Hopes of giant Limerick flag flying on town's castle for All-Ireland final are up in the air

LOCALS in Kilmallock have been left disappointed a giant Limerick flag hasn't been draped over King's Castle in the town with hopes of it appearing hanging by a thread.

The 40 foot by 30 foot flag first appeared in 2020 at the height of Covid when Limerick played Waterford in the Christmas All-Ireland. It has garnered local and national media attention and drew attention to the impressive 15th century four storey tower house in Kilmallock.

The flag has been hung up every year since then in the proud GAA town, albeit in mysterious circumstances last year. The Office of Public Works (OPW), which manages the castle, advised that the flag not go up due to the condition of King's Castle. However, with less than than 48 hours to go the final, up it went.

This year, Limerick Live understands that the OPW have again asked that the flag not be erected over concerns about damaging the castle. Limerick Live contacted the OPW on Thursday and sent a follow-up email on Friday but has not received an official response as of Monday afternoon.

One local, who knows the men involved in putting it up, said they are a group of the most civic-minded people imaginable.

"Last year, they had to put it up under the cover of darkness and still did a fantastic job on it with three nylon ropes. But this year they are not allowed put it up at all. I think this is such a shame and very short-sighted of the people stopping it. Why would you try and stop something positive happening?" they asked.

The local said Kilmallock is a very proud GAA town.

"When the boys started putting this flag up on our castle you would not believe the reaction it got. The image of the green and white flag showing our huge pride in the accomplishments of our men on the field was loved from Donegal to South Africa and Beijing to New York.

"Remember this emblem of pride and honour went up first in the height of the Covid epidemic when our lads played behind closed doors at Christmas. It not alone lifted the town of Kilmallock but the county and every Limerick man, woman and child in the four corners of the world.

"No one complained or said a word, only praised the flag and how magnificent it was. Unfortunately when the lads went to put it up the following year against Cork, someone did complain that the lads putting up the flag were damaging the castle. The lads have huge pride in the community and respect for all its infrastructure," said the local.

Local councillor and cathaoirleach of the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District, Mike Donegan said he was disappointed the flag hasn't been erected and will raise the matter at this Thursday's monthly meeting.

"Kilmallock is a proud GAA town with a large representation of players from the club. The flag shows our support of our All-Ireland champions and it advertises the castle. Many people have admired the castle after seeing photos," said Cllr Donegan. 

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He said his understanding is the OPW decided not to allow the flag to be put up following an inspection of King's Castle.

"I will be asking for a copy of the inspection report and will be calling on the OPW to carry out the repairs as soon as possible because of the danger of falling debris or stones and injuring pedestrians walking underneath the castle.

"If there is a risk it needs to be sorted urgently," said Cllr Donegan, who added that he hoped the flag could be erected in the future after the repairs were completed.

The councillor said the OPW have agreed to put up smaller flags on either side of the castle with Limerick City and County Council.