WATCH Limerick City pubs book gets second release raising funds for Down Syndrome Limerick

Will Banks and Dr Paul O’Brien originally launched the Limerick City Pubs book in July, but due to popular demand the book has been rereleased raising funds for Down Syndrome Limerick

Due to popular demand, Will Banks and Dr Paul O’Brien rerelease Limerick City Pubs book raising funds for Down Syndrome Limerick

Taprooms, Taverns & Alehouses: Limerick City Pubs, ca.1820-2024 by Will Banks and Paul O’Brien is a highly illustrated and detailed account of the pub trade in the over nearly 200 years.

Following on from a sold-out first print run of 1,000 books, demand has remained high for a second print run. The authors, along with Down Syndrome Limerick have decided to hold a second launch of their popular book. It makes for an ideal Christmas gift. The book will be available for purchase on the night and full credit card facilities will be available.

During the Lockdown Will Banks and his father Eddie, 85, reminisced about visiting pubs, which at that time seemed such a long way away.

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He said, “We took out a piece of paper and listed all the pubs we could remember in Limerick. We ticked off all the ones we were in. When we did that, we realised between us we were in 95% of them.”

They also realised that the history of Limerick pubs needed to be recorded. That was the genesis of what amounted to a three-year study, culminating in Taprooms, Taverns & Alehouses: Limerick City Pubs, ca.1820-2024.

The authors have written a comprehensive guide to Limerick pubs over the last two centuries. They researched over 1,000 ale-sellers, pubs and publicans who traded in the city since about 1850. Up to the 1960s, over 50 per cent were owned by women. Will and Paul even know the names of some publicans who were trading in the 1760s.

Something which struck the pair was the stark realisation that at least 110 pubs in the city have closed since the early 1970s. The histories of Limerick pubs need to be captured and preserved. There are close to 500 photographs and images in the book, many from private collections.

Part of the research was based on collecting oral histories, including from John Joe and Jerry O’Dea, both of whom have sadly passed away since. These interviews yielded great insight into the trade and also many recollections of funny stories from both sides of the bar counter.

Those who do purchase the book will be helping a very good cause, with all the proceeds going to Down Syndrome Limerick. The relaunch took place in Mary Immaculate College and as part of the launch, over forty items of unique Limerick pub memorabilia were on display in the College foyer (South Circular Road entrance) from 5.30pm as a one-off exhibition.

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick