PICTURES: It’s girl power instead of calendar girls in Limerick village's annual celebration of local life

BOHER Calendar 2026 was launched recently at O’Neill’s Bar in the village and, as usual, there was standing room only.

Pat O’Connell, chairman of Boher Community Development Association (BCDA), addressed those assembled. He paid tribute to the late Jerry Ryan, proprietor of O’Neills, who died just days previously.

Jerry was always an enthusiastic supporter of the calendar and every year, with his wife Mary, hosted the calendar launch. Jerry will be sadly missed. 

The committee does not choose a theme for the calendar each year but, a casual observer could be forgiven for thinking that is this year’s theme was “girl power.”

Four outstanding Boher girls are featured. Firstly, Olivia Humphreys won the Dyson international design competition, with her portable head-cooling device (Athena) for use by cancer patients.

Then we see Annie Maher, a successful go-karting enthusiast. Next up is Elena Flannery, who won an All-Ireland gold medal for handwriting at the community games. And finally we see little Tessa Leahy who painted a beautiful pumpkin for Halloween, the pumpkin having been grown in BCDA’s community garden. Is it a coincidence that all these ladies are redheads? 

In addition to these individual achievements, the Boher U14 Camogie team won the Thomond Shield. The calendar is produced by BCDA and several of its community activities are featured in the calendar, including a fundraising race night at Pa McGrath’s, the community garden and the highly successful Street Feast.

The calendar celebrates Conor Bartley’s first cap for Munster. The six Finucane brothers of Sandylane are featured in April. The calendar pays tribute also to late Paddy O’Connor, while the exploits of the 1992 U14 hurling/football team are commemorated on the January page.

Helen Quirke contributed a magnificent photograph of Boher community centre in the snow and this picture was used on the December page. The cover photo was taken by Gerry Humphreys from his plane and features an aerial view of Boher including the community centre and Boher village. 

The calendar committee comprising Pat O’Connell, Helena Hickey, Alice O’Connor,  Lizzy Barron, and Mary Finucane, are to be congratulated on yet another fine production. Many thanks to all those who contributed photographs and help make the calendar the success it continues to be. Go mbeirimíd beo ag an am seo arís. 

The calendar is on sale in all local shops and bars at €10.  

- Submitted by Gráinne Keays of the calendar committee

For more pictures, click 'Next'