"Tis of Limerick We Sing"

This compact disc/cassette is a compilation of the "Cultural and Sporting" songs of Limerick City and County.Limerick has a long and proud history and these songs have an important part to play in retaining our heritage.

Many thanks must be expressed to the various composers, singers and historians who contributed their time and energy on a voluntary basis to complee this project. The commitments of all those who contributed can only lead one to the conclusion that:

" Dublin may have its Dubliners, but we in Limerick have the Rathbaners and the Westoners, the Boys and Girls of Balla and Der Old Thomandgate, the Soldiers from the the Island Field, the Lads and Lassies of Owen's Garden (Garryowen) and the Toiling, Moiling Men of Park."

The proceeds of this project will be paid in full to Cerebral palsy Limerick. All the singers and composers have provided a waiver on the copyright of their own songs.

Charity

The Limerick Centre for Cerebral Palsy.Mungret caters for 55 children and 20 adults with physical disabilities in the Mid-West of Ireland. We are extremely grateful to the University of Limerick Students' Union project team for choosing C.P.I to be the beneficiaries of all the profits from the sale of this album. They are to be congratulated on their foresight in collecting the anthology of songs from which the tracks were selected. It is a dream realised for project leader Dermot Hartigan, whose idea it was.

Many thanks to all the singers, poets and songwriters who have given their services and royalties free to aid the physically disabled. These songs of Limerick City and County reflect the extraordinary improvements in our culture and environment in the area, due to the inspired leadership initiatives by Limerick Corporation, Shannon Development Company and Limerick County Council, all of whom gave encouragement and support for this album. Their outstanding work has helped make Limerick a good place in which to be.

Paul O'Connor
Marketing Manager
CPI Limerick

For more information on CPI, visit our website at: www.cpi.com

Message from the Mayor

As Mayor of Limerick, I am delighted to congratulate the University of Limerick Students' Union project team and Cerebral Palsy Ireland on the excellent production of this compact disc of songs of Limerick City and County.

For music and all that goes with it, there are few places like Limerick. Already designated as a centre for musical excellence, Limerick is proud of its University Concert Hall and World Music Centre. The popular music scene is constantly boosted by the international success of Limerick talent and traditional music is thriving in the city and county. When it comes to music, limerick is certainly becoming a lady - with style.

Limerick is an old city, having been chartered in 1197. Since then, the city has had been a Mayor and Council every year and I am greatly honoured to have been elected as First Citizen in this millenium year.

Today, Limerick with a population of 75,000, is a vibrant, modern, lovely city with new developments currently tqaking place. We have three Third Level Institutions and are the centre in Europe for the Microchip Industries.

I have no doubt "Tis of Limerick We Sing" will make a favourable impact in Limerick and I wish the CD every success.

Cllr. Jack Bourke, Mayor of Limerick.

For more information on Limerick Corporation visit us at Limerick Corporation

Shannon Development

Shannon Development is the integrated development company responsible for the Shannon Region. Its work involves the stimulation of many different economic activities, with various interests coming together to make the fullest use of the area's human and natural resources, towards a comman objective - integrated regional development.

In Limerick this focus has achieved a unity of purpose among all interests and and an ability to respond quickly and comprehensively to every opportunity. The company's industrial development objective has been achieved by attracting modern, high technology manufacturers in the electronics, engineering and similiar sectors, where such industries grew three times faster in the Shannon Region than elsewhere in the country. Latterly, similiar successes have been achieved in the internationally traded "services" sector.

A vibrant tourism industry is vital to the economy of the West of Ireland. Shannon Development enhanced the natural attractions of the Region by the development of focal points for visitors based on its historical riches. The establishment of historical theme parks and banquets in restored medieval castles was highly innovative and became a successful multi-million pound business with an annual throughput of some 60,000 visitors. The Region is the most advanved tourism destination in Ireland, with a wide range of visitor attractions, which have contributed greatly to its successes as a destination for both overseas and domestic holidaymakers.

We are delighted to be associated with this fine musical production that celebrates all things of Limerick and gives expression to the spirit of Limerick in a unique way. I have no doubt that this CD wil prove a great success.

Liam McElligott
Chairman,
Shannon Development.

For more information on Shannon Development, visit us at: Shannon Development

Limerick County Council

While the City of Limerick received its charter in 1197, the County of Limerick dates from the year 1210, when King John of England estrablished the first 12 Irish counties, Limerick being one of them.

Comprising of an area of slightly more than 1000 square miles, the County's significant historical and geographical features are manifested in the County's official "Coat of Arms", inscribed in the Irish language "Cuimhnigh ar Luimneach" (meaning remember Limerick).

Which was the war cry of th eWild Geese.

Limerick County Council was established as an authority of the County and celebrated it's centenary during 1999.

The energy now in County Limerick is quite pronounced, with the main towns in the County like Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Killmallock, Abbeyfeale andCastleconnell thriving. Smaller towns in their hinterland are also facing the challenges of the future with more confidence.

The Council is striving to retain and generate vitality in the County's town and villages in an environmentally friendly way, but with out question Limerick County Council's most important resource, is the warmth and friendliness of its people.

For more information on Limerick County Council, visit us at: Limerick County Council

Michael O'Kelly,
Chairman,
Limerick County Council.