Calls for Limerick memorial to city man Ciaran MacMathuna

CIARAN MacMathuna, ‘one of Limerick’s greatest sons’ should be honoured during the term as City of Culture.

Calls to honour MacMathuna were made at the Georgian House launch of the Limerick GAA and Comhaltas schedule of Irish music and dance throughout 2014.

Limerick GAA Cultural Officer Micheal O’Riain wants a traditional music busking centre dedicated to MacMathuna.

“There is a small square outside the CBS Schools on the appropriately named ‘Sraid an Cheoil’, adjacent to Mulgrave Street. Could Limerick City of Culture Committee and Limerick City Council initiate the development of a lasting tribute on this square or the nearby square on Upper William street,” suggested O’Riain.

“This ‘Cearnog an Cheoil’ could also become the focus for regulated busking by Irish traditional musicians and singers in the summer months which would be unique to Limerick and welcomed by tourists, locals and nearby 
businesses.”

“He was born in Mulgrave Street on November 1925, received his education at CBS Sexton Street and went on to become Ireland’s foremost collector and broadcaster of Irish traditional music and song both at home and abroad,” said Micheal O’Riain.

“The revival of interest in traditional music in the latter half of the 20th century may be attributed largely to his work.”

MacMathuna is best remembered for his long running Sunday morning radio series ‘Mo Cheol Thu’, which ran from 1970 to 2005 on RTE Radio One.

He received the freedom of Limerick City in June 2004.

He was also the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Limerick.