October 4: Amateur actors deserve recognition

The College Players pictured by the Limerick Leaders Donal MacMonagle in 1964, one of the hundreds of photographs from the archive to feature in a new book, Limerick Through The Lens
I HAVE been reading little reminders about your book of Limerick Leader pictures, entitled Limerick Through The Lens, and I am looking forward to getting it as a Christmas present from one of my family members (if they are reading this, they can consider this a hint!).

I HAVE been reading little reminders about your book of Limerick Leader pictures, entitled Limerick Through The Lens, and I am looking forward to getting it as a Christmas present from one of my family members (if they are reading this, they can consider this a hint!).

I do hope that a book which purports to represent Limerick life in the latter half of the 20th century, as you have described it, includes a photographic acknowledgement of the wonder amateur dramatic scene we have had in our city for generations, one which continues to thrive to this day. It is often overlooked amid all the sporting success, but it has arguably brought just as much happiness to the people of Limerick.

So many of the great plays have been performed by amateur actors in Limerick over the years and they have been marvellously staged. I must acknowledge that the wonderful Island Theatre Company, with professional members, did Limerick proud. While it’s always great to see professional companies from outside Limerick arriving here - and I am looking forward to seeing Sive at the Lime Tree Theatre in the coming weeks - the local players are the lifeblood of the theatrical scene and long may they grace the local stage.

ELIZABETH SWEENEY

MOYLISH, LIMERICK CITY

The editor writes: The marvellous picture above is among more than 300 images which will feature in the book.