President Michael D Higgins was warmly welcomed to Limerick when he made his first visit to the city since his election. The Limerick born president visited St Munchin’s Community Centre in Kileely, which he visited on his campaign trail in September. President Higgins said he “made a deliberate decision” to return to the city and particularly to the centre, which he hailed as “the very best of Limerick”.
“I made a deliberate decision to come back, particularly to St Munchin’s Community Centre because I was so impressed by the huge range of services that were going on here when I came in September,” the president told me. The president also declared that he “had a certain other set of reasons for being here as well, this is the parish I was baptised in”.
Linda Ledger, manager of the centre, said she was “thrilled” to host the president. “It is brilliant for the centre and what is great for us is we did it on our terms, we didn’t put on any mock show, we did it in our hall, we did the food ourselves, the flowers, and it just shows you what we do every day, we can do it, there is nothing we can’t do here,” she said.
Over the last five years this centre has assisted their community to develop a sense of pride and reach its full potential by responding to needs and issues as they arise. By providing a central, accessible and visible hub for local community activity, in response to local demand they continue to expand its services and facilities such as a restaurant, florist, hairdressers, launderette and computer classes to name a few. They also provide a meeting space for local groups and address isolation and social exclusion for the older members of the community.
They are currently looking for the last piece of funding to complete their renovation and need your help now!
I Love Limerick Video of the Presidents visit to St. Munchin’s Community Centre
Related
