Sarsfield’s statue deserves recognition, not relocation

LABOUR Party councillor Pádraigh Reale wants the city’s bronze statue of Patrick Sarsfield to stay where it is at Cathedral Place.

The Garryowen native was responding to recent calls from former Limerick Mayor John Gilligan to take the attractive free-standing sculpture of Limerick’s historic hero “out of hiding”.

Gilligan told the Limerick Post earlier this month that he believes the proposed regeneration of Bank Place in Limerick City gives a great opportunity to finally move the striking figure of Patrick Sarsfield from relative obscurity to a place in the spotlight.

”I have admired John Gilligan for many years and have great respect for all he has done for Limerick, particularly during some of the city’s most difficult times. However, on this occasion, I have to respectfully disagree with his views on moving Patrick Sarsfield’s statue,” the City North representative opined.