Welcome return as Limerick Association is relaunched with full day of celebration

MEMBERS and friends gathered in the British capital to mark the relaunch of the Limerick Association in London.

In recent years, the group, which exists to support ex-pat Limerick people in London, has not been active.

But new secretary John Giltenan, who lives in south London and hails originally from Caherdavin is planning to change all this.

A day of events took place to mark the relaunch of the association, predominantly focused on the traditionally Irish neighbourhood of Kilburn in north-west London.

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The day began at the Sacred Heart Church on Quex Road in the area, where a special Mass for deceased members and friends was marked.

A minute of silence was held to commemorate the last permanent chairman of the Limerick Association Con Dee, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

It was followed by a visit to Kensal Green Cemetery in west London, where a commemoration took place at the gravesides of Sean Og Hanley who featured on the first Limerick hurling panel to win an All-Ireland title in 1896.

The Kilfinane man followed this up by starring on the London hurling team which landed the Exiles only title in 1901.

The memory of world famous opera singer Catherine Hayes Bishnell, a native of Rutland Street in Limerick city was also marked with a commemoration at her graveside.

The group gathered afterwards to host a Social Evening at the Mazenod Club in Kilburn where members and friends enjoyed a buffet and musical entertainment by Declan Gaynor.

Two local mayors joined in the festivities - Ryan Hack of the borough of Brent and Eddie Hanson of Camden.