Limerick Leader This Wednesday, Centre During a Christmas Party Last Year

CITY EDITION Im* a IMJL JLv JL. Fmia R JlV T ' JL x-/ r KJW l LI 1? L A A U 1W L lt R LIMERICK’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1889 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15,2014 €2,25 lf l§ ll lim e ric k le a d e r.ie © @|nerick Jeader O limerickleader LIMERICK’S MAUREEN BESTRUGBY ENCAPSULATES COVERAGE CITY LIFE IN CATCH UP BEFORE NEW VOLUME KICKOFFseesport SEE PAGES18 & 20 Dolores distressed over

Garda David Naughton, left, and Garda Wesley marriage splitm other Kenny at Limerick Court this week Two local gardai ■ Cranberries singer remains in ‘a very vulnerable’ state - but ‘is doing much better’ told to appear in■ Dolores speaks to her children on phone ■ Mother Eileen praises kindness of public court at trial of AINE FITZGERALD [email protected] Dublin officers THE mother of Dolores O’Riordan, the superstar singer who was at the DAVID HURLEY centre of an international media storm this week over an alleged air TWO Limerick-based gardai have been rage incident, has revealed that her ordered to appear in court this Thursday daughter is separating from her as they may be required to give evidence in husband after 20 years of marriage. the trial of two Dublin-based gardai, who are Speaking exclusively to the accused of assaulting two brothers in the city Limerick Leader this Wednesday, centre during a Christmas Party last year. Eileen O’Riordan said Dolories is in a Following lengthy legal arguments, this“very vulnerable” state and is under Wednesday, Judge Grainne O’Neill informed the care of a psychiatric doctor at an the two gardai, who are based in the city, they undisclosed location in the country. will be required to attend the trial, which “She is going through a marriage began on Tuesday. separation at the moment. That’s David Naughton, aged 33, from Lucanhard for anyone,” said Eileen, who and Wesley Kenny, aged 36, who has an lives in Ballybricken. address in Sandyford have pleaded not guilty The 43-year-old Cranberries lead to assaulting Luke Morrison (19) and hissinger was arrested at Shannon brother James Morrison (22) at Catherine Airport shortly before 5am on Street on December 5,2013. Monday in connection with alleged Limerick District Court has heard that assaults on a flight attendant and both men are stationed at garda stations in a garda on board a flight from JFK the capital and were attending a Christmas airport in New York. night out in Limerick when the alleged While Dolores, a mother of three, She Lsgofligtiiroiigh a marriage separation: offences occurred. is “doing much better”, she failed to at the moment^Tliat’s hardfor anyone... She While statements made by the two recognise her mother when Eileen Limerick-based gardai were disclosed to visited her at Shannon garda station was lying on the floor. I gave her a hug. I tried lawyers representing the two defendants following the incident. Eileen said in advance of the hearing, State Solicitor that medical results indicated there Michael Murray has indicated he does not was no alcohol or drugs detected in ail. 1 put Lourdes water on her ’ intend calling them to give evidence as part her daughter’s system. of the prosecution case. “Dolores was inside in a room, Eileen O Riordan. m other of Dolores However, Breffni Gordon BL, defending, she was lying on the floor, curled said he requires the attendance of the gardai up. She had her head covered and in court in order to prove certain statements,her face covered up. She was tryingTop left, Dolores O'Riordan and Don Burton pictured on the wedding day in 1994 at Holycross Abbey in Tipperary. Dolores' mother Eileen, top right, has revealed that the which he intends to rely on as part of his to protect herself. I gave her a hug. Icouple are in the process of separating tried to talk to her. She didn’t realise defence. was trying to cover herself from me,”six or seven in the morning. I wassomething wasn’t right with Dolores.‘are you sleeping?’ she would say: ‘Oh Earlier, Judge O’Neill refused an I was there at all. I put Lourdes water on her,” Eileen recalled of her initial Eileen first became aware of the expecting her, getting her breakfast “She rang on Sunday to say she wasI am, I am.’” application to halt the trial after Mr Murray incident on Monday morning afterready,” she recalled. She had spoken coming. She was OK then but she While she hadn’t seen her daughter told the court the prosecution regards encounter with her daughter at Shannon garda station. her son received a call. with her daughter the day previouswasn’t herself. She wasn’t Dolores. statements made by the defendant’s as being “I was getting up at about half pastbut a mother’s instinct told herShe would hide it from me. If I asked “fictitious”. “She didn’t know who I was, she Q CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 It is the Prosection case that Garda Naughton and Garda Kenny assaulted the two brothers following an earlier incident outside Luke Morrison’s home on Cecil Street. It is alleged they tried to enter the apartment complex after telling the 19-year-City retailers optimistic of a bright Christmas old they were looking for “brazzers”, which is slang for