
Limerick Mayor to shut down busy city streets to traffic for music, dancing, and fun this summer
Limerick city streets are set to close to cars as Mayor John Moran launches 'August Animations', a month-long initiative inviting residents, businesses, and community groups to reimagine and reclaim public spaces across the city.
Key city centre locations, including The Crescent on O'Connell Street and Honan's Quay, will be pedestrianised for the entire month of August, giving residents, performers, and local groups the chance to reclaim the streets for public use.
Baker Place and John's Square will also be available every Sunday in August for events and activities.
From live music and dance to sports competitions, pop-up picnics, and quirky ideas like belly dancing battles or ping pong playoffs, all are welcome.
The Mayor's Fund is footing the bill for the street closures and offering stipends of up to €2,000 to cover costs for groups and performers.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold tier grants are available, and organisers are encouraged to apply early.
Mayor Moran said the programme builds on the success of last year's summer activations: 'When we open up our public spaces, people respond.
'Let's turn a quiet month into something fun and vibrant. It doesn't need to be complicated, grab a chair, enjoy a book or a takeaway outdoors, maybe even under the watchful eye of Daniel O'Connell, whose 250th birthday we mark this August.'
To get involved, individuals and groups should email festivalsandevents@limerick.ie with their idea, space request, dates, and any need for financial support.
Confirmed events will be listed on Limerick.ie as part of the city's 'What's On' guide throughout August.
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Jasmin Griffin

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Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Limerick Mayor to shut down busy city streets to traffic for music, dancing, and fun this summer
Today at 11:52 Limerick city streets are set to close to cars as Mayor John Moran launches 'August Animations', a month-long initiative inviting residents, businesses, and community groups to reimagine and reclaim public spaces across the city. Key city centre locations, including The Crescent on O'Connell Street and Honan's Quay, will be pedestrianised for the entire month of August, giving residents, performers, and local groups the chance to reclaim the streets for public use. Baker Place and John's Square will also be available every Sunday in August for events and activities. From live music and dance to sports competitions, pop-up picnics, and quirky ideas like belly dancing battles or ping pong playoffs, all are welcome. The Mayor's Fund is footing the bill for the street closures and offering stipends of up to €2,000 to cover costs for groups and performers. Bronze, Silver, and Gold tier grants are available, and organisers are encouraged to apply early. Mayor Moran said the programme builds on the success of last year's summer activations: 'When we open up our public spaces, people respond. 'Let's turn a quiet month into something fun and vibrant. It doesn't need to be complicated, grab a chair, enjoy a book or a takeaway outdoors, maybe even under the watchful eye of Daniel O'Connell, whose 250th birthday we mark this August.' To get involved, individuals and groups should email festivalsandevents@ with their idea, space request, dates, and any need for financial support. Confirmed events will be listed on as part of the city's 'What's On' guide throughout August. Related topics Jasmin Griffin


Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Limerick honours one of its own with Mayoral reception for leading NYC St Patrick's Day Parade
The ceremony celebrates Mr Benn's incredible story from proud Limerick roots to his leadership in one of the world's most iconic Irish-American events. The reception is the third of its kind this year, following two sports-related Mayoral Receptions earlier in 2025. Born in Limerick city in 1948 and a former student of CBS Sexton Street, the same school attended by Mayor Moran, Michael Benn emigrated to the United States at age 14. He continued his education in New York and received an accounting degree from Mercy College, paving the way for a diverse career in civic leadership and business management. He also served in the US Army from 1969 to 1972, achieving the rank of sergeant. He served as president and chairman of the Queens County St Patrick's Day Parade in Rockaway Beach, and in March 2025, he led the 264th New York City St Patrick's Day Parade as Grand Marshal. Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Moran said: 'It's an absolute privilege to have welcomed Michael Benn and his family here to City Hall in the city of his youth, and to be able to recognise everything Michael has done to keep our Irish heritage alive and thriving in his new home of New York. His journey has been nothing short of incredible. Limerick is lucky to call him one of our own!' Mr Benn added: 'This city, and Ireland as a whole, will always be home, no matter where life takes me and my family. The journey has been incredible, but the heart of it all has always been community. I'm beyond grateful for this recognition and excited for all that's ahead!'


Irish Examiner
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