Limerick Tidy Towns group uncover hidden sporting history

TIDY Towns groups generally only find discarded coffee cups and take away cartons during their clean-ups but in Patrickswell they uncovered local history.

Sam Milburn, chair of the committee, said he and fellow members were clearing ivy in a corner of Marian Park in the village, at the back of the Cú Chulainn Bar, when they made a startling discovery.

Staring back at them was the handiwork of locals in honour of their 1973 All-Ireland hurling heroes - Richie and Phil Bennis, Sean Foley and Frankie Nolan.

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Members of the community had shown their pride in the foursome by writing their names on a wall and painting a portrait of Sean Foley and a hurley (pictured above).

Whatever paint they used has stood the test of time.

Mr Milburn said it made a pleasant change from their usual discoveries in the undergrowth.

“As we went along, we discovered the painting and then the writing. One fellow remembered it all. It was painted by then youngsters from Marian Park.  

"They painted it to celebrate the 1973 All-Ireland but of course time goes on and the ivy covered it up,” said Sam, who adds that they plan on restoring it to its former glory and celebrating their collective GAA past.

“One of the ladies in the group is very artistic, so it's her intention to restore it and it might last for another 50 years,” said Sam, who met Frankie Nolan coming out of Mass and the All-Ireland winner could recall the mural being painted.

Perhaps in another 50 years the then Tidy Towns group will discover a hidden gem in honour of their current All-Ireland heroes  brothers - Aaron and Jason Gillane, Cian Lynch and Diarmaid Byrnes.