Anniversary of Limerick city street to be marked with series of events

AN AUSPICIOUS anniversary takes place this month, as one of Limerick city’s most well-known streets marks its 200th birthday.

Athlunkard Street, on the edge of the city centre, was founded on April 26, 1824.

A fortnight of events to commemorate the milestone are taking place across the community.

Not many streets have their founding date recorded, but it’s thanks to local historian Maurice Lenihan that we know the founding of Athlunkard Street.

The thoroughfare was noted in the past for its indigenous industries - a number of packet and tripe emporiums to name just one - plus its sporting and musical ethos.

The street saw the establishment of what was to become a worldwide organisation - the Catholic Young Men’s Institute (CYMI), founded by Fr Richard Baptist O’Brien in 1849.

This Friday night at 8pm, a special book charting the storied history of Athlunkard Street will be launched by local councillor Conor Sheehan at the home of another group of local stalwarts, St Mary’s RFC.

The Story of Athlunkard Street 1824 to 2024 has been put together by acclaimed local author Denis O’Shaughnessy.

Then the celebrations really kick-off as we approach the exact anniversary date of the street’s founding.

On Thursday, April 25 from 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church will play host to a celebratory concert, with admission free.

On anniversary day itself, Friday, April 26, there will be the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the founding of the CYMI, where the community’s credit union offices are now.

Renowned Limerick historian John Elliott will lead a historic walk of the street the following day, Saturday, April 27, at 11am.
St Mary’s Church will again be the venue for a commemorative Mass on Sunday. April 28, with Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy leading the way.

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This will be followed by a parade to Athlunkard Boat Club for street party and barbecue.

Bringing celebrations to a close, another street stalwart, Dr Derek Mulcahy, will host a lecture on the area’s history on Monday, April 29, at 8pm in Mary Immaculate College.

In its time, Athlunkard Street has produced some world class sportsmen.Shannon RFC and Garryowen RFC had their roots here, the street producing four rugby internationals and champion oarsmen in every grade.

Disaster struck the area in 2014, when floods destroyed many of the area’s cottages.

However, as their forebears did, residents showed their resilience with the renewal of their houses and the street they love so well.

All are welcome to join the community in marking the 200th anniversary of Athlunkard Street.