Prostitutes. NICKRABBITTS introduced a special parkingGleeson’s Shoes, says this its Christmas window last off the store in its very best See page 12 for a full report on the case [email protected] initiative where spaces are Christmas is the first time week, and Mr Dwan said they light. As we are right in the free from 3pm daily. he has been optimistic in fivewent the extra mile this year centre of the city we felt it LIMERICK retailers are Jeweller Matthew Ryan of years. to create their ‘Christmas important to put our best foot optimistic of a successfulMatthew Stephens is hoping “I can see there is a better wonderland’, incorporatingforward. Christmas trading after signs for a record festive season, spend, and people are moreanimation in the window for Mr Dwan said trade has of recovery in the city centre.while Brown Thomas boss enthusiastic about doing theirthe first time in many years , increased: “Every day, I come They are also bullish about Liam Dwan said his staff shopping. People are moreand doubling the amount ofin from Tipperary, and there increasing numbers of visitorsare putting their “best footconfident,” said the Dromkeen garlands previously used. is certainly more traffic on the to the city centre after a raft forward” for what they hope man, who has traded in He said: “With it being the roads into the city. Everyone : V ■: of new brands moved into thewill be a bright Christmas. William Street for 50 years. City of Culture, we made a Liam Dwan: ‘We are putting our 5 urban area, and the council Michael Gleeson, of Brown Thomas unveiledbigger effort this year to show© CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 best foot forward’ for season ’Bandits team up Influence of with Brand for skit mayoralty could yet ALAN OWENS [email protected] be restored THE Rubberbandits and Russell Brand bonded over a shared NICKRABBITTS love for dartboards and have [email protected] no interest in a push for the Christmas No l slot. ABBEYFEALE-BASED councillor The plastic bag-wearing Liam Galvin could be installed duo teamed up with actor and as the new Mayor of Limerick comedian Brand to release next year, if proposals to change a parody on Blur’s hit song Limerick’s civic titles go ahead. Parklife this week, which has ‘Just a bit of craic’: Blind Boy Boat In a bid to preserve the prestige clocked up over three millionClub on Russell Brand hook-up that of the 8oo-year-old mayoralty, views online since Monday. has three million views online many councillors have called for Music for the song, sung by a role reversal, which would leave Russell and the ‘Bandits, was Russell Brand answers the the cathaoirleach, currently Cllr performed, produced, mixeddoor,” said Blind Boy in his only Kevin Sheahan, as mayor. and mastered by the Limerick print interview since the video What is notable is that many duo, who performed at Brand’swas released. of these calls have come from the book launch in London recently.“Turns out he was as city. It is hoped a change would Speaking exclusively to thepassionate about collecting aid Limerick’s international cause, Limerick Leader, Blind Boy Boat dartboards as we were. We hit it with many from abroad unable Club of the Rubberbandits said off from there and a dartboard- to fully comprehend what the that the collaboration was a based friendship developed. cathaoirleach is exactly. chance one and that the focusAfter a while we eventually told It is Cllr Galvin who is next in would soon move to waterhim that we make music.” line to take the top job in June next charges. “It was just a bit of craic - year under a pact between Fianna “One day we bought a he did the video and I did the Fail and Fine Gael. beautiful model dartboard from music. This week the Leader spoke the 1970s made from birch, with “The first thing he is doing is to many local councillors about stained leather embroidery. A coming over with a jackhammer confusion over the two roles. really nice piece. Anyway, when______went to collect it, lo and behold,f § | CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 © SEE PAGE 6 FOR FULL REPORT LIMERICK LEADER SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15 2014

OVER TO YOU We love to receive pictures from our readers, whether they be of weddings, birthday parties, local scenes www.limerickleader.ie 2 NEWS or whatever you think deserves a wide audience. Please email them (with full caption information)[email protected] to:

LIMERICK LEADER ■ Honour: Limerick is the second city to receive this status‘Bandits team up with Brand 15- 11-2014 Editor: Alan English for Parklife skit 061-214567 City to be declared CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 [email protected] Q

