local band, also featured as historian at Mary Immaculate Training College, and acquitted himself admirably.
ADULT EDCATION CENTRE
This progressive educational haven for adults has blossomed in a most positive over the last few years and continues to do so. The centre is situated on the Island Road just at the pedestrian crossing and anyone is welcome to call in to gather information on the various classes that are available. Telephone: 061 313993 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. : stmarysadulteducation.ie
FRIENDLY CALL
If you are looking for someone to give you a call, Melanie and Elsie ring older people in the area every week to help them connect to other services or just to have a nice chat. You can get in touch if you want to use our Friendly Calls service on 061 313993
HOLY BAPTISM
Baptisms are held in St. Nicholas Church on the 4th Saturday of the month. Baptisms are held in St. Mary's Church on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at at 4pm and on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 12.30pm Contact the Parish Office for more information and a Baptismal enrolment form. 061 416300.
BAPTISMS
Baptisms are held in our church, St. Mary's, on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 4pm. Baptisms are held in St. Nicholas church on the 4th Saturday of the month. Contact our Parish Office for further information at 061 416300.
PARISH OFFICE
Our Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am to 1.00pm. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone 061 416300. St. Nicholas Parish Office is open Monday and Friday from 9,30am to 1.00pm. Email sainttnicholasparishoffice@ gmail.com. Phone 061 341300. You can contact either office if you please, to book a Mass, order a cert or or leave in your offering to support your church. With Sympathy Mass cards and Mass Bouquet cards are available from the Parish Office. Following the summer break the parish office will be returning in September.
PARISH NEWSLETTER
We encourage local groups in the area to avail of the Weekly Newsletter to promote upcoming events. Please send details for both parises to saintnicholasparishoffice@ gmail.com with Newsletter in the heading. Our Newsletter is printed every Thursday at 12 noon. Items received agter this time, unfortunately cannot be included.
FLORAL CHURCH DISPLAY
The profusion of colourful floral display continues to dazzle as one passes our church. An outdoor display such as this takes an amount of time and labour, and battling with disagreeable weather betimes over the past few years can prove onerous. However, our man on the job, Noel, has been undaunted in this regard, for, as well as being naturally talented in this regard, he is tireless in his effort to produce a visual delight for the passers-by, and for all who attend Mass in our beautiful church, whether it be the daily Mass at 10.00am Monday to Friday, the Vigil Mass at 5pm on Saturday, or the 11.30am Mass on Sundays. Weather-wise, this Summer has been ideal for any garden grower, and here Noel can stand proud and tall. He is most worthy of our gratitude.
GOLDEN JUBILEE 1982
'We pay a special tribute today to the people who built this Church. It was their good-will, hard work and contributions which they gave: in the words of Canon Hannan “week after week for years, out of hard earned and often scanty wages with a princely cheerfulness.” Many of them have passed on, but many are still with us, alive and well to celebrate this day. We pay tribute to Canon Hannan who spear-headed the work; to Fr. Hugh O'Connor, and Fr. Joseph O'Regan, and his able and willing workers. We dedicate this souvenir of the Golden Jubilee Mass to all of them. We remember them today with gratitude. We pray that their example may be an inspiration of faith and love for present and future generations.' (Part Two of the Dedication piece in the souvenir leaflet. No writer is credited, but, what inspirational writing!)
ROADS CLOSED
Due to major work operating in connection with improvements as to future flood possibilities, two roads have had to be closed for a number of months. Sir Harry's Mall will remain closed for at least fourteen months and Verdant Place that leads down from Thomond Bridge to St. Mary's Park, will remain closed for a minimum of five months. However, this may be to some motorists, it is good to be aware that it is all in the interest of safety and we praise the work and the workers that is transpiring.