Moyross Online - Blog for Moyross.ie

Limerick CIty 50K Community Challenge - vote for Moyross

2011-08-24T13:13:00.002+01:00

HEART BEAT & LIVING - poetry from Nadia Glasheen

2011-06-21T14:12:00.005+01:00

LIVING

Nadia Glasheen

They say you only live once, but I don’t think that’s true,

I think you live twice, once when you mess up and once more when everything you dreamed of comes your way and makes you happy,

There is a purpose for life and the reason for living because without a heart we are mere machines programmed to work on time.

We are our own person and we live for a purpose,

Everything happens for a reason,

so be the person who has a reason to live!

HEART BEAT

I know where I am, know when to start and when to finish,

I may stand alone, I may walk in a crowd, but I can still hear the crossing bliss of a beating heart,

I look twice but I can see, I follow the noise but its not getting any louder,

its staying at the same beat and melody.

Then I close my eyes to find the answer and I open up to reach out and touch it

- its my own beating heart calling out to say I am alive and I beat only for you.

THE AUTHOR: Nadia Glasheen, 19, from Moyross says her poetry is "about what goes on in the heart of a teenager going through everyday life." Up to now she's kept her poems to herself. "I guess it was kinda hard to write about myself in poems but as time went on I got into the hang of it, and I never gave up," says Nadia.

She began writing two years ago: "I started when I was working with the Monks in Moyross, and they handed me a diary to write a bit about how I’m feeling for everyday, but I was getting bored of that so I said i will just write a poem."

And so a new talent is born - we'll feature more poems from Nadia next week.

Celebrating Adult Learning in Moyross

2011-06-14T13:08:00.003+01:00

The Moyross Adult Education Project is currently in the process of celebrating adult education in the area by bringing out a book covering community education since 1979 which we hope to launch at the end of 2011.

In preparation, we invite all learners past and present to attend the event on Thursday 16^th June in the Community Enterprise Centre at 3.30 to bring along any photos, or if you have stories to pass on.

Followed by a presentation of Fetac Awards and Participation Certificates at 5.30 by Minister for Skills & Training Ciaran Cannon.

UPDATE: The day was a mighty success. Here's one of the pictures we received on the day. We're looking for names for the caption - can anyone help? Double-click the photo to ENLARGE!

“The best solution to a problem is yourself” - INTERVIEW WITH JUAN CARLOS AZZOPARDI

2011-06-08T15:53:00.002+01:00

BY BRENDAN MEEHAN

Juan Carlos Azzopardi is clearing his desk out after 15 years working in Moyross, but the Sligo-born community worker says it is not the end.

Juan Carlos packing up

“I don’t expect to miss Moyross, because I don’t see myself as leaving, simply expanding my work to other communities. This is not goodbye.”

His proudest moment was the change of school enrolment policies in 2005. “The Northside Local Education Committee made sure that all children got an equal oppurtunity at the same time.” Juan said there had been a “huge problem” for children applying to various schools prior to the issue being highlighted.

Juan spoke candidly of his time here: “What struck me most when I first arrived was the enthusiasm and friendliness of the people and that is still the case today. People in the area change but the area itself remains the same.”

Perhaps the latter reflects the pace of the regeneration.

Moyross faces many challenges in today’s Ireland, but the most difficult one is perhaps the sullying of the areas reputation by the national media.

“It has a very unfair reputation and as a result people get a bad impression of the place yet anyone that comes here sees the friendliness and resilience of the residents.”

Despite the media’s portrayal of this estate, Juan told us that “when you give people opportunities around here, they excell, there is fantastic pride and determination across the board”.

He continued, “I believe that Moyross’ biggest challenge is to make concrete the idea of regeneration and make sure the promises that have been made are delivered.” He explained that the attitude of the Moyross people towards community development has always been: “Here’s what’s needed, give us a hand and we’ll do it.” He touted Limerick Community Development Project as a prime example of, “We’ll do it, we want the responsibility of running our own project.”

One always needs the support and facilities to succeed when it comes to community development, but as Juan said - “the best solution to a problem is yourself.”

CONCY RYAN or THE RUBBERBANDITS?

Juan favours ‘The Rubberbandits': “I think they are hilarious.”

He also spoke on the adverse effects of glorifying negative lifestyles as seen in ‘The Outlaw Concy Ryan’: “You need to be able to laugh at yourself, but at the same time you have a responsibility to realise the effect of what you’re saying.”

“I believe there’s far more serious things on the internet about Moyross like videos of joyriding and burning cars, and these are real instances of a few bad apples glorifying a negative activity.”

Juan Carlos told us that while he has made many friends in his time here, his biggest regret is the failure of the proposed “Horse Project”.

“It saddens me to see that is no nearer now than when we started it.”

The modest Juan however didn’t mention most the work he’s done over the years, to give but one example, leading the Moywrites production team. In many instances he was the production team!

See you soon Juan Carlos.

ALL SMILES FOR CLASS OF 2011

2011-06-03T14:03:00.015+01:00

BY BRENDAN MEEHAN

The young minds of Moyross Pre-School took a collective step towards academia this morning as the class of 2011 donned their caps and gowns and enjoyed a well-earned farewell ceremony.

The kids were in great spirits and their proud parents were on hand to witness the graduation. Afterwards there were food and beverages shared amongst the gathering.

Class of 2011 awaiting their certificates

Graduates from left to right: Evan Grimes, Amber Neim, Jake Ryan

Cap and gown procession

Proud mum and daughter with certificate

Gosia asks "can my little sister graduate too?"

Teacher Lisa with two graduates

Celebrating graduation, plenty of cake and biscuits.

WHO DYED THE DOG?

2011-06-01T15:39:00.015+01:00

The first pink dog in Ireland has been spotted in Moyross.

Either it's an unusual pedigree or someone dyed their dog.

A definite tinge of pink

The friendly black & white (& pink) doggie was spotted scouting for attention outside the 'Changing Ireland' office in Sarsfield Gardens. So we took its photo.
The fact that the dog was photographed walking past a local hairdressers is not by any means to suggest involvement on their part.
The evidence doesn't point that way since the dog's colouring clearly lacked a professional touch.
While it may have been lingering in the hope of some top-quality hairdressing, unfortunately Shona Griffin's Guys & Dolls was booked up.

Pink-tinged doggie spotted hanging around outside Shona's.
Click on the photo to see for yourself!

Meanwhile, Moyross.ie is hoping the owner could kindly shed some light on the phenomena of why the dog has pink legs?
Could it be to do with climate change? Or from stress the dog experienced while awaiting regeneration?
Moyross.ie would also like to know the dog's name.
- AM

BROWNE RETURNS TO ROOTS, BURTON ON THE WAY

2011-05-31T19:58:00.002+01:00

BY BRENDAN MEEHAN

TV show host Vincent Browne was seen admiring the Community Garden yesterday and Minister Joan Burton will visit on July 10th.

The Minister for Social Protection is coming to officially open the garden which is fast becoming a beacon of hard work and solidarity as residents continue their work on the project.

The garden currently has eight seed-beds and it’s located at the rear of the community centre.

“It’s open to all. Don’t hesitate to come along any Monday or Wednesday from 2pm,” says Paddy Flannery, Community Enterprise Centre manager. “All are welcome.”

Working hard:Community workers readying garden for Grand Opening.

Regeneration and parish history book delayed

2011-05-31T19:49:00.001+01:00


Have you seen this book?

BY BRENDAN MEEHAN

Which came first? The chicken or the egg? While that conundrum may have passed its sell by date long ago, we may soon be asking “Which will come first - the parish history book of Moyross or the houses regeneration planned?”
Almost 12 months after we told you of the forthcoming book chronicling the parish’s history, we are none the wiser. According to Tony O’Gorman, “talks about the launch of the book are off, pending the return of Fr. Frank O’Dea”.

He’s due to return in a matter of weeks.

Local resident Tony Lynch referred to the book at last week’s Moyross Partners community meeting, “I asked about the book almost 14 months ago and I was told they were putting names to the photographs”.

The history book began life as a parish project, overseen by a local committee, while Northside Regeneration funded a researcher to prepare the bulk of the text.

Another one hits the deck

Meanwhile, house-building in Moyross has been postponed due to difficulties encountered by the first bidder for the contract. Demolitons continue without interruption.

MOYROSS PLAYGROUND IN CONTENTION FOR PRIZE

2011-05-26T17:25:00.009+01:00

How about a makeover?

The Millenium playground could be in line for a makeover valued at €7,000 courtesy of Brennans Bread.

The Moyross playground has made it onto a nationwide shortlist of 10 potential recipients. It is the sole representative from Limerick, so here’s hoping the rest of this great city will get behind us. Help spread the word to our neighbours in other parts of the county!

MOYROSS FOR TIDY TOWNS

2011-05-26T17:13:00.008+01:00

BY BRENDAN MEEHAN

Winning the coveted Tidy Towns competition bestows the victor with a new lease of life, a place on the map, and a stamp of cleanliness and excellence.

This is precisely what the people of Moyross will be striving to achieve in the coming months. For hard working, environmentally minded residents, it is their moment to shine.

