Lyric FM - Culturing (1.6%) of the Masses

The building that I have chosen to write about for this blog is the Lyric FM building, located in Cornmarket Square. I chose this building as it represents a large part of the Irish classical music culture. I visited Cornmarket Street last week, after firstly finding out about Lyric FM being situated in Limerick on the internet. The information that I have gathered for this blog comes from a combination of information received from the secretary working on the ground-floor of the building and various internet sources, such as Wikipedia, the Lyric FM website, etc.


Lyric FM as we know it was established on the first of May 1999, and at the time was only available on the FM band in Ireland, at 96.7-99.6 MHz. It developed from the radio-station ‘FM3 Classical Music’, which first started broadcasting in November of 1984. This was a radio-station that was considered to be largely under-pushed and unadvertised. They broadcast through RTÉ Radió ná Gaeltachta initially, at various times during the day. It was not a very popular radio segment and received very low ratings. It was perhaps best known, and received its peak ratings for its practice of simulcasting. Simulcasting is when something is concurrently transmitted on different mediums. Before it was technically possible to transmit stereo sound via television sound transmission, some larger media companies such as the BBC and RTÉ used to simultaneously transmit the sound of a movie or concert they might be showing over one of their radio-stations. FM3 Classical Music’s time slots were used occasionally for broadcasting stereo sound for RTÉ.

In 1999, RTÉ invested in a new transmitter, meaning that it could broadcast more separate stations. The decision was made to make FM3 Classical Music into a separate entity from Radió ná Gaeltachta, and also to rebrand it as ‘Lyric FM’. Due to the decentralisation act, and since RTÉ is a semi-state owned company, they decided to move Lyric FM from FM3’s location in Dublin to a more modern setup in Limerick. Once the station had moved to Limerick, they started adopting more modern and up to date technologies – such as satellite radio (Lyric FM is now available in England via satellite) and internet radio.


Current presenters on Lyric FM include some of Ireland’s best known personalities, such as Marty Whelan and Gay Byrne. They also works in partnership with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, which both helped celebrate Lyric FM’s tenth year with a special concert organised in their honour.

Marty Whelan cutting the cake for Lyric FM's 10th anniversary.

Rory Harpur - 11151129 (MMPT)

The Stables Club

The Stables Club
Individual assignment 2
Marc Etherington – 11129905

The Stables club is the largest bar on the campus, it is located in the Student Union courtyard. It is probably the most visited building in the students union among the students. The Stables Club was founded in 1987 and is entering its twenty fifth year of business. It is popular among students due to its close proximity to the main areas of accomodation, it’s cheap drinks and food and the quality of it’s entertainment. I have found myself and my friends regularly paying The Stables a visit and many a good time has been had there. The Stables club is known not only as a great pub but also a great (and cheap) place to eat lunch and dinner. Their soup is great by the way! It is also great for a sneaky afternoon pint after a long lecture or lab.

The staff at the stables are one of the main reasons it has been so successful, some of the staff have been their since it opened in 1987 and they try their best to ensure everyone has a great time.

The stables club is also the backbone of all of the main events throughout the academic year such as Fresher’s and Charity week with a large amount of the events being held there. It provides a great facility to the students as it is for the students unlike other bars.

The stables club also has a large outdoor smoking and eating area where people can converse and relax without the loud noises of music and people trying to shout over it.




References and interesting links.

Photo 1: http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/41789_103724628414_7264_n.jpg
Photo 2:https://www.book-limerick-accommodation.com/student/images/stories/new/aDSC_8592.jpg
Stables website: http://www.stablesclub.com
Stables FaceBook:http://www.facebook.com/stablesclub

Limerick Milk Market

After taking my first visit to the Milk Market of Limerick, I can easily say it is a great way to spend a Saturday morning, with cafes, countless stalls selling crafts, fruits, veg and chocolate delights. You certainly wouldn't find yourself stuck for something to do, especially with all the fantastic pastries on offer! It had a very cosmopolitan feeling to it, jam packed with the regular locals and some visiting tourists. 

The market meets everyone’s needs, from beautiful home made sundried tomatoes, to designer clothing. There’s even something for the kids to do, with Moody cow having set up a stall at the market, and all the chocolate stalls dispersed around the market. Its a great place for any age group.

Another thing that added to the lively atmosphere, were the buskers, adding a melody to the constant chatter and buzz of the place. Music lovers will find themselves a treat if the venture inside the cheese store in the centre of the market, where top class musicians play a wide variety of genres.