Deputy Editor: Eugene Phelan and taking up the water meter from the front of my house.” 061-214503 truly intercultural The parody is apparently a nod to Brand’s own political campaign and [email protected] features lyrics such as: “Verbal dexterity plus estuary accent is what leads to LEADER REPORTER Cities Conference provides an a parody of Parklife / But words used exciting opportunity to learnefficiently can be a dangerous tool that LIMERICK will be officially first-hand from the experience slices through propaganda like a Sharp JP new owner declared as an intercultural city and best practice of cities across Knife.” during the hosting of a m^jor the world who have benefited Blind Boy said of Brand: “Lovely fella, intercultural conference in the from adopting an intercultural very short in real life. Grey hair and looks Mid-West next week. approach to sports, arts and and talks a bit like Anthony Hopkins off of Adare Manor Delegates from across culture and created diversity camera. Dresses completely differently. Europe will arrive in Limerick advantage. Going forward He’s got false teeth, brown leather COLMWARD decision”. on November 21 and 22 for Limerick remains committed to brogues, and cream Farah slacks. However, speculation the ‘Sports Arts and Culture’ becoming an Intercultural city “Goes everywhere on a bus and starts A deal was being finalised had been rife in Adare Intercultural Cities conference and region, in which all residents crying when anything about the D-Day this Wednesday evening village all week that he and workshop in the Limerick are equally valued irrespective of landings in Normandy comes on the that will see JP McManus was the new owner. Strand Hotel. their colour, creed or culture.” television. take ownership of the “The rumours all The conference will be Karen McHugh, chief Asked about the meaning behind the five-star Adare Manor around the village are addressed by speakers including executive of Doras Luimni, video, the Rubberbandit said that was for resort. that JP has bought it,” former international rugby star which supports and promotes “YouTube intellectuals to decide as they The hotel was put upcommented one local Keith Wood, All Star Hurler Sean the rights of migrants living in work towards a concise dialectic in* the for sale in September businesswoman. 6g 6 hAilpin and Grand Slam the Mid-West, said that Limerick comments section”. with a €25m price tag. It is understood that winning rugby player Niamh has become a more diverse “Most of what he says makes sense. He Since then, speculationMr McManus is one of Briggs. society over the last 10 years. ticks all the right boxes when it comes to has been rife that the seven parties that lodged A charter will be signed by “One in 10 of the populatipndeconstructing power. Chomsky, Naomi millionaire businessmanbids for the resort in the cathaoirleach, Cllr Kevin are migrants who have come to Klein, Marty Morrissey, Roland Barthes,” and philanthropist wasrecent weeks. US investor Sheahan, officially declaring work, live or study in the region,” he added. planning to make a bid.Tony Saliba, who recently Limerick as an intercultural city she said. Paddy Power is taking bets on the song Mr McManus has had a bought Lough Erne golf - only the second Irish city to do “Harnessing this diversity is surpassing the amount of hits gleaned by long-running associationresort in Co Fermanagh, so. Karen McHugh, of Doras Luimni, who was instrumental in securing a challenge and an opportunity Limerick’s position on the intercultural index Picture: Keith Wiseman the Bandits’ Horse Outside, which has with Adare Manor, was also linked to the “Limerick is the only Irish city for all residents of Limerick. The nearly 13 million views on You Tube. having hosted the JP property. besides Dublin to participate in our National City of Culturediscussions, presentations andprocess of Limerick becoming “The other viral phenomenon is Ebola, McManus Pro-Am there The hotel was bought in the European InterculturalYear. group dialogue co-ordinatedan Intercultural City and region so it could be worse,” said Blind Boy of the on two occasions. in the mid-1980s by Cities initiative, giving it the “Arts and culture play a keyby the community departmentwill take time and will require viral video. It is understood that Tom Kane who made opportunity to exchange androle in promoting diversity,of Limerick City and Countythe active support of both local “We have no interest in Christmas the new owner has significant investments learn with other European citiesconnecting communities andCouncil. and migrant communities on number one - please download it illegally, ambitious plans forin the property over the such as Barcelona, Copenhagen,breaking down communication“We are delighted that the the ground. take it straight from You Tube, we don’t the resort, which was years. Rotterdam, London, Sanand cultural barriers. EquallyCouncil of Europe has recognised“This conference is an want your money,” he explained. previously owned by US This included the Sebastian, Montreal and Limerick has always had a very Limerick’s proud tradition andimportant milestone affording “Paddy Power is a clever boy, he puts businessman Tom Kane. development of the Limassol,” said Cllr Sheahan. inclusive attitude to sport andexcellence in sports, arts andthe opportunity to dialogue without bets like that because he gets loads of There were reports 18-hole championship “We have a long and proudintercultural sports eventsculture in choosing Limerickand learn from other European free advertising. that staff were informed golf course designed by tradition of literature, music andhave been to the forefront ofas a location for this importantand global cities and regions,” “Childline are facing a problem