Chief Supt Smart told Limerick District Court he refused the application on the basis that the applicant had incorrectly stated that he had no previous convictions
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30 Nov 2025
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30 Nov 2025
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Prints sold in the gift shop in the International Rugby Experience made up 30% of Nici Le Gear’s business in 2023
THE UNCERTAIN future of the International Rugby Experience (IRE) puts the livelihoods of 18 employees in peril but many more will also be affected if the doors close next month.
Artist Nici Le Gear said you wouldn't think that sports tourism would be an avenue for art but that’s exactly what the IRE has become to local artists.
Nicki said 30% of her business last year came from prints sold in the gift shop in IRE.
The visual artist specialising in oil and acrylic paintings that celebrate the captivating beauty of Ireland’s west coast, with a particular focus on Limerick City, had her prints stocked in IRE shortly after it opened in May 2023.
“I had a meeting with the retail manager. They wanted, preferably, Limerick-based art, and they wanted it in a size that would fit in tourists’ suitcases so it had to be A4 or smaller.
“They were my first wholesaler so it's very meaningful for me on my journey into retail. After I got stocked in IRE I was stocked in the Hunt Museum, King John’s Castle and Silverwood. Now I'm in about seven places in town, but the very first was IRE,” said Nici, who resides in Corbally.
READ MORE: 'Misplaced commentary is damaging' says CEO of Limerick's International Rugby Experience
Her two prints that are most commonly sold in IRE were sunsets over King John’s Castle and the Cliffs of Moher.
“They're representing Limerick and Clare worldwide. I’ve got photos and messages through my Instagram and Facebook pages from New York, Australia, France, Germany. My prints are all over the world thanks to IRE,” said Nici.
The gift shop also became a place for people working in the city to buy the work of local artists.
“They would buy retirement gifts, leaving presents - it provided access for me to corporate customers. The visibility for my work was fantastic.
“It's a big, prestigious shop - a notable venue. It won architectural awards. It was amazing to be stocked in there.”
Nici said she first read the news about IRE on Limerick Live and if it does close it will be a “massive blow” to her business.
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