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Limerick Family Planning Clinic celebrates 50 years of care on Saturday, October 11

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Limerick Family Planning Clinic celebrates 50 years of care on Saturday, October 11. Pictured are Mary O Donell, Ferga Grant, Dr Sarah Anne Bennett, Dr Phillip Cullen, Dr Paul O Sullivan, and Caroline Hayes

Celebrating 50 years of care, Limerick Family Planning Clinic hosts an anniversary documentary and concert evening on Saturday, October 11

Limerick family planning clinic
Damien Drea, Eve Stafford, Jane Fraser, Edwina Van Kuyk, Sarah Anne Bennett, and Philomena O’Brien will perform on the evening.

Limerick comes together this autumn to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Limerick Family Planning Clinic, marking a true community milestone.

Since 1975, the clinic has provided vital support and advocacy in reproductive health, helping generations of families access care, information, and dignity.

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the Millennial Theatre at TUS, the clinic invites the public to an unforgettable evening featuring a special anniversary documentary premiere and a concert with leading local musicians.


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Founded during a time when contraception was still banned in Ireland, the clinic broke barriers from the very beginning. Early campaigners like Ferga Grant and Cathie Chappell gave their time and energy to ensure women and families in Limerick could access safe, professional advice.

Ferga Grant says, “We knew change was needed, and we were determined to make it happen.”

As Ferga recalls, “We couldn’t even legally sell condoms, which is unbelievable when you think about it now. But we knew change was needed, and we were determined to make it happen.”

Half a century later, the clinic now supports thousands of people every year, from young adults seeking contraception to women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

The team is led by medical director Dr Sarah Anne Bennett, who says, “The clinic’s strength is in its community. We are proud to provide services at every stage of reproductive life, and we’re excited to celebrate the people who made this possible.”

The anniversary concert will feature outstanding local talent, with performances from Damien Drea, Eve Stafford, Jane Fraser, Edwina Van Kuyk, Sarah Anne Bennett, and Philomena O’Brien. Together, they will bring music, energy, and emotion to this landmark celebration in the form of a song story.

Founded during a time when contraception was still banned in Ireland, the clinic broke barriers from the very beginning. Pictured is Mary O’Connell.

The accompanying documentary tells the remarkable story of how the clinic began, the challenges it faced, and the impact it has made on Limerick life over five decades. Through interviews and archival material, audiences will hear first-hand the voices of those who built, supported, and benefited from this pioneering service.

“This celebration is about courage, resilience, and the power of community,” says Dr Sarah Anne Bennett. “It’s a chance to honour the past while looking forward to the future of reproductive healthcare in Ireland.”

Tickets are on sale now, with proceeds helping support the ongoing work of the clinic. Everyone is welcome to be part of this historic evening of reflection, storytelling, and song.

Tickets are available to purchase online now.

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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.