“Tidy Towns is built on the back of volunteerism,” Paddy Flannery told a local community meeting yesterday.
So, it is over to you, the good people of Moyross, to get this estate spic and span, so that it sparkles from Delmege to Cosgrove Park. Get volunteering and let’s get Moyross in the news for the right reasons!

WHO SAID THERE AREN’T ANY JOBS IN LIMERICK?

2011-05-25T11:20:00.000+01:00

Group 4 Security are currently looking for part-time casual cleaners to work 15-20 hours approx to cover holidays etc. If interested, or know of anyone over 18 and interested, please email a CV to their Manager: sean.ocarroll@ie.g4s.com ASAP!

Eileen Sheehan's story on the RTE Player

2011-05-19T15:35:00.002+01:00

If you missed seeing the RTE 1 show featuring Eileen Sheehan last Monday, you can watch it on the RTE Player here: http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1098494
Apart from the programme being a tribute to Eileen's "courage" as author Alice Leahy put it, the programme showed Moyross in a positive light.
As one local put it, "They had only one shot with a horse in it and every house you saw had its windows in."
Our congratulations to Eileen who told her story honestly. She also corrected Alice when she misspelt Moyross which was funny because Alice was supposed to be helping Eileen with her writing.
As Alice said, everyone is learning.

- A. Meagher

NO CHANGE IN FIRST COMMUNIONS IN MOYROSS FOR 2012

2011-05-19T15:04:00.003+01:00

BRENDAN MEEHAN REPORTS

Rumours were circulating the communities of Limerick like wildfire, amid fears that the holy sacrament of Communion may be abandoned next year. However the devout parents and children of Moyross have nothing to worry about, according to Fr. Tony O’Riordan, who told ‘Moyross.ie’ that there will be “no change” in this parish.

The worries of parents were offloaded to others through Facebook and other social networking sites as mothers in particular vented about the prospect of their would-be first Communicant not getting their day in the sun. One mother posted: “my little girls heart is gonna be broken she was so looking 4ward to making her communion.”

Just be glad you live in Moyross and not other less fortunate areas where there are changes afoot.

15 First Communion Children in May Procession

2011-05-19T14:51:00.012+01:00

BY BRENDAN MEEHAN

There was both reverence and celebration at the Marion Shrine this morning as parents and Corpus Christi’s Communion group paid tribute to the fallen children of Moyross.

This year 15 children from Moyross made their First Communion and they brought out the sunshine and numerous well-wishers as they paraded down past homes and businesses in Hartigan Villas and Sarsfield Gardens.

The First Communion children came with flowers as part of the May Procession.

The Shrine, which is located in Castlepark, was erected in 1997, when a band of locals took the initiative to fill the void left by demolished houses with a picturesque shrine.

However, today was the turn of the kids to take centre stage, as they sported their beautifully flamboyant outfits and sung harmonious hymns.

“It’s a beautiful ceremony and it’s now part of the school calender,” said Tracy McElligott, estate management worker. She helped revive the May Procession which had been abandoned for the last number of years.

There are two ceremonies each year, the other one taking place on the 8th December specifically to remember every young adult and child who has died.

“Its very hard for parents to come to that one, the 8th of December, for obvious reasons,” said Tracy.

“The residents done most of the work, and the shrine honours all of the children that have passed away in the area,” she said. “There is huge respect for the shrine, the community enterprise workers keep the grass cut and the residents safeguard it.”

Fourteen years after its inception, the shrine looks as pristine as ever, as last year participants from the local youth project repainted the statue of Holy Mary.

PHOTOS (COPYLEFT) BY: ALLEN MEAGHER, 'CHANGING IRELAND'.

TONIGHT: MOYROSS WOMAN ON RTE 1 AT 7.30PM

2011-05-16T16:44:00.006+01:00

BY BRENDAN MEEHAN

Tune in to RTE tonight at 7.30pm to see a Moyross native grace your television screens, for all the right reasons.

The new TV series called “A story with me in it”, will feature our very own Eileen Sheehan, who has overcome adversity to learn to read and write.

She concealed her literacy problems for years, but now she has scaled new heights to be top of the class at Corpus Christi National School.

Eileen told the Limerick Chronicle last week: “One of the tutors said to me that they were looking for people to do a documentary, and she said, ‘You’d be perfect for it."

Eileen is now a frequent reader of books and is “engrossed” in her friend Alice Taylor’s “To school through the fields.”

So don’t forget to set your reminders for tonight, and watch Eileen's life-changing story unfold.

CAPTION: Eileen Sheehan (right) with author Alice Taylor

Moyross is Blooming Great Summer project 2011

2011-04-05T17:29:00.003+01:00

Order your Window boxes €10, Hanging Baskets €10. Closing date is Friday 29^th April 2011.

The aim of this project is to encourage residents to display window boxes and hanging baskets. This adds colour to our Parks, lift the spirit of the community, promote and improve the image of Moyross in a positive way.

It will be a sea of colour with a variety of flowers to choose from. It is wonderful to see so many residents making window boxes and hanging baskets. Last year residents from Moyross, Caherdavin, Shelbourne Road, Thomondgate, Ballynanty, Parteen and killaloe took part in the project. This is the 6^th year and to date the committee have filled 970 window boxes and hanging baskets.

You can place your orders in the boxes provided, along with your name, Address and Contact Details at the reception of the Moyross Community Enterprise Centre and the Credit Union Office in Moyross. Only those with orders and contact details in the boxes will avail of this offer. Get your name and address in early to avoid disappointment. After the closing date you will be contacted with the time and date to collect your order.

A project like this does not just happen without a lot of tremendous hard work and commitment behind the sense. Tracy McElligott, development worker with the Moyross Residents Forum wish to thank all the members of the Flower Project Committee for all their hard work, time and commitment, Nuala O Connell, Anna Price, Deirdre Bond Ryan, Kathleen McCarthy, Deirdre O Driscoll, Eileen Ryan and Eileen Sheehan. It is wonderful working with you all.

This project can be repeated in any community around the city or county. All it needs is a few dedicated committed residents to take it on board. Paul Partnership under Community Development funded the project in 2006 which helped to purchase the materials making this a self sustainable project. Now the project generates its own revenue from the sales. This year we acquired funding from the RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) to expand the project further. For more information please contact Tracy McElligott Estate Management Development Worker, Moyross Residents Forum on 0879184823

Reduce Waste Costs. Information Morning 7th APril.

2011-03-29T15:08:00.001+01:00

HAVE A LAUGH WITH FRANKIE TONIGHT! A play about a problem-solver

2011-03-10T16:02:00.003Z

BY NADIA GLASHEEN

A play called ‘Dear Frankie’ is on in Corpus Christi Primary School tonight at 8pm.

The story is about a lady named Frankie Byrne, who was the queen of the airwaves for over 20 years solving everyone’s problems on her radio eireann programme.

She was good at solving problems, she spoke the truth and she gave people hope with her good and no-nonsense practical advice.

But she could not manage to solve her own problems and that led to sadness and loss.

Nonetheless, Frankie never lost her sense of humour and she finally conquered her demons to enjoy her last years of life.

‘Dear Frankie’ gets you thinking and it’ll have people from Cosgrove to Delmege talking about it for a long time.

New worker at Community Companions Moyross!

2011-03-10T12:15:00.003Z

Saoirse Keogan is the new project co-ordinator of Community Companions Moyross. She took up her post some months ago after Mo Foley departed.

To find out more about Community Companions, click here!

Vacancy for Drugs Education and Prevention Workers.

2011-03-09T17:54:00.001Z

Limerick City Community Development Project Ltd.
Wish to recruit the following positions:
Community Based Drugs Education and Prevention Worker (full-time)
Youth Focused Drugs Education and Prevention Worker (part time)

The full-time position will work with Northside We’re OK Youth Initiative based in Moyross and St. Munchin’s and the part-time position will be with Rosbrien Education Substance Information Network (RESIN) based in Our Lady of Lourdes. Both projects work creatively and co-operatively to prevent drug misuse among community groups and young people in their localities as part of the Limerick City Drugs Prevention Strategy.

The successful candidates for both posts should have:
• A minimum of 2 years experience in community or youth work.
• A relevant 3rd level qualification.
• Experience in the design and delivery of drug education training.
• A commitment to community development principles and practice.

For Application Forms and Job Descriptions email: cdnmoy@communitylink.ie ph: 061 421904 Return completed forms to:
Recruitment Panel, Limerick City CDP, Moyross Community Centre, Moyross, Limerick.
Closing Date for receipt of applications is 5pm Monday 21st March 2011

Interviews on the following week. A panel may be formed to fill future positions that may arise

Limerick City Community Development Project Ltd. is an equal opportunities Employer.

The positions are funded by the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund
at the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
in the Department of Health and Children.
This funding is administered by the City of Limerick VEC

RTE broadcasting Mass from Corpus Christi this Sunday 16th January.

2011-01-16T10:40:00.001Z

Sunday Mass from Corpus Christi - on RTE.

10.00 am Mass from Corpus Christi Church, Moyross, Limerick. Celebrant: Father Tony O'Riordan, SJ The parish adult Choir, with director and organist, Molly Prendergast July 27th, 2010 the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, officially launched www.moyross.ie, an accompanying blog. The website was set up by the Community Development Network, Moyross to provide information about Moyross and the work of the project.

