Pub book gives Limerick charity huge funding boost

A LIMERICK charity has received a huge boost thanks to the sales of a book charting the rich history of local pubs and bars.

William Banks and Mary Immaculate College historian Dr Paul O’Brien spent months putting together a comprehensive guide of hostelries in Limerick from 1858 to the present day.

A real labour of love for the pair, they decided against keeping any of the proceeds from the comprehensive book.

Instead, they have donated €55,000 to Down Syndrome Limerick.

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Michelle Coughlan, the chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick, which is based in Castletroy, said the money is going to make a world of difference to the charity.

“It’s amazing. I don’t think we ever foresaw that it had this potential. We thought if the guys sold a couple of hundred books, how amazing would that be? We are the kind of charity who would never say no to anybody who comes to us with an idea,” she said.

Paul and William’s efforts eclipsed their expectations.

“We knew it would be popular, but we didn’t realise quite how popular it would be,” exclaimed Paul.

Two launch events were held for the book - available in hardback and paperback, one in Mary Immaculate College, the other in Mother Mac’s Pub at High Street in the city centre, performed by Mayor John Moran.

It went to a reprint, and Paul has said this week that a number of copies have shipped overseas.

Around 250 copies of the book remain - and there will be no more re-releases after this.

“We are delighted with the book sales. We are thrilled to be able to hand over such a large amount of money to Down Syndrome Limerick. It will go a long way to supporting their services. At the end of the day, Down Syndrome Limerick does not receive any public funding,” he said.

For Ms Coughlan, €55,000 is transformational.

The funding will help continue their work to deliver speech and language therapy to some of its members.

For young children with Down Syndrome, this will mean many will hit their developmental milestones at the same time as other children.

“The opportunities become equal,” Ms Coughlan added.