                                         The market’s selection of organic foods also attracts many of the customers. You can get anything from homegrown potatoes, carrots and parsnips, to more unusual homemade pickled vegetables, chutneys, jams, the list goes on.

And the shopping doesn't end with the stalls. Right in the heart of the market in the enclosed court, there are several little shops adding to the selection. There's a fishing shop, a clothes shop, and several cafes to choose from.

I also found out that the milk market has undergone extensive development over the last few years. It has changed from being a car boot sale type of market to more of trendy and modern market, similar to the famous Quincy Market in Boston, the Victoria Market in Melbourne, and of course our very own Corn Market located in Cork, visited by the Queen. The center of the market now has a dome cover, closely resembling a ship sail, giving it a maritime feel. It never ceases to amaze and impress its visitors.


K.H (11108517)

Jewish Cemetery in Castletroy

Having been given this assignment I began researching and looking into interesting sites around UL but one particular site caught my attention. I read about a Jewish cemetry in the Castletroy area. This intrigued me and myself and a friend in my course decided to go for a drive and see the site for ourselves. Having pulled into a narrow street we came across the small cemetery, and decided to investigate further. It was unusual, in that there was only a small number of headstones. We then had a look around and we saw this monument in memory of a Jewish soul.

  

I thought this was interesting as I was not aware that there was a Jewish community in Ireland as far back as the 18th century. It encouraged me to begin researching and looking into the history of this intriguing site, however there was little information to be found. Although through my research I found an interesting wiki on the history of Jewish descendants in Ireland. 

There was several facts that caught my attention having read this wiki. It stated that census records of Jewish descendants in Limerick dated back to the late 1800's. I learned that in 1878 a small minority group of Lithuanian Jewish tradespeople began arriving in Limerick having fled persecution in their homeland of Lithuania. This particular community founded their own synagogue and cemetery (the Castletroy Jewish Cemetery).

They also formed an accepted part of the city's retail trade industry. It then went on to explain the Lithuanian Jews struggle for respect in the Limerick community. It said that on Easter Sunday in 1884, there was a series of violent attacks and protests. The wife of Lieb Siev and his infant were injured by stones and her house was attacked by an angry group of protesters. Two families were also beaten in 1892 and a stoning in the year of 1896. Among all this persecution against this Jewish community they had great support from the Protestant community, however many still fled from Limerick to Cork,with the intention of travelling from Cobh harbor to America in search of a better life. 

When I found this site I never would have expected to discover so much history behind one small cemetery. I am glad to have come across this little known Jewish graveyard, it has led me to learn about the history of the Jewish people in Limerick. However I would love to have been able to find out more about this particular cemetery.

Ian Ronan (11132485)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

The Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum is a big tourist attraction in Limerick city, hosting many art exhibitions as well as its permanent collection of historical artefacts. Being from Limerick I have been to the museum several times with my primary school for class trips as a child. There are usually interesting exhibitions taking place in the museum and for this reason it has always appealed to me. For this blog assignment I decided to visit the museum.

Recently my mom was involved in an exhibition in the museum called “Then and Now”. The exhibition involved making ceramic works inspired by the Hunt Collection. Taking inspiration from the artifacts in the museum each artist produced pieces for the collection. I attended the opening of the exhibition with my family but as there were so many people at the opening I didn’t get a chance to look at all the pieces and so I took this opportunity to revisit the museum. 

                                      

 

I checked the Hunt Museum website to get details on the dates of the exhibition and opening hours. I found the exhibition and the Hunt's own collection very interesting. The building itself backs onto the River Shannon and is situated in the city center.  The pieces in the exhibition were integrated into the Hunt Collection, sitting in cases next to the original pieces that inspired them. I found this displaying technique very effective and really showed the "Then and Now" aspect of the exhibition, showing the contrast between old and new art.

The pieces in the exhibition varied greatly, taking inspiration from paintings, vases, bowls and other artifacts. My mom took inspiration from a set of small bronze brooches that looked like boats and, along with the influence of the river so close by, made a collection of small paper clay boats for the exhibition. My favourite piece, besides my moms of course, was the piece below, by artist Sheena Burns, which took inspiration from various paintings around the museum. The piece contains miniature versions of the paintings and lights up in the center.

I really enjoyed the exhibition and visiting the museum again. The museum also has a lovely cafe and a gift shop. The Hunt Museum is a great asset to the city of Limerick and it's great to have such a good museum in the city center. 