For full text of the Mass click here.

Little Gem play in Corpus Christi. Sat 23rd Oct.

2010-10-20T12:30:00.003+01:00

The play "Little Gem" by Elaine Murphy is coming to Corpus Christi School Moyross on Saturday 23rd Oct. at 7pm This play is the story of a Grand Mother, a daughter and a grand-daughter and has won the Best of Edinbrugh Award and is hilarious. Tickets are only €5.

If you would like tickets please contact 061 326057.

A Feast of Fun at Moyross Community Fair - Saturday 25th Sept

2010-09-21T16:19:00.020+01:00

The Annual Moyross Community Fair was held in the Moyross Playing Fields on Saturday, 25th September 2010 from 12 noon to 4.00pm.
The sun came out to greet everyone, and there was a feast of food and fun for all the family with burgers on the Barbie and teas and cakes to satisfy all tastes.

In the Barbeque Competition the Franciscan Friars team claimed first prize for their herb and chees infused burgers, seeing off stiff competition from Limerick City Fire Brigade, Limerick City Council, An Garda Siochana, Bus Ēireann, & Northside Regeneration.

Northside Learning Hub Kickboxing Club and Corpus Christi Kung-Fu Club got together for an exhibition to showcase their Martial Arts talents while displays of Vintage Cars and Falconry are also lined up.

For the smaller children there was Face Painting and Story Time with Watchouse Cross Library staff.

The Odd One Out quiz and Bingo sessions catered for the slightly older “children” while people bought tickets for “Guess the Weight of the Cake” and “How many Sweets in the Jar”.

People with a keen eye for bargains browsed the car boot sale and stocked up on their vegetables, cakes, periwinkles & dilisk at the market stalls and have an Angel card reading for fun.

For the energetic there were basketball shots, Sumo Wrestling (in padded suits), and Golf target. More pictures of the day are available on the Moyross.ie Gallery and also on Munster Images website.

Eurospar in Watch House Cross are donated all the food for the BBQs.
"We are thankful to them and to the staff of the Community Centre who worked so hard to have everything ready for the day.” said Antoinette.

Fancy Dress Night for Oncology Unit- Oct 30th.

2010-09-14T17:16:00.001+01:00

Local Moyross Fundraising Legend, Tina O’Gorman is organising a Fancy Dress Night in aid of Limerick Regional Hospital’s Oncology Unit. The much publicised event, will be held on Saturday, October 30, in the Pery Hotel,Glentworth Street.
The night’s proceedings will commence at 9pm. So, why not boogie the night away with “Gary G” to 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and Chart Music?
Tickets are just €15 each, with finger food and spot prizes. To purchase tickets, please contact Tina on 086 8968843.

Jamie Daly and Calvin McNamara on TV3.

2010-09-14T15:49:00.004+01:00

By Jude MEANEY.

In recent times, many people have asked how do we keep children out of
trouble and stop them ruining their futures?

Last month, in Delmege Park, Moyross, local resident Jamie Daly organised
the now famous “Stars in the Hood” rapping contest. The purpose of this
contest was “to help turn children off crime and into rhyme”. On Thursday,
August 26, Jamie Daly appeared on the TV3 Breakfast Show, with the rapping
contest winner, Calvin McNamara. Jamie and Calvin were a credit to their
families, their friends, their neighbours and the whole of Moyross and
Limerick City.

This TV appearance can now be seen on You Tube. (click here),

I visited 26 year old Jamie last week and he paid special tribute to the
local Franciscan Friars, who have been very influential, in turning Jamie
into a truly dedicated person, who has accomplished so much, in such a very
short time.

I personally, have never witnessed an event in Moyross, to gain so much
national coverage, as the “Stars in the Hood” rapping contest. Jamie Daly
possesses unbelievable leadership, organisational and communicational
skills. All the local children, look up to him so much.

Jamie is currently organising the first ever Limerick Toy Show and he
invited me along to their committee meeting in the Delmege Park Community
Garden, last Thursday evening. Jamie’s committee consists of local residents
and some people from outside the locality. What impressed me about Jamie
chairing the meeting, was that everyone had the opportunity to give their
own opinion. As Jamie said to me afterwards, “Their opinion, is just as
important as my opinion”.

With Jamie’s latest fundraising project, now up and running, people are
queuing up, to offer their help and assistance to him. One of Jamie’s great
qualities is the respect that he shows to everyone and now he is getting it
in return. So many people in Moyross, are so full of praise and
appreciation, for the fantastic effort made by Jamie Daly, in giving our
area, so much positive media attention on a national scale.

Finally, I say to Jamie – You have in such a very short time, become a True
Legend Of Moyross. The sky is the limit for you.

If you would like to offer any help or assistance to Jamie and his
committee, for the upcoming Limerick Toy Show, you can contact Jamie on 086
0864094.

Moyross Summer Camp Leaders Awards

2010-09-02T11:22:00.001+01:00

Over the summer months the Moyross Community Enterprise Centre delivered a 10 week summer camp to hundreds of children with the help of 13 student leaders and 5 Community Centre staff. The camp was a huge success with a wide range of activities and trips for the children to take part in.

The leaders who were transition year and 5th year students from St. Nessans Community College and third level students from UL and UCC were recognised for their efforts at an awards night held on the 17th August in the Absolute Hotel. The vast majority of the students are from Moyross and were presented with certificates for completing the Irish Sports Council Active Leadership Training Programme by Tracy Mahedy from the Limerick City Sports Partnership. They also received Certificates of Achievement from Chris Duhig on behalf of the Moyross Community Enterprise Centre .

Camp Leader Caroline Power was delighted with the way everything went on the camp and congratulated all the leaders who worked hard to ensure the children had a great experience.

Community celebrates the launch of new look Eurospar store in Watch House Cross

2010-09-02T11:19:00.003+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN

The new Eurospar store in Watch House Cross was officially opened by Mayor of Limerick Cllr. Maria Byrne on Thursday 2nd September 2010. It is another boost to the area with the supermarket chain investing €600,000 in the new store. This means 54 local jobs are to be retained and has led to the creation of another 10 over the past couple of months.

Owner Maurice Smith hopes to double the amount of jobs already created over the next couple of years. The new Eurospar supermarket is hoping to attract business from across the Northside of Limerick city with a large chilled off-licence area, fresh food and deli counter, general grocery area and a special aisle featuring branded goods at discounted prices.
Eurospar General Manager, Derek Coyle, said “The new store will have extended opening hours seven days a week from 8am-10pm and will be a fantastic addition to the area”. For more information and to activate the Eurospar loyalty card go to eurospar.ie.

Monks take rap for garden

2010-08-12T01:09:00.007+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN

It was party time in Delmege Park last Sunday for the opening of the Monks garden. Keith Earls and singer Leanne Moore were there to cut the ribbon infront of a large crowd of onlookers . The Monks have been working hard the last year to turn the remains of three houses into a beautiful garden full of blackcurrants, gooseberry bushes and a small pond.

Keith spoke to the Limerick Leader about the community,

"A lot of lads in the community built it so that makes it more special. It's a Fabulous job, they should be proud of themselves."

Later in the afternoon there was a rap contest entitled 'Stars In The Hood', where youths from all over the city took part. Stars included Jay Red from Killeely and Asa, 'A.D.D.' Fitzpatrick from Delmege Park, who is featured in this month's Moywrites magazine.

Origins of Community Companions

2010-08-04T13:23:00.004+01:00

The concept for Corpus Christi Community Companions arose from concerns expressed by individuals involved in Corpus Christi Parish (April 2008) in relation to the Regeneration Programme for Limerick’s most disadvantaged estates. There was a view at the time that regeneration was focused on the physical aspects – i.e. demolishing and re-building houses – and that this in itself, “wouldn’t work”. Both the Fitzgerald Report (April 2007) and the “Vision Statement” of the Regeneration Agencies highlighted the extensive social deprivation and importance of responding to social needs on the estates. At a later stage, as the Regeneration Masterplans were in development, the social regeneration was identified by the Regeneration Agencies as “the most important”, “the most difficult”, and “the least visible” aspect of regeneration.

The main points raised by the Parish at this time were “the lack of self-confidence” amongst people in the community, the consequences of which are “an inability to have their voice heard or having the false belief that they don’t even have a voice”. The challenge of enabling “the marginalised to know they belong to a caring community” was identified, as “it is only when feel we belong ... and know we matter ... we are willing to engage”. “The need to listen with respect to the most marginalised” was identified ... “to listen as equals so that together we can move forward”. It was highlighted that “one of the realities is” that “many people are not willing or maybe not able at present to engage with the services that are being offered”. Amongst the challenges identified was the “need to build bridges so that [people in the community] can engage with society”.

