December 14 - City visit sparked childhood memories

16 Dec 2013

This picture from 1967 may bring back memories for letter writer Linda Davis and others who recall buying turkeys at the market in Limerick city in days gone by

I AM sure there are many people among your readership who, for different reasons, tend not to come into the city centre any more. Well, please allow me a little space in the Leader to convince them that while big shopping centres have their place in society – and I frequent them myself for reasons of convenience and choice – there is nothing to beat the atmosphere of a busy city centre, especially the wonderful Milk Market area.

I’ll always associate the market with Christmas time. Not sure why. Perhaps because there was always a nice turkey to be bought when I was growing up in the late Sixties and early Seventies.

I am writing this letter after a wonderful, enjoyable Saturday experience. Traditionally, the first Saturday of December in Limerick was always a busy one. Coming from the county, I remember my parents would always make the trip into town that day. I have to admit that for years I didn’t bother making the effort but for some reason I decided to head in today (Saturday, December 7).

Well! Such enjoyment!

It was great to see all the stalls lining Cruises Street. They added a festive feel to the day. The market was buzzing, inside the tent and outside. Even further up the town, at Bedford Row and William Street and O’Connell Street, there was a lovely atmosphere that reminded me of my youth.

Back in those days, for a special treat, we used to go to the Galleon Grill on O’Connell Street. It subsequently burned down. Today we had our pick of places for lunch and decided to treat ourselves to a meal at the Savoy Hotel. It was my first time there and what a lovely hotel it is. After that, it was time to head for home, and we were a very contented family after our few hours in the city.