The main headlines: Here's what happened in Limerick this week

EVERY Friday, we round-up the top stories of the week in news, sport and local life in Limerick. 

Got a story? Contact us at the newsroom at news@limerickleader.ie or at 061 214503. 

In news...

Storm Hannah is expected to bring strong gusts to Limerick this Friday evening, as the eye of the storm ushers its way towards the west coast at around 5pm. Limerick City and County Council and An Garda Siochana have issued urgent warnings about the torrential conditions.

Is it really happening? Marks & Spencers has identified a location in Limerick city centre for a new store. Our business correspondent Nick Rabbitts has more...

Carmel Collins, the mother of murder victim Roy Collins, has been laid to rest. “The city can be grateful for the stand that Carmel and Steve took against violence and intimidation," said Fr Frank O'Connor at the funeral. 

Our most read story online this week is the closure of the Old Fire Station cafe on Thomas Street, yet another blow to Limerick city centre's retail scene. 

Serious questions hang over Limerick's €500,000 smart CCTV scheme. Our reporter Jess Casey has more...

Just what the doctor ordered! Limerick has a new rose, and it's Dr Sinead Flanagan who will be heading to the dome this August

A Limerick senator has said that "scapegoating yet another Minister for Health" will not solve Limerick's trolley crisis. This was in response to the UL Hospitals Group's clinical directors' open letter to the public about the situation.

The Limerick Leader has launched a patient and staff survey on UHL's overcrowding. Click here to take the survey. 

The Cranberries have released their final album In The End this Friday. 

View this post on Instagram

#WeStandWithLyra Members of Limerick media stood in solidarity together to remember and commemorate the late Lyra McKee. An inspirational voice who represented a free Ireland in every sense. May she never be forgotten. . . . . . . . . . #lyra #lyramckee #limerick #limerickcity #journalism #media #westandwithlyra

A post shared by Limerick Leader (@limerickleader) on Apr 23, 2019 at 8:14am PDT

And in sport...

Limerick FC investors have issued a statement that they no longer wish to invest in the club

Aisling Annacotty have aired their frustration in an open letter to the FAI over their Junior Cup semi-final fixture

After a devastating loss to Saracens in the Ricoh Arena last week, Munster face Connacht in a bid to further their Pro14 campaign...