The submissions for 2009 have been collected and the figure has reached €301,559.47.

Given the straightened economic times, this is an impressive feat, and was declared so by Fr Tom Carroll, Trocaire co-ordinator for Limerick.

"We are delighted. You never know in a recession and with incomes falling dramatically what will happen, but people always respond to the greater need," said Fr Carroll, who has been Trocaire's Limerick representative for the past five years. He spent some time in Kenya earlier this year viewing the situation for himself.

"It was a real eye-opener. We are in paradise here compared to Kenya. One in six people in the world are starving, which is a billion people. The statistics are frightening," he explained.

"When you put these facts to people out to people they always respond and it is very satisfying and very positive for Limerick, especially in a recession, that there is still so much support out there," said Fr Carroll.

The Parteen-based priest noted particularly that the St Mary's and Southill parishes were consistently among the highest contributors to the Trocaire fund.