Rachel Ryan (11135581)

Richard Harris statue

I decided to do the Richard Harris statue for this project as it is one of the first things I remember seeing when I visited Limerick City for the first time. It is located right in the centre of the main Limerick City shopping area just off O'Connell Street on Bedford Row.

The statue commemorates Richard Harris who was born in Limerick. It depicts him in one of his most famous roles as King Arthur in the movie Camelot.

While researching the statue I discovered there is a lot of controversy surrounding it. Many people believe it is not a decent enough representation of Harris, saying it doesn't look anything like him. Others say that the sculptor should have chosen a better role of Harris's for the statue. There are also a number of people that think the statue is a joke and should be removed. There is even a campaign on facebook to have the statue removed:
http://ga-ie.facebook.com/pages/Campaign-to-remove-Richard-Harris-statue-from-Limerick-City/122816664443486

A reporter for the Limerick Leader wrote an article that includes most of the main problems people have with the statue.
http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local/harris_cast_touristy_kitsch_says_artist_1_2182357

The statue has four plaques on the base which give information on some of his movies and a biography of the actor.

The first time I saw the statue I didn't realise it was meant to be Richard Harris because (as a lot of bloggers and journalists have said) it doesn't look much like him, then I read the plaques and realised who it was. I have only ever seen him as Professor Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies but i've heard a lot about his acting skills in other movies such as The Field.

In general the Limerick population is very proud of their famous actor but don't feel as if this statue does him proud. Some however feel that the statue is a form of entertainment on drunken nights out, if Richard Harris was still around he probably would have found this funny:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lette_applejuice/2452351064/

Abigail Livingstone (11144076)

The People's Park

After browsing the web for places of interest in Limerick I came across a website suggesting things to do whilst in Limerick.
With my deadline fast approaching and little else to do, I made my way into the city in hopes of finding the People's Park. Having never ventured further than the main streets I was surprised to find it was only around the corner of O' Connell Street and Colbert Station.


View Larger Map


With my lack of ability to self-navigate in an unfamiliar town to an unfamiliar destination, I used the trustworthy Google Maps application on my android and arrived at the entrance within minutes.

Just inside the entrance there was a guide (below) listing the various monuments located within the park. It also gave a brief timeline of the park's history.

I found out that it had originally been a private park from the 1830's through to the 20th of August 1877 when it was officially declared a public amenity.
It was the first park in the ROI to receive a Green Flag award, and in 2003 it won an award for the Best Local Park.

One such monument is the Children's Memorial (pictured right)
to condole bereaved parents.












Another is the Richard Russell Fountain erected in 1877, which commemorates Russell as he was a highly regarded employer. (right)










The park has a large green area where one would presumably play ball games leaving me bemused when I noticed a sign indicating no ball games are allowed to be played in the park.

To my delight there was a playground, as I had previously spent many hours hoping to find one. Although intended for young children I couldn't pass up the opportunity to use the swings and embrace my youth.

I can envisage myself visiting this place many times in the future to relax in the tranquil environment.

Related Links
31st thing to do while in Limerick.
http://www.limerickcity.ie/OurServices/Environment/ParksandOpenSpaces/PeoplesPark/

Rice's Memorial, People's Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People's_Park_(Limerick)
Green Flags

E.L. (11134844)

King Johns Castle

Introduction

For my assignment I decided to research the history of King John’s castle which is located in limerick on the bank of the river Shannon. To this day the fortifications and structures of the castle are still intact and it serves as a popular visitor’s attraction for the city of Limerick. The castle is said to have been built between the years 1200 and 1210 but in the later centuries it was rebuilt and altered on many occasions. Visitors get to opportunity to experience Norman life as the courtyard hosts a range of different displays and demonstrations.

Viking era

The first settlement on the site was built by the Viking leader Thormodr Helgason  in 922. It is said that it was used as a base of operations by the Viking clans to pillage and raid areas along the Shannon such as Lough Derg and Lough Ree. However in the year 943 the Vikings were defeated by a allied force of the Dalcassian clan and  Ceallachan the King of Munster. This affected the Vikings numbers drastically and as a result of this they were no longer the prominent force in Limerick.


Trip to the castle

In 2009 I went on a trip to the castle with my family and i got to experience the castle from the inside. We were given a tour of the battlements and the main courtyard and also we were shown demonstrations of different aspects of life in that period of time. One of these was a demonstration of the Normans use of the open-field system for agriculture. We were also shown some of the Norman weapons used in that time period such as the double bladed sword and the lance.

