Memories - 2003: Limerick footballers put Rebels to the sword.

Proposal for new private hospital finally falls

The proposal to build a €40 million private hospital development in Limerick has fallen through.

The Mid-Western Health Board has been told that the development will not now be going ahead.

Bon Secours Health System and BUPA had been negotiating with the Mid-Western Health Board to build the private hospital on a seven and a half acre site in the grounds of the Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle.

Health Board member Deputy Jan O’Sullivan said she was saddened by the decision.

“I think it is disappointing that this decision has taken so long,” she said. “We are entitled to some kind of explanation for this. A lot of time and effort has been put into this project by the Board,” said Ms O’Sullivan.

It had been hoped that the private hospital would comprise 75 inpatient and 25 day case beds and that the services provided would compliment those available in the public hospital.

Cllr Richard Butler said the announcement was terrible news: “The board took some time working on this. This has been dragged out for some time now. I believe that one of the main reasons for this decision is that the VHI said there was enough cover in this region. We will have to sit down with the VHI before we look for another client,” said Cllr Butler.

Cllr Sean Hillery chairman of the health board, stated that there was still hope for a hospital development.

Limerick footballers put Rebels to the sword

Oh happy day! Limerick footballers rebelled against the old order in Cork yesterday and put the home side to the sword as bluntly and brutally as possible, in the Munster Football Championship.

To win by ten points in an All-Ireland Football Championship game is a fantastic achievement. To beat the Munster Champions by ten points (0-16 to 0-6) in their own back yard in the first round of the Munster Championship is an incredible feat.

This was one of the proudest days Limerick football has ever had.

Limerick manager Liam Kerins was in ecstatic form after the game.

“You dream of days like this,” he said. “To come to Pairc Ui Chaomh to take on the Munster Champions and produce a performance like we did is something I won’t forget in a hurry. Today’s victory is for all the other minnows around the country. Nobody gave us a chance coming down here.

“It was a team effort from everyone and that’s what makes it so special,” said a delighted Kerins.

The last and only time Limerick footballers defeated Cork was in Killarney in 1965. At that time a pint of Guinness cost 2s and 3d - 11 new pence. Sean Lemass was Taoiseach and the Beatles had just released Yesterday. And none of the panel of 30 players was even born.

A week is a long time in politics but in sport it is even longer with Limerick losing to Westmeath in the League 2 final the previous week.