that about the impending sale Robert Trent Jones Snr. the arts - in recent years, we have integration initiatives in thisevent,” said Josephine Cottersaid Ms McHugh. For more they are closing down their lines from this Tuesday. However, The course hosted the welcomed many new residents region in recent years.” Coughlan, director of services,information on the ‘Sports Art 24 hours to 12 hours - instead, donate to hotel management Irish Open in 2007 and and communities, bringing a Forty international delegatescommunity, leisure andand Culture’ Intercultural Cities Childline and don’t be worried about silly were not available for 2008, as well as the JP rich new source of music, culturewill arrive for the two-day emergency services, Limerick Conference and Workshop bets.” comment. McManus ProAm which and tradition. I’m delighted that Intercultural Cities conferenceCity and County Council. please visit www.c0e.intA/dg4/ Text ‘Childline’ to 57911 and donate €4 The agent in charge of attracted some of the Limerick is signing this charter which will provide a mix of panel “This . 2014 Interculturalcultureheritage/culture/Cities. to the charity service. the sale, John Hughes of world’s leading golfers CBRE, could not confirmand a host of celebrities. that a deal had been Speaking to reporters finalised. “It is still in a this week, Mr McManus process. We have been did not rule out the marketing the propertypossibility of another Window wonderIT unveils festive offering as trailers gear up for Christmas for sale and that process similar event in the is still ongoing,” he said. future. “We might see Speaking to the another Pro-Am in © CONTINUED FROM PAGE1 Limerick Leader last the future, so fingers weekend Mr McManus crossed,” he said. in the city is making a big effort. We have also would neither confirm Other local hotels to had to up our games, as customers are more nor deny reports that hehave changed ownership discerning, and want the best service possible had bought the luxuryin recent months include when they are parting with their hard-earned hotel, saying “that the Savoy and the cash”. would be a commercial Radisson Blu. Mr Ryan concurred, saying: “Shoppers are. back spending, and most importantly spending it in and supporting our great city. “There has been great work done by the City Council and lots of individual stores and businesses to add to the festive buzz in CAB cash ‘should the city through investment in Christmas decorations and light displays”. He revealed higher-end gift purchases are go to community’ again being made, and “customers are no longer afraid to spend again. “There is a better buzz and atmosphere, NICK BABBITTS be a lot more interaction people have smiles back on their faces, with the gardai, and with restaurant and coffee shops are buzzing. I MONEY recovered by the the services,” he said. think the people of Limerick have realised Criminal Assets Bureau Cllr Quinlivan said this they must support city businesses - together (CAB) should be set aside would give people the we can make a difference,” said Mr Ryan. for local communityconfidence to help the “Nothing beats the shopping experience of projects, Sinn Feingardai - on a confidential walking the city’s footpaths at Christmas - the councillor Mauricebasis - in the battle chill in the air, the choral singers, the buzz, Quinlivan says. against drugs. the dark foggy evenings and the lights, all The northside Although he says drug topped off with the excitement of Santa”. councillor has lodged use has “plateaued” in Mr Gleeson welcomed the parking a notice of motion atthe city in recent years, initiative, but urged the introduction of a park Monday’s metropolitanhe believes heroin is still and ride scheme to bring more people in from district meeting of a huge problem. the county. Limerick City and “Drugs workers will He said: “Perhaps our country relations County Council thattell you themselves it is in the council would facilitate us with the a call by made on the increasingly being seen various parking areas, particularly out government to alter the across the city,” he said. around the Dublin Road, the Ennis Road, the Model Niamh Donnelly with Ameile Hopwood (age 4) from Limerick are pictured at the highly-anticipated official launch of the Christmas WindowCorbally at Road and Raheen.” Proceeds of Crime Act for The Sinn Fein Brown Thomas store on O’Connell Street. Manager Liam Dwan said BT had gone all out with the window in City of CulturePicture: year Brian Arthur/ Press22 . this purpose. polltopper said city He hopes monies communities have been would be ringfenced “wrecked” by drug and directed to groups dealers - and it cannot be which deal with drug allowed to happen again. addictions like the Mid- “I believe if assets People were hassling Dolores to sing on plane West Regional Drugs and seized went back into Alcohol Forum, formerlythe local communities, it of anti-Limerick in it, a lot of that the Mid-West Drugs Task would be a positive thing Q CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in it,” said Eileen who last spoke to Force. to do,” he said. Dolores this Wednesday morning. At present, all seizures Cllr Quinlivan believes for a number of months, Dolores The flight