Two decades of Limerick City Fairtrade support celebrated with special event

Two decades of Limerick City Fairtrade support celebrated with special event

Two decades of support for Fairtrade Ireland were celebrated in style with Limerick City Fairtrade City at Istabraq Hall

Limerick city’s Fairtrade City status was celebrated in style at Istabraq Hall as the Fairtrade committee joined with students, Limerick City Tidy Towns, former Mayors and former Fairtrade committee members to acknowledge two decades of support for Fairtrade Ireland.

The event took place on Monday, November 24, and as part of the Fairtrade awareness programme, the students created Christmas cards centred on the Fairtrade message of promoting fair trading practices between Ireland and developing countries.

Christmas cards were created by pupils of all ages, ranging from 5 up to 18, and involved schools across the city and county. The cards illustrate what Fairtrade means to the pupils.

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Winners of  Fairtrade Limerick Schools Christmas Card Competition 2025 were announced on the day with 1st Prize going to Catherine Payyapilly, Our Lady of Lourdes NS, Rosbrien; 2nd Prize to Ruby Gilmour, Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally; 3rd Prize for Ailbhe Kilroy, Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough; and 4th Prize awarded to Faye Waldron, St John’s NS, Cratloe.

42 students were also recognised as “Highly Commended” at the event, represernting 11 schools from across Limerick, the schools were Our Lady of Lourdes NS Rossbrien; St Mary’s NS Abbeyfeale; Knockainey NS; St John’s NS, Cratloe; Milford NS Castletroy; Knockea NS, Co. Limerick; Donoughmore NS, Co. Limerick; Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough; Corpus Christi NS Moyross; An Mhodhscoil, Limerick; and Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally. 

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented that the two-decade celebration is a “testament to what we can achieve when we act together for fairness and dignity”. He said, “We have developed a proud tradition of looking beyond the label to the lives and communities our choices impact every day. I am also inspired by the creativity and commitment shown by our young people in this year’s Christmas Card Competition. It is again amplifying the message that trade should ultimately put people first. As Mayor, I want us to continue to lead by example, ensuring Limerick’s voice for justice and sustainability grows stronger with every generation.”

Dolores O’Meara, Chairperson Limerick Fairtrade City group said it was “wonderful” to celebrate 20 years of Limerick as a Fairtrade City. She said, “A lot has changed in that time. Limerick citizens have become more aware of the Fairtrade logo and understand that it guarantees a fair price for Fairtrade farmers in the developing world who produce the tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate and bananas that we consume every day.  However, we cannot become complacent. We must continue to support Fairtrade farmers to trade their way out of poverty by making our practice to purchase items with the Fairtrade logo.”

Helen O Donnell, Chairperson of Limerick City Tidy Towns, who presented the awards added, “I am delighted to present these prizes on the 20th anniversary of Fairtrade in Limerick. The Limerick City Fairtrade Committee has made enormous strides throughout Limerick city and county during this time. The importance of supporting Fairtrade produce has significant benefits for small producers and family businesses. I am familiar with Zawadi coffee. It is the first Fairtrade certified coffee owned by smallholder women farmers in Kenya. Men in Kabngetuny cooperative society transferred coffee bushes to their wives and daughters thereby enabling them to own assets that would empower them economically. Zawadi is Swahili for gift!”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added, “I would like to thank all of the pupils involved for taking part in this year’s competition and a massive congratulations to the winners! By supporting Fairtrade, you join a movement for trade that values people over profit. Together, our voices are stronger.”

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly said the Council is delighted to continuously support this initiative, “Fairtrade is about fairness—ensuring that the people behind the products are treated with respect and rewarded for their work. Every choice adds to a collective voice for change. Your creative card designs bring this story to life and make the message visible to all. Thank you all for your involvement and congratulations to this year’s winners!”