London reception helps Limerick's footballers feel right at home

LIMERICK’s exiles gave the county footballers a welcome to remember as they hit the British capital for their Allianz League division four game with London.

The night before Billy Lee’s charges played out an entertaining draw with their counterparts in London, the Limerick Association – which exists to support Shannonsiders in Britain – held a special reception at the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood, where the team stayed. More than 60 people were in attendance, including a number of invited guests from Limerick City & County Council, including Mayor of Limerick Stephen Keary.

Other guests from Shannonside included the Limerick GAA County Board officials led by their new chairman John Cregan, honorary secretary Mike O'Riordan, assistant county secretary Eamonn Phelan, Club Limerick GAA co-ordinator Siobhan Scanlon and Pat Donnelly, who led Limerick’s under-21 hurlers to the All-Ireland title last September.

This trophy, the James Nowlan Cup, and the Munster cup also won by the hurlers arrived in tow, allowing people to have their pictures taken with the silverware.

Also in​ attendance at the event were the Limerick Leader’s GAA correspondent Jerome O’Connell, and news reporter Nick Rabbitts.

John Giltenan, the president of the Limerick Association paid tribute to those who attended, and thanked companies which gave prizes for the raffle.

This included the Limerick Leader, which donated a year’s free digital subscription, which was won by Charleville lady Theresa McGoldrick, now based in Harrow, north west London.

The Clayton Crown was formerly run by Athea's Tom Moran, famous for running the Red Cow, and Limerick GAA’s former shirt sponsor.