attendant received by CAB go back to the if the law was changed, would ring Eileen most days, and medical attention at University exchequer. it could be worth going on their conversations Eileen Hospital Limerick. But Cllr Quinlivan, a“multiples of millions” feared that something was going to “That girl is a friend of hers. She director of the Drugs and to Limerick community happen. is a very nice girl. She knows her Alcohol Forum, thinksgroups. “I was waiting for it, hoping that for years. She was getting out of that money would be “There is a perception it wouldn’t happen in New York. her seat because as far as I know better spent serving of dealers driving around It would be awful because she the man behind her was poking local communities, inunaffected in big, flashy wouldn’t have the support there. her - the couple were well drunk, particular drugs groups, cars, going on flashy She is suffering from lack of sleep free drink of course. She just lost it and facilities which are holidays. We need the over the weeks and her brain is and got up and walked on the girl. designed to keep youngCAB to take it on,” he racing all the time. She is working She had big old boots on her.” people away from drugs. said. very hard. When she was in New While Eileen said she hasn’t read “It is turning a CAB has three full York she kept saying ‘when I go the media coverage, the general negative into a positive.time officers working home to my mother in Ireland, I public have been very kind and Also, I believe if peoplein Limerick. It was set will be fine’. She was working in respectful of her daughter at this knew assets belonging up in 1996 to deal with New York producing a new album.” difficult time, including the gardai. to criminals in their an upsurge in organised While the singer continues to “I must say they were extremely local area were being crime. The motion will receive medical attention, “she nice. They couldn’t have been nicer ploughed back into theirbe heard on Monday is a lot better than what she was, to Dolores and myself at the time. community, there wouldmorning. thanks be to God”. There is an email from somebody “She was so bad when I saw who was on the plane to say that her first in Shannon,” Eileen it is a terrible reaction - an over Death recalled. “She is under the care of a reaction. psychiatric doctor at the moment^ “Anybody I have spoken to - my a very nice lady. She is still in friends, my parishioners and all MCADAM (nee Reid) Cape Town, South Africa and Ireland. She has a nurse with her the community, all I have got is formerly of Upper Clare Street, Limerick, November and a doctor visits her every dayDolores O’Riordan, whose band The Cranberries sold over 40 million albums, is under psychiatric care this week prayers and good wishes and love 10th 2014, peacefully, in Capetown. Mary, Belovedbecause she can’t go out.” from everybody I have spoken to.” wife of Vincent and dearest mother of Russell, Dolores speaks on the phonereception to taking place in Aherlowwas being hassled on the flight for to be established, it is reported She credits her strong faith Michele (Grey), and Sandra (Moore). Beloved sister her children Taylor, 16, Molly, 13,House Hotel. autographs. that Dolores - whose band The with giving her the strength to of the late Tom Reid. Deeply regretted by her loving and Dakota, 9, who are currently The couple who met when The “She had two glasses of wine Cranberries has sold over 40 remain strong and steadfast for husband and family, sister Margaret (Hayes), brothers with their father Don Burton inCranberries and Duran Duranwith her dinner when she started million albums worldwide - her daughter. John and Dermot, sons-in-law Peter and Michael, Canada. were on tour have owned a numberoff but she had no alcohol or drugsstamped on a flight attendant’s “I never cried about it,” she said. daughter-in-law Christina, grandchildren, sisters-in- “They just know that mommyof properties including Riversfieldin her system. That is completelyfoot and headbutted a garda. She “I pray. I don’t know what I law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and isn’t well at the moment,” said their Stud outside Kilmallock where theyclear. She was accompanied by a was arrested and subsequentlywould do only for my religion. her many friends in Capetown and Limerick. Rest ingrandmother. lived for a number of years as wellproducer and songwriter. I believehospitalised at University HospitalThere are so many good people - so Peace. Funeral to take place on Saturday November Dolores married Burton, aas homes in Dublin and Canada,there were people hassling her to Limerick. many I have met are lovely and are 15th in Cape Town. Mass will be celebrated in Mary former tour manager of rockduring their 20-year marriage. sing and for photographs on the “She is not like that. Everyonethinking of her and praying for her Immaculate College Chapel, Limerick on Saturday at band Duran Duran, at Holycross Reflecting on the alleged air rage plane. She just lost it.” is saying the media have blown it and what more can we do at this 12.30pm. Abbey, Tipperary in 1994 with theincident itself, Eileen said Dolores Though the full facts have yetout of all proportion. There is a stage.”lot