Personnally i think King Johns is of great historical importance to Ireland and it is a valuable heritage site for future generations to experience.

Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_John's_Castle_(Limerick)

http://www.heritageisland.com/attractions/king-john-s-castle/

http://www.heritageisland.com/attractions/king-john-s-castle/

Tommy Looney

11141778

Glenstal Abbey

Glenstal Abbey was built in the 19^th century . It is a Norman revivalist Castle. It was designed by William Bardwell, an English architect, who intended Glenstal to look like a twelfth-century castle, for when he inscribed his name on the turret Bardwell me fecit, he added the dated 1839, but cut in such a way as to look like 1139. The construction of the castle in the 1830's brought an influx of tradesmen and artisans, hence forming the village of Murroe in the surrounding area.

There are vast grounds around the Abbey and a variety of outbuildings, statues and gardens, making for an interesting visit. Glenstal Abbey is also a boarding school for secondary level students and has a library, playing pitches and tennis courts. There are a number of monks that live on the grounds who volunteer in the community who do works that include administration, adult education, running a shop, retreat giving, gardening, beekeeping, the Oblate Programme and academic study.



I found the Abbey interesting because it wasn't full of visitors and tourists and gave me an insight into a present-day functioning Abbey. There were no tour guides and you were free to check out most areas of the place. I looked around the church which had some beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. As I made myself around the grounds, the tranquility of Glenstal stood out to me the most and all of the people I saw were very welcoming and friendly.



I found the scenery on the grounds beautiful with trees, wildlife and flowers scattered around. There also was a river passing through the area. From my visit to Glenstal Abbey, I found it to be a tranquil, fascinating area which would be perfect for a retreat and to reflect on things.



Michael Brennan (11120312)

UL Sport Arena Swimming Pool

The University Limerick Sports Arena is home to the national 50 meter pool. This pool is Olympic sized which means it is 50 meters long, 25 meters wide and has 10 lanes. The shallow end of the pool has an adjustable floor so its depth can be varied depending on the particular activity. It was the first ever Olympic sized swimming pool in Ireland and it is the only one in Ireland which has the approval of FINA (an international swimming body recognized by the International Olympic Committee).

The swimming pool is open every day and is available for students of UL as well as members of the public. It offers lessons for all levels of swimmers (from beginners to advanced) and for all age groups (from toddlers to adults). It also offers the use of a sauna, a steam room, shower and changing facilities and lockers.

The lessons provided by the Sports Arena pool are:

• Parent and Toddler
• Children 3-6 years water confidence lessons
• Children over 6 lessons for beginners, improvers, advanced improvers and advanced
• Adult lessons for beginners, improvers, advanced improvers and advanced.
• Swim Inc.: Swimming Inclusive (which is shortened to Swim Inc.) is a programme for children aged between 5 and 10 in the Limerick city area who have disabilities. It aims to teach these children the skills needed to participate in sport in a fun, supportive way.  It was developed when a local Physiotherapist and a local Sports Scientist identified the need for it. Students of the Physical Education and Sports Science degree volunteer at this successful program.

Other activities in the pool include:

• Water Safety classes
• Canoe Polo
• Waterpolo
• Sub-Aqua Diving 

Each year over 500,000 customers (including international sport athletes) use the arena swimming pool. The pool has links with management of many swimming clubs (such as the GreatBritain Olympic squad and Villanova Universityin USA) who have agreed to send future camps back to Limerick.

Aoife O'Dwyer

(11131888)

Raggle Taggle Consortium

Raggle Taggle Consortium is a gallery exhibiting artists based in Limerick which was set up by the "Creative Limerick - Connect To The Grid" initiative. The Creative Limerick initiative, which began two years ago in 2009, aims to enhance Limerick City and make it more appealing to the general public. Creative Limerick seeks out vacant properties in the heart of the city. It offers the space to creative practitioners and local business entrepreneurs in the hope of creating some new publicity for Limerick city, improving its appearance by having empty buildings put to use and generating some much needed footfall to boost the local economy. In my opinion, the best thing about this initiative is that Creative Limerick work hand-in-hand with the third-level institutions to showcase students talents and skills during an era where this may be otherwise impossible.

Raggle Taggle Consortium is a collective of Limerick based artists. Creating and facilitating a forum for artists and students, to augment critical analysis with their art practice is our primary focus.

