LIMERICK COMMUNITY GAMES
In 1968 the ideals of Community Games were brought to Limerick by a Christian Brother who was transferred from Dublin the previous year. Brother Perkins who was affectionately known to his friends as "Perky" used a bicycle as his mode of transport and was easily identifiable by the beret he wore to one side of his head. He had made his acquaintance with
Joe Connolly, the founder of the organisation during the time he spent as a teacher in Drimnagh Castle. He was in fact involved in drawing up the first Athletics programme for the games. A short time after his arrival in Limerick he enlisted the help of former Dublin and Leinster hurler and Irish sprint champion John O'Donnell, now living in Caherdavin, to get the movement off the ground in Limerick and, by the spring of 1968, the Community Games organisation was set in motion. The first committee consisted of Bro. Perkins as President John O'Donnell R.I.P as Chairman. A member of a famous hurling family Dick Leonard became Vice-Chairman. The Secretary was a well known athlete Rian Glasgow while the Treasurer was a man who had also come from Dublin and is sadly no longer with us -Colum Mooney (R.I.P.). The Registrar was a Kerryman, Detective Garda Denis Harris. Six areas from the general city area affiliated the first year. When the first National Athletics Finals took place in Santry Stadium in 1970 Limerick was one of the six counties that took part in the finals. The games in Limerick have gone from strength to strength in the intervening years with many of the activities and events now on the National Programme having been initiated by the county. The U/14 Quiz, Talent, U/13 Choir., U 12 draughts, U/13 chess to mention but a few. All team events have been run on a league basis for many years and in individual events the county has always allowed 3 children in every event from each area to go forward to the county finals Limerick Community Games purchased their own head quarters in 1996, the first county to become the proud owners of a place to call their own. Among the former competitors who have gone to on to be known on the national and international stage are Paul O’Connell, Philip Danagher Rosemary Ryan, Sarah Lavin, Frank O’Meara, Actress Maeve McGrath, and Jockey CJ Hayes. Forty Six years on we still have we still have enthusiastic children whose dream becomes a reality by the dedicated and caring volunteers. Long may it continue because remember ‘Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless but because they are priceless’ |
County Secretary: Eleanor Fitzsimons, 086 2695497
Limerick CG Website: www.limerickcommunitygames.com Limerick CG Facebook Page: Areas in Limerick registered Abbeyfeale Adare Ahane/Castleconnell/Montpelier Anglesboro/Kilbehenny* Askeaton/Ballysteen Athea Ballingarry/Granagh Ballybrown/Clarina Ballylanders Bruff/Grange/Meanus Bruree/Rockhill Caherconlish/Caherline Caherdavin Cappagh Cappamore Crecora/Patrickswell Croagh/Kilfinny Croom Doon* Dromcollogher-Broadford Feenagh/Kilmeedy Feoghanagh/Castlemahon* Galbally/Aherlow Glin Kilcornan Kildimo/Pallaskenry Kilfinane Kilmallock Kilteely/Dromkeen/Garrydoolis Knocklong/Glenbrohane Loughill/Ballyhahill Monagea Monaleen Murroe/Boher Newcastle West Our Lady Of Lourdes/St Josephs Rathkeale Regional Southill St. Kevins St. Kierans (Ardagh/Carrigkerry) St. Senans |
