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

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.”

BROWNE RETURNS TO ROOTS, BURTON ON THE WAY

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.

MOYROSS PLAYGROUND IN CONTENTION FOR PRIZE

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!