Initial ideas on the way forward were to “establish a core group of outreach workers or pastoral care workers who would act as a bridge between the services on offer and those on whom the services were targeted”. Their role was summed up as “wasting time with people” (Alice Leahy) so that they would “gain the trust of the most vulnerable and awaken in them the confidence to take baby steps forward”. This team of people could comprise both paid staff and a cadre of volunteers. The idea drew on the experience of the work of communities of religious (especially the sisters) in Moyross. The sisters established houses in Cosgrave Park (Sisters of Mercy) and Pineview (Little Sisters of the Assumption) in the 1980’s. They visited people on the estate, made their houses available for people to call and listened to people with “no agenda”. The work of the sisters (in education and particularly training local people in community leadership) encouraged the start of community development in Moyross and brought support to people and families on the estate.
The idea of the Project was to recreate a similar model now, but in a different context (i.e. secular professional workers and possibly volunteers). The identification of needs as described above, and drawing on the earlier experiences of the religious communities on the estate fed into the formulation of objectives for the Corpus Christi Community Companions Project. They also give insights into types of outcomes that were envisaged from the start – for individuals (confidence, self-esteem, sense of well-being), community (trust in community, sense of belonging to a caring community, willingness to get involved in cooperative action with others in the community) and policy / services delivery bodies (improved confidence of people to articulate their needs, greater willingness of residents to engage with services, improved quality of service delivery).

Project Development
These ideas were discussed amongst an informal group of people living and working in the parish, including residents, people in professional services, and in community and voluntary organisations. This group was broadened to include representatives of Limerick Enterprise Development Park (LEDP), working mainly in southside disadvantaged communities, and the Regeneration Agencies. Over a period of weeks of development and review, a proposal was developed for the Community Companions. This considered in some detail how the Project could be set up, its objectives, resources needed, structures, and what partners (organisations) and people should be brought in to guide its development and implementation. In July 2008, a proposal for Community Companions, grounded in objectives of the social regeneration pillar of Regeneration (which was in development at the time), was fully developed and submitted for funding consideration to Limerick Southside and Northside Regeneration Agencies. At this stage, it was proposed to develop the Project on the northside (in Corpus Christi Parish, Moyross) and later extend it into a southside parish (Holy Family Southill). The proposal covered a period of two years, and was costed to include both the northside (years 1 and 2) and southside (year 2) parishes.

Following consideration and feedback by the Regeneration Agencies, the Project was scaled back to cover only one area on the northside (a pilot only in Moyross), and it was integrated more directly into existing community structures in Moyross. In November 2008, the Regeneration Agencies agreed to part fund the project (two-thirds of the funding required for the one year pilot) and LEDP agreed to provide or arrange for the remainder of the funding (one-third of the requirement). The proposed Steering Group membership, its remit and a meeting schedule (quarterly) were agreed and individuals approached to participate on the Steering Group. All of those approached agreed to be involved.

Formal arrangements were put in place to set up the Project and recruit staff to run it such that it could start as early as possible in 2009. A Selection / Interview Panel (drawn from membership of the Steering Group) was set up, and the positions advertised in November 2008. Interviews were held in January 2009. Three workers were in post by the end of March 2009 (a Team Leader, one full-time and one part-time Community Companion).

Description of the Project
Project aims and objectives, and implementation are described in this section.

Project aims and objectives
The overall aim of Corpus Christi Community Companions is engagement with, and support of, residents of the Parish by providing a “listening ear”, “wasting time with people”.
By listening, it was expected the Companions would provide emotional support to individuals, building trust, confidence and self-esteem. The Companions could empower residents by encouraging them to participate in community events and the services available to them (social, leisure, education, family support), build their own social networks and develop social and recreational activities within and outside of the community, if appropriate. However, the promoters were clear that the Project is about “listening” and spending time talking to people. The purpose was not to provide a team of professionals giving advice. There was no “hidden agenda” for instance, to act as a conduit to “get people engaged with services” or “in community development” even though this might happen as a result of conversations between companions and residents. Being non-judgemental and empathetic were identified as values associated with the Project. While there were several discussions about the objectives of the Project, and some tendencies at times to make it more elaborate, it was “scaled back” to the core objective of listening with no agenda, particularly focused on calling to those households to which “nobody calls”. It was considered that “listening” could lead on to a variety of outputs (more social contact, relationship, identification of issues that concern people most) and outcomes (better understanding of needs, more confidence, trust, sense of belonging to a caring community). The Community Companions Project was framed in the context of the social regeneration pillar of regeneration.

At an operational level, the objectives were set in terms of key tasks of Companions, as follows:
1. Door-to-door visits to residents in the estate, to listen, to talk to people with a view to building trust, confidence and providing emotional support;
2. Meeting residents at community events and meeting places (crèches, school, church, community centre, street, and shops) in order to get to know them, leading on to other forms of contact, if appropriate;
3. Meeting the key organisations / services in Moyross in order to build up knowledge of the services so that this information could be communicated to residents, if appropriate;
4. To encourage residents to participate in community, social events and local services (education, training, leisure, community, health, family support);
5. To encourage groups of residents with common interests to get together informally and to build friendship and support networks, if appropriate.

The emphasis on presence and visibility in the community was in order to build up familiarity amongst residents with the Companions, and to build trust.

Additional operational objectives related to the tasks of the Team Leader included:
1. Monitoring / reporting on progress and implementation of the Project, linked especially to accountability to funders, and to establish whether and the extent to which the model works;
2. To develop (identify, select, recruit, organise training) volunteer companions, with support from partner voluntary organisations, as appropriate;
3. To identify training needs and organisation of training of staff, volunteers and Steering Group members.
The Steering Group provided a structure with links into the policy domain (Steering Group membership). An objective here was to influence policy (and connect with it) drawing on the experience of the Project.

While it was acknowledged by the project promoters that there is “paperwork” involved in all projects and in the Community Companions (planning, training, recording activities, reporting), it was stated clearly that the Companions were not office-based / administrative jobs. It was envisaged that recording and reporting should be “light” in terms of requirements on staff. The set-up of systems and most of the administration and reporting was to be done by the Team Leader.

Project implementation
From the start, it was envisaged that the Project would be implemented by a team of professional workers, adding volunteers later, and supported by an Implementation Team drawn from the Steering Group. The budget secured for year one (€150,000) allowed for the recruitment of two full-time and a part-time worker (Community Companions). Plans for development of the volunteering element (the policy, recruitment strategy and training) were to be progressed in year one.

In terms of management arrangements, Moyross Community Enterprise Centre (MCEC) Ltd. acts as the Board to oversee the Project taking responsibility for all contractual matters including financial management and accountability to funders (maintenance, auditing and sign-off on accounts), employment of staff and insurance, and approving the forward work plan and annual report.

A Steering Group, constituted as a Sub-Committee of the Board of Moyross Community Enterprise Centre Ltd. (MCEC), was created and met for the first time in February 2009. As required by MCEC, two nominees from the Board of MCEC sit on the Steering Group and the Steering Group Chairperson is a director of MCEC. Otherwise, the Steering Group has broad membership including: the Board and staff of Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership, Limerick Regeneration Agencies, Corpus Christi Parish, Corpus Christi Primary School, Corpus Christi Youth Diversion Project, St. Vincent de Paul, Mary Immaculate College, HSE, Moyross Residents’ Forum, Limerick City Council (Welfare) and Social Service Centre.

The Steering Group is required to meet four times annually and may meet more frequently if necessary. The Chairperson of the Steering Group reports four times annually to the Board of MCEC. The Board of MCEC must receive and approve the forward work plan of the Steering Group of the Project. The Steering Group approves reports and plans before they are submitted to the Board of the MCEC for approval. These procedures are applied in the Project.

The Steering Group nominated an Implementation Team (three people available in the parish) responsible for overseeing operational issues including dealing with any problems that arise, supervision of staff and approving day-to-day expenditure. The Parish Priest is the Chairperson of the Implementation Team. The Implementation Team met at least weekly in the early stages of the Project.

The Team Leader and Companions are based in an office on the site of Corpus Christi Church, which was adapted for the purpose of housing the Project. It has a dedicated ‘phone line, computers, data / file storage facilities, meeting, a drop-in and kitchen facilities. All workers were recruited and started employment at the same time (end of March 2009).

At the start, a workplan (tasks, which structure is responsible, timescales, targets) for the first eight weeks of operation (i.e. until the Team Leader was settled in post) was developed by representatives of the Steering Group and agreed with the Implementation Team and Team Leader (on recruitment). This identified tasks such as staff induction, briefing on employment conditions and set up of office; information gathering on services, agencies and projects on Moyross estate, and visits to projects / agencies; mapping the geography of estate (households park by park); project promotion, commencement of a programme of walking round the estate and drop in to clubs / activities; preparation of a plan for household visits park by park; development / agreement of security protocol; set up system for recording activities (visits, characteristics of people met) and outcomes (issues discussed); and debriefing arrangements with staff. Subsequent workplans (quarterly) were developed by the Team Leader. These were presented at Steering Group meetings for discussion and approval – i.e. in the context of progress reporting on implementation and future planning.

Minister Carey launches Moyross.ie

2010-07-28T13:27:00.006+01:00

18 months ago, the first ten items that came up in a Google search for ‘Moyross’ were all negative in the extreme characterising the estate solely in terms of criminality and gangs.

A new website Moyross.ie is nowadays often listed in the top three Google listings for Moyross.

At lunchtime today, July 27^th, the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, officially launched www.moyross.ie, an accompanying blog and ‘Changing Ireland’s Youtube channel which passed the 10,000 viewers mark earlier this year.

