OPINION: Why we covered eventful week in Limerick town the way we did

On Saturday, May 17, Kilmallock stood proud.

Under glorious sunshine, with flower beds in full bloom and green areas immaculately kept, the town welcomed the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for the 2025 National Famine Commemoration.

It was an historic day which was weeks, months, even years in the making, thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers, community groups, public representatives, and the wider public.

The presence of the President, Sabina Higgins, government ministers, the mayor of Limerick, diplomats, and local leaders was a national and local acknowledgment of Kilmallock's place in the history of Ireland.

For all who played a part in making the day such a resounding success, their work has not gone unnoticed - the opposite in fact. The event reflected the best of Kilmallock - its sense of community, heritage, and hospitality.

As the footage from the Famine Memorial Park was broadcast on the RTE News Channel with people near and far tuning in, it was not just a proud moment for the town, but for all of Limerick.

That said, I write today in response to concerns raised in two letters to the editor regarding the Limerick Leader’s coverage of Kilmallock that week. Both letters passionately argue that the President’s visit should have had a stronger presence on the front page.

Let us be clear: the significance of the President’s visit was never in question. We reported on it on our website within an hour of its conclusion, we also featured a 16-photo slideshow online.

SEE ALSO: PICTURES: County Limerick town honours famine victims at national commemoration

In our print edition, there was a front-page teaser, and a full-page spread which included a story and 13 photographs on the back page of the main news section.

There had been discussion over whether we should ‘tease’ the Famine commemoration across the top of the front page with the hurlers' success, but that same week we also had a special supplement highlighting the great work of local industries in Limerick, so the side teaser was given to Kilmallock.

However, our responsibility as a newsroom is not simply to promote, but to inform - to highlight both achievements and challenges even when those challenges are uncomfortable.

In the same week as the President’s visit, a serious public order incident occurred in Kilmallock allegedly involving a slash hook. The incident is now before the courts which restricts what can be written about it. The judge presiding over the case described it as “a very serious incident”.

In recent weeks, the Garda Regional Armed Response Unit has been deployed to the town more than once. That is not a step taken lightly by An Garda Síochána, and it points to an ongoing situation that carries real risk to people's safety.

When the safety of any community is at risk, it is our duty to shine a light on that issue. That is not to glorify wrongdoing, but to prompt action and resolution.

We fully agree with the sentiment that Kilmallock is a place of great pride and progress. And it is precisely because we believe in the town’s potential that we must also be honest about the issues it faces.