Pledge to bestow civic honour on Natasha O’Brien in Limerick

ONE OF the city’s highest honours is to be bestowed on Natasha O’Brien, who has become a vocal voice for change in the justice system after her assailant walked free from court.

Ms O’Brien, aged 24, was punched to the point of unconsciousness by Irish soldier Cathal Crotty, aged 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha in 2022. 

Hours later the soldier boasted about the attack on social media. Mr Crotty was given a fully suspended sentence.

Cllr Kieran O'Hanlon, who on Friday was elected metropolitan district leader, has pledged to bestow one of the city's highest honours on Ms  O'Brien. He wants the metropolitan district to give her the honour of the special reception.

Cllr O'Hanlon described Ms O’Brien as a "great, courageous lady" and said what happened to her was "deplorable".

"She has shone a light on what is unacceptable behaviour from any individual," he said.

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Ms O’Brien also met with the new mayor John Moran following a protest outside Limerick Courthouse on Mulgrave Street last Wednesday.

It was one of a number of protests organised across the country by the socialist feminist movement ROSA. Last Wednesday was due to be the presiding judge, Tom O'Donnell's last court sitting before his retirement after 50 years of service, with a number of speeches expected to take place inside the court chamber to mark the event.

However, the Leader learned two days earlier the judge would not be in the Mulgrave Street court on Wednesday and planned speeches would not go ahead. There were low-key speeches and tributes to Judge O'Donnell in the courthouse on Tuesday instead.

 After the meeting with Ms O’Brien, Mayor Moran said Ms O'Brien is a “national symbol of courage”. 

Ms O'Brien also spoke at Dublin Pride on Saturday where she called for new hate crime laws. “Are we going to put up with hate crime and violence and injustice? she asked.