The Moyross website and blog are supported locally by ‘Changing Ireland’.

The website builds on the popularity of the local newsletter ‘Moywrites’ produced by the Community Development Network Moyross and it utilises the IT skills and media expertise of ‘Changing Ireland’ staff based in the community, at no extra cost.

Meanwhile, work by the PAUL Partnership is ongoing to develop an integrated website for community groups across Limerick City - Limerickcommunities.ie and Moyross.ie will in time become part of and linked with this.

Monks 5 - Garda 2 game is now online!

2010-07-14T18:26:00.006+01:00

Video highlights of the Moyross Charity game in which the Monks beat the local Gardai by 5 goals to 2 in Shelbourne Park, Limerick, on May 14th, can now be seen on youtube (click here).

The Monks' stars included team captain Fr.Paulus Tautz, Moyross United soccer star Bobby Ryan, local solicitor John Devane, local rapper Jay Red, Munster Rugby star and local resident Keith Earls' dad Ger Earls.
Willie O'Dea TD led the Moyross team as Asst. Manager alongside Limerick FC Manager Pat Scully.

The game was held in aid of the Special Olympics Ireland & Irish Cancer Society

Over 2500 people attended the match. Close to the same number have now seen the video on youtube (click here).

Birth of a Nation - Corpus Christi musical marks 25th anniversary.

2010-06-30T10:51:00.017+01:00

Full Cast

Corpus Christi Primary School, Moyross recently celebrated their 25 year anniversary with a gala performance in L.I.T Millenium theatre.Sixty Children participated in a musical production, 'A Birth of a Nation' visiting the four provinces of Ireland.Featuring Joyces Dublin, the troubles in Northern Ireland, the fishing traditions of Connemara and the success of Munster rugby, focusing on our own past pupil Keith Earls,who gave a cameo appearance.Both Nights opened with a performance by Corpus Christi Pipes and Drums Band and Fr Terry Loughran on guitar.
The Show was produced by one of our Teachers, Ms Fionnuala Bromell.The sell out performance played for two nights and was a fitting tribute to 25 years of excellence in Corpus Christi School.

Munster Scene

Dublin Scene

Andrew Laing & John Hannon
Leah Vaughan

Lynda Hough, Kathlyn McLoughlin, Louise Kelly, Chloe Reddan
Ulster Scene
Courtney O'Dwyer, Lynda hough, Stephanie Power, Niamh O'Carroll, Shianne Stanners
Callum Nihill

Cian Guerin & Tyreak Chaddad
Louise Kelly & Jacqueline Hogan Pool
Rebecca Bennet & John Hannon

History

2010-06-25T11:55:00.003+01:00

Did you know that the early roman settlers landed on the Shannon banks in Parteen? The first settlers in Limerick date back as far as 812. Ballygrennan Co. Clare is the offical address of Moyross and the history should be remembered.

Soon, we should see a long-awaited book on the history of Moyross launched via Fr. Frank O'Dea.

Goalkeeping Legend impressed with soccer facilities in Moyross

2010-06-16T09:59:00.003+01:00

Packie Bonnar, former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, was in Moyross last Wednesday to welcome the Special Olympics Torch on its visit to Corpus Christi School.

Later he visited the newly updated All Weather Pitch at the Moyross Community Centre. Packie was hugely impressed by the facilities and the skills of the children who played an exhibition game.

The FAI Development Officers, players and coaches from Moyross United were also present and everyone got their photographs taken with Packie who spent time and chatted with everyone.

Olympic Torch Lights Corpus Christi School

2010-06-16T09:47:00.005+01:00

As part of the build up to the Special Olympics, during the torch run they stopped off in Moyross and visited Corpus Christi Primary School on Wednesday 9th June 2010.

CAPTION: Police lead the way through Moyross with the torch closely behind.

The Special Olympics took place in Limerick last week 10th to 13th June and was a huge success with a fantastic spectacle for the opening ceremony in Thomond Park.
The torch was carried in by Garda Deirdre O'Doherty from Cosgrave Park who is now stationed in Ennis. Principal Aine Cremin welcomed all the visitors including former Irish soccer star and hero of Italia 90 Packie Bonnar who is a Special Olympics Ambassador. The Special Olympics is an inspirational event with athletes from all over the country competing and trying their best in a spirit of friendship. The children who got their photographs taken with the torch were definitely inspired by the courage and commitment shown by the athletes.

CAPTION: Garda Deirdre O'Doherty with the torch.

The Olympic flame is carried by members of the Garda Siochana and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on

a tour of the country.

Snooker ace reaches quarter-final of Euro Championships

2010-06-04T16:09:00.016+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN

John Torpey from College Avenue, Moyross reached the quarter-finals of the European Snooker Championship yesterday, narrowly losing 5-3 to Roy Stolk from the Netherlands.

He won all of his seven group matches to reach the last 32 of the competition. He then defeated Tero Suvanto from Finland 4-2 in a closely contested match. In the last 16 the he met Limerick's Mario Fernandez, who was last year's beaten finalist. John beat Mario by five frames to three. Unfortunately John bowed out at the quarter-final stage but he still made Moyross proud.

Moy Shrine

2010-05-29T18:32:00.009+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN
The Corpus Christi communion class had a treat last Thursday morning when they got to put back on their fancy clothes for the May procession.

The kids walked down to the Shrine in Castle park accompanied by their teachers Ms. Moran and Ms. Collins. Parish priest Father O’Dea and Corpus Christi principal Aine Cremins led the way as family and friends followed.

CAPTION: Children from first communion class at the Shrine in Castle Park, Moyross.

Tracey McElligott , a resident forum development worker was delighted with the morning, “Let us not lose the community spirit, this is what Moyross is all about”.

Aine Cremin, the principal of Corpus Christi was impressed with the turn out “That was fantastic, it was great to see everyone working together”.

This is the first time since May 2000 that the kids have walked to the shrine.

The next Moywrites will be out in June

2010-05-29T12:15:00.002+01:00

Get your news in! The next Moywrites will be published by the third week in June.
Send info in please to Juan Carlos at 061-326057. Or email: cdnmoy@communitylink.ie
W: our website

Moyross is Blooming 2010

2010-05-24T14:48:00.002+01:00

The aim is to Promote and improve the image of Moyross in a positive way. This will add colour to our Parks, lift the spirit of the community and will encourage residents to plant more summer bedding. It will be a sea of colour with a variety of flowers to choose from. It is wonderful to see so many residents making window boxes and hanging baskets. Last year residents from Moyross, Caherdavin, Shelbourne Road, Thomondgate, Ballynanty, Parteen and killaloe took part in the project. The total number of window boxes and hanging baskets filled was 275. This is an annual event in the Moyross calendar

Closing date for this project was Friday 23^rd April 2010. Orders with Contact Details were placed in the boxes provided in the Reception of the Moyross Community Enterprise Centre and the Credit Union Office in Moyross. Residents have been contacted with the time and date when the project will take place. Only those with names and addresses in the boxes will avail of this offer.

A project like this does not just happen without a lot of tremendous hard work and commitment behind the sense. Tracy McElligott, development worker with the Moyross Residents Forum Ltd wish to thank all the members of the Flower Project Committee for all their hard work, time and commitment to the project. It is wonderful working with you all.

This project can be repeated in any community around the city or county. All it needs is a few dedicated committed residents to take it on board. The membership of the Moyross is Blooming Great Committee is Nuala O Connell, Anna Price, Deirdre Bond Ryan, Kathleen McCarthy, Deirdre O Driscoll, Eileen Ryan and Eileen Sheehan. Paul Partnership under Community Development funded the project in 2008 which helped to purchase the materials making this a self sustainable project. Now the project generates its own revenue from the sale of the window boxes and hanging baskets. For more information please contact Tracy McElligott Estate Management Development Worker on 0879184823

Moyross finish the season in style

2010-05-05T16:13:00.004+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN

Moyross A team smashed five goals passed Glenview last night in their final league game of the season. Goals came from three of the Quinns with Barry, Dean and Tommy grabbing a goal apiece. Patrick Roche scored two goals to finish off the goal fest.

Centre-half Dean Quinn was delighted with the outcome: “We played well, the lads were fantastic, Lee Redden played out of his skin.”

The recently crowned champions will face their biggest task yet when they take on Premier giants Ballynanty in the semi-final of the Lawson cup on Sunday 16th of May. The team will be in confident mood after beating the then top-of-the-Premier League Janesboro FC.

Earls’ former neighbour GUTTED when he scored

2010-05-04T11:22:00.013+01:00

CAPTION: The first try Earl’s scored that led to anguish by one Munster supporter

BY ROSS RYAN
Tommy Barrett originally from Pineview Gardens, Moyross was more disappointed than most on Sunday after the defeat Munster suffered at the hands of Biarritz.

And bizarrely, he was really put out by a try scored by his fellow Moyrossonian.

Tommy, once a player with Limerick FC and now playing with Fairview Rangers was close to putting a bet on Keith Earls to score the first try. Keith who is originally from Dalgaish was injured up until the start of the game and was a major doubt before kick-off.

