The Limerick I Love Competition

Nine Year Old Elise is Limerick’s Most Promising Photographer

Images of Limerick as seen through the eyes of its youngest citizens will be displayed in a novel way through a unique exhibition to go on show on Wednesday 22nd April.

More than 400 entries from primary school children across the city have taken part in the photographic exhibition ‘The Limerick I Love’.

The exhibition is being run by the Limerick Communications Office which promotes a positive image of the city.

Children were invited to take pictures of whatever they love about Limerick, their families, their home, their friends, their pets, where they live, their favourite places, play-time, sport etc.

Their images will be used to brighten up the city centre and exhibited in the heart of Limerick using the new retail units in Bedford Row (the old Central Cinema) and the Thomas Street centre on the corner of Thomas Street and Catherine Street.

ALL their entries will be enlarged, framed and displayed in the Bedford Row centre this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 22nd-24th  from 7-9pm. The child’s name, age and school will be displayed on their entry.

The exhibition will also be open to the public this Saturday, April 25th from 10am-3pm.

The event is being supported by the Shannon Development, The Limerick Leader, Carambola Kidz and Limerick photographic exhibition company Relive the Memory based on Lower Hartstonge Street.

“We were overwhelmed with the fantastic photographs we received in the three categories of entry, up to Second Class, Third to Sixth Class and Others,” explained Laura Ryan, spokesperson, Limerick Communications Office.

“The children took inspiration from Thomond Park to the People’s Park and the River Shannon to their families, friends, pets and locality, we were astounded with the quality of the photographs and the imagination of the children,” she said. “All entrants are eligible to win prizes including a computer for the winning school and lots of digital cameras. All participating children will also receive a certificate for taking part.”

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan, said he is looking forward to seeing the images on display this week that the children have produced. “I am delighted that this project is a success and I believe it is a lovely way for our schoolchildren to show civic pride in our great city,” he said.

Colm O’Brien of Carambola Kidz said; “Our mission is to change the world by promoting healthy lifestyle, beginning with nutrition. Healthy Lifestyle Awareness in all children suggests activity, creativity, fun and family and the hugely innovative Limerick I Love Children’s Photographic Competition’ is definitely all about that!

We are honoured to participate,” he added.

Dermot Long of Relive the Memory added: “Our business is about bringing photos to life, through a process of enlarging, enhancing and framing. An event such as this acts as an ideal reminder to people of just how special images can be.”

John King, Assistant Chief Executive, Shannon Development said he too was very enthusiastic about the event, “The Riverside City has much to be proud of, and who better to express that pride than its own young citizens. This event is a great way of fostering creativity and innovation and encouraging civic pride,” he said.

The Mayor of Limerick praised the organisers and sponsors for their work and acknowledged the support of Rooney auctioneers and the owners of the buildings on Bedford Row and Thomas Street where the exhibitions will be staged.

A sample of the entries received can be viewed here.