Tony takes aim at Limerick development projects while being honoured by mayor

LOCAL historian Tony Browne has criticised the fact some of the city’s newest developments do not appear to celebrate the past.

Mr Browne and the Limerick Historical Society which he founded in 2013, were honoured with a special reception from Mayor James Collins this week.

And during his speech, Mr Browne criticised Limerick Twenty Thirty and the council for the way it has decided to name certain new developments.

He singled out the Gardens International development at Henry Street and Project Opera.

Referring to the former, he questioned why the former site owner William Roche’s name was omitted from it.

“People think there were hangings there. They don’t understand what Hanging Gardens refers to, who built there – and Roche’s name has been forgotten about,” he said, “You have the Opera Centre. I am always asked when will the Opera House be built. It’s got nothing to do with opera, only Catherine Hayes.”

Mr Browne revealed he provided a list of historical figures who should be named to the old City Council some years ago, but they were not taken up.

“The only example I can think of is Vereker Gardens [after Charles Vereker]. He was a man who robbed the city left right and centre – and we call a street after him!”.

Mayor Collins praised Mr Browne, describing him as a “champion” of our local history.

”Tony has 40 years experience and involvement in the study of local history and event organisation. He was a member of the Thomond Archeological and Historical Society from 1976 to 2013. He served as deputy president, organised lectured and items. He also served as the treasurer of the Federation of Local History Societies,” the mayor added.

Mr Browne feels students these days are not taught properly about local history, suggesting that teachers are “all blow ins”, who are “not interested” in the past locally.  A number of members were present at the reception, including Cllrs Gerald Mitchell, Marian Hurley, John Loftus and Seighin O Ceallaigh.