“I’m gutted, I put money on Earls every time he put on a Munster jersey and the one time I don’t he scores the first try”.

Munster went on to lose the Heineken Cup semi-final 18-8 and were out-played throughout the 80 minutes.

Tommy now lives in Six-Mile Bridge but still has family in Pineview. His dad, Billy, was for many years the manager of Moyross Utd.

Limerick’s most prolific reader helps launch local reading festival

2010-04-27T13:28:00.005+01:00

The launch of a community reading festival entitled “Try the Twits- A Northside Story” took place on 20th April 2010 in Watch House Cross Library. Deputy Mayor of Limerick, Cllr. Michael Hourigan and limerick’s most prolific reader Josephine Loughlin were present to do the honours.

Also present was local actor, director and playwrite, Myles Breen who read an extract from the book to the amusement of the schoolchildren and adults present. Juan Carlos Azzopardi, Chairperson of the Northside Local Education Committee who are spearheading the initiative, outlined the aim and actions of the festival.

Over the next month the communities of Moyross and St. Munchin’s will be at the centre of one of the biggest local book club in the world when 7,500 people across the two parishes will come together to read Roald Dahl’s book “The Twits”.
Supporting the project are Munster Rugby and squad members including local icon Keith Earls will take time from their Heineken Cup preparations to join in with the school children of Moyross and St. Munchin’s and take part in family reading sessions and story telling groups. The project running over four weeks in April and May will encourage everyone from 4 to 94 years across the Northside to read the one book.

“We are hoping that parents, grandparents and children will all join in and read the book together. We picked the book because it appeals to all ages” said Hilary Pratt, home school liaison teacher, St. Munchin’s Girls School and one of the organisers of the event.

All schools on the Northside; Salesian’s Secondary, St. Nessan’s CC, St. Munchin’s CBS, St. Munchin’s GNS, St. Lelia’s and Corpus Christi Primary as well as various community groups and after schools clubs are involved.

To raise awareness of the Festival 2,000 wristbands with the logo "Try the Twits" are been worn by young and old and special offers are available to wearers who attend Bingo in the Community Centre next Tuesday and Pool tournaments in the Bays during the Festival. Cllr. Hourigan was presented with a wristband by Callum Nihill, Corpus Christi School and Stacey Falvey, St. Munchin’s Girls NS.

‘The Twits’ will be distributed to each household in the community including Moyross, Ballynanty, Kileely and Thomondgate and 1,500 books have been delivered.. An activity book corresponding with the book has been designed and will be distributed also.

Over the 4 weeks, each pupil will complete their workbook both at home and at school. In school, they will do art projects, colouring competitions, poster designing competitions, games and other creative activities which relate to the book. In addition, it is envisaged that there will be family table quizzes, family reading sessions and storytelling groups. All those who return their workbooks will be entered into a draw for prizes at the end of the project. The festival will finish with an art exhibition and drama.

Limerick’s Most Avid Reader Lives in Moyross
Moyross resident, Josephine Loughlin, Dalgaish Park, is officially Limerick City’s most avid reader according to official records of Limerick City Library. Josephine has borrowed more books than any body else in the history of Limerick City Library and over the last 25 years has taken out and read over 4,000 books. This is an average of 3 books a week.

Before the library opened in Watch House Cross she travelled by bus from Moyross twice a week to Pery Square and then the Granary to visit the library and since the new library opened at Watch House Cross has a much shorter journey to make.

Now in her 80’s she still reads 3-4 books a week and is delighted to see the Reading Festival “Try the Twits” promoting reading and the use of the library. Josephine continues to visit twice a week at least and apart from the library service has an extensive collection of her own books.

Glasheen brothers help Moyross B to the final

2010-04-19T12:46:00.005+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN

Daniel and Michael Glasheen from Pineview Gardens were influential in yesterdays semi final victory. Moyross grabbed a late winner with a header from a corner scored by paddy haze. The two brothers played solid all game with Daniel showing heart up front and Michael solid at the back.

The two brothers have been long term Moyross United players and are happy to be finally getting real success. “Ya we are loving it, we have a great chance in the final”, said Michael.

The Moyross A team are not doing too bad either after reaching the semi-final of the Lawson cup last week with a dramatic win over Premier high fliers Jamesboro.

Local supporters were in a jubilant mood “We are Moyross and we are proud” said local man Jamie Daly.

The final of the league cup is to be played on the 2^nd of May

Moyross Utd on verge of taking Division 2b title

2010-04-09T11:25:00.011+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN

Moyross Utd FC as good as clinched the division 2b league title with a 3-2 win over bottom of the table Regional Utd last night.

It was a hard fought battle playing the strugglers in their own backyard but Moyross found a way to victory.

Goals from Johnny Corbett, Barry Quinn and Glen Woodland secured all three points for the champions elect. With Moyross now 12 points clear of second-placed Polonia Luimni, it would take a miracle to stop them taking the title.

They have a huge game on Sunday in the Lawson Cup quarter-final against Premier League leaders Janesboro. Moyross will go in as underdogs but the team is optimistic.

"I think we’ve a good chance, it's at home and the crowd will be behind us," said Mark Mulane.

It is the first time in the Lawson Cup that a team in Division 2b or lower have made the quarter-finals.

The match will be played in Pineview Gardens at 11am on Sunday morning.

Local hero wins €312,600 in poker tournament

2010-04-07T15:51:00.013+01:00

BY ROSS RYAN

Moyross resident Paul Carr was unlucky not to win the PaddyPower.com Irish Poker Open on Monday. He was one card away from victory - he was beaten on the last hand by Londoner James Mitchell.
Paul still walked away with a sum of €312,600 for four days work.
Dozens of Moyross supporters roared him on at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

“Paul was the best player in the tournament and he was disappointed to finish second,” said close friend John Paul McInerny.

Local punters Barry Quinn and Phillip Power agreed, “He played very well and there’ll be a big win for him soon.”
Gerard Fitzgerald, Dalgaish Park, Moyross said "It was great for the city and for Moyross."

Paul actually bought the ticket to the tournament from a friend who couldn't go and "dominated the final" according to a spokesperson for Paddy Power.

“I’m going to buy a house with my winnings,” Paul said afterwards.

Local band go to no.1 in Irish charts

2010-04-01T12:40:00.012+01:00

By ROSS RYAN

Dead Red Light went to no.1 in the Irish charts this week with their debut single 'Getting Bad'. The band consists of Lead singer Rory 'The Big Red Machine' Lewis, Dane 'You Will Never Get My Armband" Staunton on bass and Barry "I'm Sick Of It " Byrne on drums.

Rory said they were very proud of their achievement. "We put in a lot of hard work, what else can I say, Oasis are our only inspiration. I can't believe we got to no.1 with our first song, from our first album on the first of the month. I couldn't have got a better birthday present if I tried."

LIT Sarsfields unveil new jersey

2010-03-26T14:55:00.010Z

LIT Sarsfields GAA Club have a new kit. The first people to see it were club board members when it was unveiled at the Annual General Meeting on March 11th.

The club's development plan was also launched at the AGM and Dr. Marie Heinfelaar, President of Limerick Institute of Technology, was elected as the president of the club.

The jerseys are sponsored by local businesses and groups who gave €100 to enter a draw to have their names on the jerseys. Deirdre O ' Driscoll, outgoing chairperson, thanked everyone for their support.

Moyross residents play part in city

2010-03-26T12:59:00.007Z

The Launch of the brochure which promotes the collective work of Estate Management City Wide took place in the Absolute Hotel on Tuesday 2nd February 2010.

Estate Management creates an integrated link for residents, agencies and services providers. It provides residents with a platform to have a voice on issues involving your community.

CAPTION

Members of the Moyross Residents Forum who

attended the launch of the city wide brochure

Stacey joins the 'We're OK' team

2010-03-26T11:21:00.008Z

Stacey Quarmby is the new worker with the Northside We’re Ok Youth Initiative. Stacey is the new Community based Drugs Education & Prevention Worker, working with Sean Ward based in Watch House Cross Shopping Centre.

Stacey was previously the Coordinator of the North Side Youth Cafe, so has been working with young people in Moyross and St. Munchin’s for the last 3 years. “I’m delighted to be starting in the role and look forward to working with young people and their parents across the Northside who might have concerns regarding drug related issues” said Stacey.

We’re Ok is a community based project that works primarily with young people aged between 10 – 21 years through the delivery of educational programmes, raising awareness and identifying drug issues.

The Northside We're OK Youth Initiative project is funded by Young People's Facilities and Service fund

CAPTION

Stacey Quamby, new worker with We're OK

Hub Wins best entry at Parade

2010-03-26T10:45:00.009Z

The massive preparations at the Northside Learning Hub paid off at the St. Patrick's Day Limerick Parade when they won the best entry overall.

The excitement and enthusiasm of the school children was evident as they worked together to make the festivities even more dramatic and colourful than last year. The overall theme for this year’s parade was “I Love Limerick”.

The Northside Learning Hub float showed Limerick’s young eco-warriors taking on those who would litter and dirty our city! (Limerick was recently named Ireland’s most littered city). The parade group wanted to show how we can all make a difference by recycling and keeping our city clean.