On the corner of the Henry Street / Liddy Street / Sarsfield Street junction, Raggle Taggle Consortium resides in the old National Irish Bank. They are currently showcasing an exhibition titled "Abandoned Mansions Of Ireland" by Tarquin Blake. This exhibition will run from the 22nd of October to the 11th of November of this year. It is based on the author's acclaimed and bestselling book full of his very own photographs for this project which he began in 2008. Tarquin believes that by recording and documenting these ruins he is protecting our heritage, and I must admit that I agree! Unfortunately, when I found Raggle Taggle Consortium, they were only setting up this exhibition and I hadn't the chance to view it, but I plan on doing so very soon!

(LK 11108371)

Ul Sports Arena

University of Limerick Sports Arena

The University of limericks sports arena is the largest indoor sports complex in the country.The arena is located on campus just beside the student village of Killmurry, Castletroy.

Inside the Arena.




Inside the arena there are four wooden courts. These courts can be adjusted to suit many styles of sports like basketball. Above these courts there is a suspended 20m jogging track. The university arena also has a 50m swimming pool a landmark that the arena can be very proud of as it is the first and only pool in the country to be made to Olympic standerds. Alongside the pool there are showers, steam rooms and saunas. The arena also has all the equipment you would expect to find in any gym (i.e weights). The upper floor of the gym contains an elite training gym that is used by both the Munster and Irish rugby team. Meeting Irish rugby stars is another plus to this arena and another reason why every year it caters for over 500 thousand people.

Irish and Munster rugby star Ronan O' Gara with the U.l arena in the background

Boxing at the u.l arena

Events.


 The University arena also holds events such as pro and amateur boxing. The University Arena hosted the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games. The arena has also strayed away from sporting events as held a concert for the group "Basshunter" in 2009







The arena and the collage


The arena shows a great love for all the collage students. Firstly the arena offers a discounted offer for the year for all u.l students. Also many clubs gain use from the arena (see below for snorkel training in the u.l pool). Also collage courses such as P.E teaching and sports and excersise science use various parts of the Arena in their labs.






The Arena and its courses


The Arena as well as catering for all the students, sports teams, students and anybody in Limerick holds classes for anybody who wants to avail of them. These classes include total body workout and body attack express.


In conclusion


Limerick is the most sport obeseed county in the entire country in my opinion. Therefore it is fitting that Limerick contain the best sports complex in the country.




Robert Mellotte (11111283)

University of Limerick Sports Arena

The University of Limerick Sports Arena is Irelands largest indoor sports complex. It truly is impressive with four indoor courts, a sprint track, a 400m athletics track and a 200m three-lane jogging track, not to mention the 50m swimming pool. The building also has a state of the art gym, an aerobics studio and a weight-training room. 

So for my assignment I decided to go and see what the UL gym is like. Naturally I dragged my friend along with me! 

Outside view of the Sports Arena

So off the two of us went early on a Friday morning. We paid our entrance fee and left our bags in a locker in the changing rooms. Then we got lost trying to find the gym.. However 10 minutes later we finally found it. We went inside, handed our tickets in and stood there looking around in confusion. Now I have been to a gym before, but its a much smaller gym and not quite as professional looking. The UL gym is MUCH bigger and to be honest I was quite intimidated! Firstly we couldn't figure out how to use some of the machines as they looked different in our local gym. 

So we chose the easiest option. The treadmill. 

5 minutes later and I was beginning to get the hang of this whole gym thing. The treadmill was fine and I hadn't fallen flat on my face (which is always a bonus).

Next thing however a man in sleek running gear stepped up on the treadmill beside me and proceeded to sprint like there was no tomorrow.

So there I was, walking along at a fairly average pace whilst the man beside me was sprinting away without even breaking a sweat. He was also wearing proper running gear, whilst I was wearing tracksuit bottoms, a wonder woman t-shirt and shoes which have seen better days.

The Indoor running track

We spent about an hour in the gym, doing weights and trying to work the machines. Next we decided to go out to the running track to cool down. There we were laughing away over something nonsensical when who did we run into but Gerry Flannery from the Munster Rugby team. We were shocked and this only served to increase our giddy state. After this we walked outside and nearly collapsed when we saw the whole Munster Rugby team training. Being a huge rugby fan I was delighted at the prospect of seeing them train. My friend, being a huge fan of rugby players, was also delighted by this prospect!

First thing we saw when we walked outside!

We walked around the outdoor running track for a half an hour, whilst also watching the team train. 

