Achievements of Limerick sports stars celebrated in special Mayoral Reception

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A NUMBER of Limerick sports teams and individuals who have excelled in their chosen fields were celebrated in a mayoral reception hosted by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

The event, held in Merchants Quay, City Hall, highlighted the “dedication, talent and success” of the athletes in their respective codes. 

The group of mayoral reception recipients included those from soccer, basketball, rowing, powerlifting, athletics and martial arts.

A spokesperson for the mayor said this “exemplifies the broad spectrum of physical activities that contribute to Limerick’s vibrant sports culture”. 

Included in the mayoral reception honours were Madison McGuane, in recognition of her achievement as Under 15 Ireland International Women's Player of the Year, Liam Beville, in recognition of his lifelong service to Irish Powerlifting, and Des Galligan, in recognition of his lifelong service to Tang Soo Do in Limerick and Ireland.

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Limerick Desmond Schoolboy U-14 Team were also honoured in recognition of their achievement as Kennedy Cup Winners 2025, alongside Limerick Celtics Basketball Club, in recognition of their achievement of being promoted to the Super League, and Fairview Rangers FC, in recognition of their achievement of winning the FAI Junior Cup 2024/2025.

Jack Rafferty also made the list, in recognition of his achievement on winning Gold for Ireland at the World Under 19 Rowing Championships, as well as John Kinsella, in recognition of his achievement as the first Irish person over 40 to run all six World Marathon Majors in under 2hrs 30 mins. 

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented: “Limerick has always punched above its weight when it comes to sporting success. As Mayor, I’m very proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of these successful sports stars. These teams and individuals represent the very best of our city and county’s proud sporting tradition. 

“It’s not just about the medals they’ve won or the trophies they’ve held though, it’s about their inherently Limerick qualities of dedication, resilience, and the inspiration they provide to the next generation. Everyone celebrated here is a powerful role model for young people across Limerick and they are showing what’s possible with the right support.” 

Mayor Moran added that this is “a big reason why one of the important elements in the More for Limerick mayoral programme is the provision of inclusive, accessible sporting facilities across the city and county”. 

“We want to create an environment where the next great Limerick sports stars can thrive, no matter their background or ability. We know that when sport thrives in Limerick, so too does community, ambition, and pride in who we are,” he concluded.

The reception for Limerick’s sports stars follows two similar sports-related ceremonies in 2025, along with separate receptions for Michael Benn, grand marshal of the 2025 New York St Patrick’s Day Parade, and retired RTE correspondent Cathy Halloran.

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