CAPTION

Seamus and Martin from Corpus Christi working on the horses

Moyross rule Paddy's day parade

2010-03-26T10:19:00.007Z

Almost 70,000 people turned out to see local hero Keith Earls and his sister Jenny lead Limerick in the largest regional St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the country.

This was the best parade in 20 years according to the Mayor of Limerick Cllr. Kevin Kiely. It’s not surprising when Moyross had the Grand Marshall, the Best Parade Entry, Best Float and Best Musical Entry.

The first two accolades were given to The Northside Learning Hub who really wowed the crowds with their amazing horses and eco warriors protecting the city from pollution and litter and showed up brilliantly later on the TV too. Best Music was won by the Corpus Christi Pipes and Drums Band. The Hub’s success was well deserved after the huge effort that went in.

CAPTION

Kids from the Northside Learning Hub

with one of their litter and pollution protecting horses.

Reading festival comes to Moyross

2010-03-25T11:27:00.012Z

Starting on the 19th April 2010 Moyross will be at centre of the biggest book club in the world club when it is hoped that everybody from Moyross and St. Munchin’s will come together to read Roald Dahl’s book “The Twits”. “Try the Twits- A Northside Story”. The project will encourage everyone from 4 to 94 years across the Northside to one book over 4 weeks.

“We are hoping that parents, grandparents and children will all join in and read the book together. We picked the book because it appeals to all ages” said Hilary Pratt, home school liaison teacher, St. Munchin’s Girls School and one of the organisers of the event.

‘The Twits’ will be distributed to each household in the community including Moyross, Ballynanty, Kileely and Thomondgate. It is estimated that there will be approx 1,500 books in circulation.

CAPTION

Munster players Alan Quinlan, Denis

Fogarty and Neil Ronan with local kids Luke Ward and Robert Cantillon at the launch of the Northside Reading Festival

Ross Ryan joins ‘Changing Ireland’ on placement

2010-03-25T11:13:00.013Z

Ross Ryan from Pineview Gardens has joined 'Changing Ireland' for a 12 day placement. Already familiar with the newspaper scene following a stint in the Limerick Leader, Ross aims to build on his media skills. Ross completed a Media Production course in Limerick Senior College in 2007. He has his own youtube channel with 54 videos and over 8,500 views at the last count and has always wanted to work in the media.

Press Release: City Wide Forum For Estate Management

2010-02-10T10:00:00.002Z

Press Release

City Wide Forum For Estate Management

The launch took place in the Absolute Hotel on Tuesday 2nd February.
Patricia Boylan spoke on behalf of the Estate Management Workers City Wide. They include Moyross, St Munchin’s, St Mary’s, Our Lady of Lourdes, Carew / Kincora and O Malley / Keys Parks.
We are delighted to celebrate the launch of the brochure which promotes the collective work of Estate Management.

Community-Based Estate Management projects were established in the mid 90’s and was initially funded by Paul Partnership. The stakeholders continued their combined approach to Estate Management throughout this period and in 2000, Limerick City Council under took to fund the Estate Management Projects. The Limerick City Estate Management Network was founded to continue the partnership approach to Estate Management in the City and support the work of the Stakeholders.

Presently the City Wide Forum creates an integrated link for residents and services across the city.
It is a powerful tool that enables the sharing of information across the city for Estate Management workers and management groups.
Estate Management provides residents with a platform to have a voice on issues involving their community.

2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of Limerick City Council funding Estate Management Projects City Wide. On this note, we would like to acknowledge the Housing Dept for their support to the Estate Management, also the Environment dept who not only support the vital work of Estate Management on the ground but also projects carried out by the City Wide Forum itself.

We would like to acknowledge and express our appreciation to Limerick Regeneration for their financial contribution which has ensured the full time operation of Estate Management in the Regeneration areas and for the City wide projects they are supporting.

We would also like to thank Paul Partnership for their on going support to Estate Management City wide and the financial contribution that both they and Limerick Regeneration had made to the production of this brochure.

Finally the City Wide Forum plays a vital and valuable role in influencing Estate Management and is committed to ensuring the future of Estate Management in Limerick.
At the launch Deputy Mayor John Gilligan congratulated the Limerick City Wide Forum on the production of the brochure. He stated their work is an important link for residents and their organisations in their efforts to make our communities better and more managed places to live in. The Mayor, Councillors and Staff of Limerick City Council will continue to work in partnership with the City Wide Forum in meeting the challenges that lie ahead for all the stakeholders in this process.

2010-02-08T10:51:00.004Z

Corpus Christi Community Companions

Corpus Christi Community Companions is well-established now in Moyross. As you know, the Community Companions listen to how you feel about things without judging you. They do not give answers, but give you time to come up with your own answers – if that’s what you want. They do not talk to others about you and nobody talks about you unless you want them to. Community Companions are there for all adults in Moyross. We believe that by being with you as and where you are makes life a bit better for you and makes Moyross a better place to live, work, play and learn.

Life is often a series of changes and losses that we all have to face and cope with – sometimes these losses can make us feel so alone and isolated. Losses include death (including death by suicide), separation, imprisonment, family-breakup, children ‘leaving the nest’ or loneliness. People experience lost hope, peace of mind, certainty, work, faith, self-worth, money, friends, family, confidence, independence, health, safety, childhoods and even reasons for living. This is not to suggest that we do not have conversations about the achievements, interests, dreams, hopes and happier life experiences of people we meet – we often do. As Companions we are not counsellors or health professionals, we are regular normal people who are there to listen to and be with other regular normal people in day-to-day life and living.

Corpus Christi Community Companions aims to continue being companions in your community in 2010 – on the street, on the doorstep, at the kitchen table or at our drop-in facility. We are also looking at the possibility of inviting people to train as volunteers. There would be a clear recruitment, selection and training process so as to ensure that what Community Companions is about best matches the qualities, abilities, strengths and interests of volunteers.

At this stage we are just inviting people to express their interest in becoming volunteers. We are not simply looking for people with lots of qualifications or experience, but what we would be looking for are people with qualities such as given below and people who want to use and develop these qualities. Full initial training will be given.

· Able to listen
· Able to respect the private and confidential nature of the Corpus Christi Community Companions work at all times
· Able to work with others
· Calm
· Comfortable talking about feelings
· Easy to talk with and able to start conversation in a non-threatening manner
· Have a healthy sense of self
· Have a sense of humour
· Non-judgemental
· Open-minded
· Patient
· Reliable
· Respectful
· Sensitive to people’s feelings
· Understanding
· Willing to learn

Corpus Christi Community Companions is currently funded by Limerick Regeneration Agencies and Limerick Enterprise Development Park and its staff are employed by the Moyross Community Enterprise Centre. The project office is based in the church in Moyross. This partnership between these different organisations is a very positive part of Corpus Christi Community Companions and the reason the project was able to be set up and keep going. While the staff have an excellent working relationship with the organisations, information of a personal and confidential nature is not shared with any other agency unless specifically requested by people availing of our service.

If you a) are interested in knowing more, b) want to tell us you are interested in volunteering or c) want to share your ideas on what we are or should be doing, please feel free to contact Mo, Anne Marie or Breda on 061 329606.

A community literacy festival

2010-02-01T17:05:00.003Z

The aim of this project is to encourage family reading and to motivate the whole community to become excited about literacy. ‘A community literacy festival’

Overview
This festival will run for a period of 4-6 weeks during April and May. It will include all schools in the community; Salesian’s Secondary, St Nessan’s CC, St Munchin’s CBS, St Munchin’s GNS, St Lelia’s and Corpus as well as various community groups and after schools clubs.

It is hoped that Roald Dahl’s book ‘The Twits’ will be distributed to each household in the community including Moyross, Ballynanty, Kileely and Thomondgate. It is estimated that there will be approx 1500 books in circulation. An activity book corresponding with the book will be designed and distributed also.

Over the 4-6 weeks, each pupil will be completing their workbook both at home and at school. In school, they will be doing art projects, colouring competitions, poster designing competitions, games and other creative activities which relate to the book. In addition, it is envisaged that there will be family table quizzes, family reading sessions and story telling groups. All those who return their workbooks will be entered into a draw for prizes at the end of the project.
The six weeks will culminate in an art exhibition and play/show, bringing the project to a close.

The project is being supported by Munster rugby and it is hoped that some players will take part in family reading sessions and other events.

Bondi Beach comes to Moyross.

2010-01-18T11:27:00.007Z

The play Bondi Beach Boy Blue will be performed at Corpus Christ School in Moyross on Wednesday 27th January.

About Bondi:

Australia- the great southern land. Home to nine of the ten most poisonous creatures on earth. To Crocodile Dundee. To Skippy. To sixty million sheep. Home also, albeit briefly, to tens of thousands of young people from Ireland and the UK, who each year forsake lukewarm summers and so-so winters to fly south in search of adventure, warm sun and cold beer. Sooner or later they all end up in Sydney. Lured by the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, golden beaches and soaps, many are snared by the bright lights of eastern Sydney and the myriad of watering holes jam-packed with fellow travellers. In the midst of this superhighway of youth and excitement, it’s easy to escape …

Armed with passport and not much else, Declan- accompanied by his best friend Gary, gravitates toward Ireland’s 35th county, Bondi. Disillusioned with life at home, he is seeking pastures new. In a land of sun, fun and a thousand friendly faces, ten thousand miles from home, with the Olympics coming, it's an exciting time. It’s a chance to start again. Can Declan take it? Or is any attempt at escape doomed to failure?

