Christmas in Limerick: The drama nobody paid to see but everyone’s watching

SAIPAN had Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy. Watergate had Nixon and Deep Throat. Christmas in Limerick has Mayor John Moran and Dr Pat Daly.

For those into their spectator sports, last week’s council meeting didn’t disappoint. As our paper was going to print, the three-hour marathon was unfolding. Between talk of leaks, perceived backstabbing, votes of confidence and the threat of a vote of no confidence, it was full value for the non-entry fee.

READ ALSO: Director general Dr Pat Daly says he is 'fearful' for Limerick City and County Council

If Christmas in Limerick doesn’t end up as the basis for a play, then some student out there needs to make it the topic of a thesis. Why? Because it’s a fascinating insight into the human condition, management, managing people, power plays, leadership, reaction to change, the comfort of the common enemy and the safety of the status quo.

There's a whiff of 'Talk to Joe' about it. It hasn't made Livelive, yet, but it did make RTE Radio One's Today show on Monday morning with Philip Boucher-Hayes interviewing the mayor. 

While Mayor Moran and Dr Daly may be the two main protagonists, they’re far from alone in this drama series. There are plenty of leading actors, directors, producers, backing dancers, stunt doubles, behind-the-scenes crew and silent spectators who are watching on - some with popcorn, others scratching their heads.

There are 40 councillors in Limerick City and County Council, a number of whom wrote last week’s script along with the mayor and director general.

Among the dialogue were mentions of “a s**tshow”, “carnage”, “a garden full of weeds”, “rabbit holes”, “a big girl”, “broken hearts”, “hands on hearts”, “finger pointing”, “Trojan work” and “hurt feelings”. There were even echoes of the great Jon Kenny, who, in the guise of hurling legend Timmy Ryan once lamented: “I put a big personal effort in myself this year.”

Very often in life it’s the small things that cause the biggest problems. Limerick, like all cities, has its major issues but somehow it was the Christmas programme that lit the Halloween fireworks early.

Sometimes a good row is what’s needed to clear the air and reset the room. In an organisation the size of Limerick City and County Council personality clashes are bound to happen - it would be highly unusual if they didn’t.

We all love to be right, that’s just the way we’re built. But for Limerick’s sake, the ones who’ll truly win are those willing to bend a little (or a lot) more than they are used to, accept change, and hear others out to get the train moving again with everyone on board.

The local crowds are loving Connie at the Theatre Royal. They don’t need to be watching Christmas in Limerick too.