However it soon became quite cold and windy so we decided that we'd had enough exercise for one day so we collected our bags and went to the Stables to get food.

Overall my first time visiting the UL Sports Arena was quite eventful! We met some rugby players and I figured out how to work a cross-trainer machine! Result!

Vanessa O'Brien (11140399)

Rollerjam

I first learnt of rollerjams existence  by searching the web for interesting activity's that can be done in the city of limerick. I came up with there home page and also there facebook from searching on the net. Rollerjam is a roller skating disco facility that caters for all ages and is located on the ballysimon road in the city east business park.

The venue its self is state of the art and consists of a super sized skating area,top notch lighting and sound equipment and a cafe and also private party rooms.

Roller jam hosts various events such as kids birthdays,corporate/private party's and even stag/hen party's. It also hosts other things such as teenage nights and adult nights and more making it reach out to a wide variety of age groups. It is open for most of the week and its opening hours seem conviniant for the customer.

It has only opened recently enough (the beginning of the year) and is a new and fresh entertainment source to the area and has no competitors in the area but yet the offer very competitive prices and good deals. It has also started new fitness nights which include skate fit(the only one in Ireland),zumba and aerobics

Over all this looks like an interesting place to go to have a different kind of laugh with a few friends and apparently is great exercise too.

~~Tom Reidy(11137258)~~

Limerick City Hall

So I decided to do the Limerick City Hall for this blog. I was in town one day and I decided that the City Hall would be just a good a place as anywhere else for the assignment.

City Hall is located on Merchants Quay in the city right at the bank of the River Shannon. City Hall is where many of the major decisions for the Limerick City Council. They debate over issues concerning the environment and the regeneration of some of Limerick's deprived areas. This building is vital so that all of these decisions can be brought to the peoples attention and hopefully passed in an effort to make Limerick a better place for everybody living in the city and it's surroundings.

I thought the building itself was very modern and it's location within the city makes it easy to access yet out of the way of major traffic flow. This eliminates a heavy build up of road congestion etc. The following are some pictures of me outside the Limerick City Hall.

http://www.limerickcity.ie/Contact/CityHall/

All in all, I found that my trip out to Limerick City Hall was one that has benefited me in many ways.

Sarsfield Barracks - by Allen Wixted (11132906)

Sarsfield Barracks is the only Irish Army Barracks in Limerick City.

It houses both Permanent Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces of the Irish Army Defence Forces.

The facility was built in the late 18^th century by the occupying British army and was handed over in 1920’s following Ireland’s independence. New Barracks was its original name given to it by the British Army and remained until being renamed in honour of Patrick Sarsfiled commencing its surrender to the Irish army. The barracks currently plays its role in the military as the Headquarters of the 1st Southern Brigade (one of 3 Brigade level Barracks).

The barracks is surrounded by its original stone walls. There are three gates along these walls:

1.            Roden Street Gate at Barracks Hill
2.            Scanlon Park and Sarsfield Park
3.          Lord Edward Street (as shown below)

http://www.limerickpost.ie/images/stories/Sarsfield-Barracks-02.jpg

The past years prior to the recession have seen an increase in the level of investment in Defence Forces training and equipment. Over €33.5 million is allocated to improving the military’s buildings in the previous budget’s estimations.

Recently the engineer’s buildings and the Private’s mess have been upgraded and refurbished – costing an estimated €3.5 million.

Since 2002 the army have completed the purchase of:

· 8 new Pilatus aircraft costing €60million

· 65 MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers costing €84m

· The Javelin anti-armour missile system costing €13m and due for delivery in  mid 2005

I’m currently serving with the 31^st Communication and Information Systems Unit (CIS). We are based in the western side of the barracks across 3 storeys of the building. We are in charge of providing protected communications for the whole army and are a specialty unit. I train every Wednesday in a variety of skills such as weapon training, radio use, field-craft, technological equipment, marching and foot-drill ect.

http://www.limerickleader.ie/webimage/sarsfield_barracks_ilim_21_4_11_1_2621992!image/1545512007.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_595/1545512007.jpg

The barracks plays a great host to our training as it has an abundance of equipment. Sadly due to cut backs due to the recession new equipment is often a scarce sight. We mostly train with used weapons and radios from the Ranger Wing. Although in perfect working condition, some radio sets are prone to malfunction, often leading to a temporary halt to our training.

Although a very old compound, Sarsfield Barracks provides a fantastic facility for training full and part-time troops and also serves as a memorial to our nation's history.