Bondi Beach Boy Blue is Declan’s story. The story of his relationship with his father, Gary- his best mate, his uncle Donie and the women in his life- Lisa and Emma. The story of the set of problems he ran away from in Ireland and what he ran into in Australia.

For tickets ring 061 325720

See Limerick Post Article for more:
http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1388:regeneration-hosts-bondi-beach-boy-blue&catid=25:technology&Itemid=31

Bondi is based on an idea by Paul Feely and Benny McDonnell. Paul, Gary Daly and Benny ran the Sydney 2000 City to Surf.

CDN Moyross on Live 95 re cuts and protest.

2009-11-10T11:19:00.004Z

Live 95 fm interviewed Juan Carlos Azzopardi of CDN Moyross, and Kay Flanagan of St. Munchin's CDP.
The pair told the listeners what CDP's do and what the cuts could mean, and why there was a protest on Nov 5th.
Listen here for a clip of the news report on the march.

Nationwide features Moyross Community workers.

2009-11-09T09:37:00.004Z

RTE's Nationwide show featured three community workers, Juan Carlos Azzopardi of Moyross Community Development Network, Patricia O'Dea of Northside We're OK, and Jude Meaney of Moyross Development Company

The three were part of a media course for Limerick-based community workers, and each was given training in researching and writing a news story. Some were later asked to produce a story for the Limerick Leader, and Nationwide followed them to see how they got on.

The show is online for the next couple of weeks if you want to check it out.

Cuts protest on NOV 5TH - Lay Off Moyross!

2009-10-27T10:57:00.006Z

Here's the flyer/poster that's doing the rounds in Moyross this week. Why promise to fix things while taking away what we have? Let's the streets before the Government hit us with atrocious and very unfair cuts. People from communities throughout the Mid-West are joining the march.
In Moyross, the march protest is being led by Community Development activists and volunteers.

Good luck to Trish O'Dea!

2009-10-19T11:17:00.003+01:00

Good luck to Trish O'Dea who has started a new job in the Mid-West Regional Hospital. Trish worked for one year with the Northside We're Ok Youth Initiative. She is now working as a social worker supporting families of cancer patients. We in moyross.ie wish Trish the very best and know that many people will miss her around here.

Moyross women's group

2009-10-19T10:54:00.005+01:00

We meet every Tuesday 10.30 to 12.30 in the Adult Education Bungalow, Sarsfield Gardens. All welcome. Come along for a chat and a cup of tea. Coming up in November is a Women's health promotion day.
Dates to be confirmed. Will be posted when confirmed. Take some time for yourself.
For further information contact Helen Duffy 061-329111.

Moyross Enterprise Centre wins Award.

2009-10-19T10:23:00.008+01:00

The Moyross Community Enterprise Centre has won the 2009 Enterpreneurship award. To find out more about the sponsors, click here.
Pictured with the award: Geraldine Clohessy, chairperson of the Community Enterprise Centre, with Antoinette Yelverton of Moyross Action Centre.

Moyross Community Fair 2009

2009-09-29T15:01:00.006+01:00

The 2009 Moyross Community Fair took place on Saturday, 26th September.
Over 1,000 people attended, and there was fun for all the family.
Barbeques, Frisbee, Hurling, Kung Fu, Basketball, Music, and even the chance to use a firehose.

Click HERE for more photos (taken by Munster Images)

Supervalu to stay open, under new owners!

2009-07-07T10:33:00.003+01:00

By Mike Dwane

UP to 40 jobs in Moyross appear to have been saved with the news Eurospar is to take over the supermarket at Watch House Cross.

Read the rest of the story by clicking here.

Funding means that Summer Camps on the Northside are Ok

2009-07-06T13:52:00.000+01:00

By Patricia O’Dea

More than 200 young people from Limerick’s northside are to take part in summer fun and learning camps over the coming two months.

The ‘Northside We’re Ok Youth Initiative’ is investing €23,000 to assist run nine summer camps. They run from the last week in June to the end of August and cater for all ages, from 4-19 years.

“Without ‘We’re Ok’ we wouldn’t be able to run our summer camp. We rely on external funding because people wouldn’t be able to afford the rates we would have to charge without the assistance from ‘We’re Ok’,” said a grateful Susan O’Neill, co-ordinator of St. Munchin’s Community Development Project.

The camps include a range of activities including day trips to a variety of locations. “Our camps cover sport, music, arts and crafts and much more. In this way the interests of young people are catered for,” said Sean Ward, project worker for ‘We’re Ok.’

The organisations that received funding were Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, St. Munchin’s Community Development Programme, St Munchin’s Family Resource Centre, Northside Youth Café, Follow Your Dream Programme, School Completion Programme, Limerick Football Academy, LIT Sarsfields and Summer Music on the Shannon.

As well as funding the summer programme ‘We’re Ok’ work in partnership with the above organisations throughout the year by providing continuous support and providing drug education, as well as taking a hand’s on approach to help facilitate some of the camps.
The majority of the camps run Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Some of the camps are free and the maximum charge per kid is €25. Family discounts also apply.
The ‘Northside We’re Ok Youth Initiative’ is a drugs education and prevention programme to provide support to young people aged 10-21 and their families living on the Northside of Limerick city, which is funded by the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund.
For more information on any of the above camps contact Trish O’Dea or Sean Ward at We’re Ok on (061) 459 260.

Locals hoping vital Moyross store can remain open

2009-06-30T10:12:00.002+01:00

By Patricia O'Dea (Northside We're OK development worker)

STAFF and customers of the Super Valu store in Moyross have praised the management who operated the store for the last five years, and who are now striving to keep to store open in the face of financial difficulties.
Staff member Stacey Kelly has been with the store for nearly four years – throughout both her school years and her college years. "They really try their best to work your hours around college," she said.

"It's a great place to work," added another staff member, Kate Goggin. "I love it here. We made great friends with the customers and there is always a great bit of banter going on. Super Valu is everything for a lot of people."

Another staff member, who did not wish to be named, also spoke highly of the store's customers: "I've been in the retail business for 12 years and I have never met nicer people than some of the customers that come into the shop here."

This week, local people were hoping that the shop would continue in operation.

John Slattery, 83, from Ballynanty said: "Every time I come here it's packed – we couldn't have asked for a better shop."

Local teenagers also expressed concern for their community if the busy supermarket were to leave Watch House Cross.

Eugene Woodland, 16, said: "It would be a pity if the shop went. It'd be hard for elderly people because they'd have to travel further into the city and some of them don't drive, so it will be very difficult for them."

Danny O'Neill was concerned about the potential job losses: "It's very hard to get jobs with the recession and Super Valu are employing a lot of people." Eugene Johnson, 17, added: "if Super Valu departs it unfortunately will have a severe impact on the whole community".

Juan Carlos Azzopadi, project co-ordinator of the Community Development Network Moyross, said he remained hopeful: "I'd hope that someone will take it on as it is in an ideal location and has a great passing trade on its doorstep."

That passing trade has attracted a new business into the Watch House Cross complex – a new butcher's shop adjacent to Super Valu due to open next week.
==============================================================
This article appeared in the Limerick Leader 27 June 2009
This article was written by Patricia O'Dea as part of a media skills course run by the University of Limerick in conjunction with development workers and volunteers in St. Mary's, Moyross, Southill and Ballinacurra Weston. Patricia works with the 'Northside We're OK Youth Initiative' as a drug education and prevention worker. Ten people from the city took part in the UL course which concluded this week.

Response to Cllr Sheahan's remarks.

2009-06-29T13:10:00.001+01:00

A Cháirde,

Regarding the letter sent to voters in Askeaton from Cllr. Kevin Sheahan giving guarantees as to who would not be moving in to the town I want to reassure the councillor and his constituents on concerns that may arise from this.

First, I am a community development worker in Moyross for the past 12 years and I too can give a very definite guarantee that no one from Moyross or the other regeneration areas of Limerick City intended any snub or insult to the town or people of Askeaton by not applying for a house in the Church St. development. The lack of interest should not be seen as any type of blanket prejudice or discrimination against your area on the part of people from regeneration areas.

I personally know people from Askeaton who are decent, hard working folk as are the majority living in the town. It is only a small minority that create the problems for everyone else. Be assured that no one from Askeaton, or anywhere else for that matter, will be made unwelcome solely on the basis of their address if they visit Moyross or wish to apply to live here once regeneration is complete.

Yours sincerely

Juan Carlos Azzopardi
Project Co-ordinator
Community Development Network Moyross
Community Centre
Moyross
Limerick

JUDE MEANEY Turns 50.

2009-06-29T13:03:00.002+01:00

Jude Meaney celebrated his 50th birthday on May 16th.. He celebrated in his own special style in the Greenhills, with friends and family.

A good night was had by all, and the man himself was well able to entertain

The photos and videos are online for those who missed it, or want to remember it.

See the photos and videos by clicking here.