Friends of The Bard Michael Hogan Meeting 17th Jan 2025 Thomondgate, Limerick.

(Video: Patrick Thomas Howard)
A significant cultural initiative was launched today at Thomond Gate, where local heritage advocates gathered outside the former Whelans pub on New Road to champion the recognition of one of Limerick's most notable literary figures. The campaign, spearheaded by Pat Murphy, aims to establish a lasting memorial to Michael Hogan, the celebrated Bard of Thomond, at his birthplace.
Michael Hogan (1832-1899), known throughout Limerick and beyond as the Bard of Thomond, was a working-class poet whose verses captured the spirit and struggles of 19th-century Limerick. His literary contributions, including works like "Lays and Legends of Thomond" and his sharp political satires, have left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape.
The timing of this campaign is particularly strategic, as Limerick City and County Council currently has plans for redevelopment of the site. The Friends of the Bard are advocating for the integration of a commemorative element into these new developments, ensuring that this significant historical connection is not lost to future generations.
The former Whelans pub, a landmark in its own right at Thomond Gate, stands at a crossroads of Limerick's history - both literally and figuratively. The location's proximity to King John's Castle and the medieval heart of the city makes it an ideal spot for cultural heritage recognition.
The campaign underscores a growing awareness of the need to preserve and celebrate Limerick's rich literary heritage, particularly in locations that hold special significance to the city's cultural story. This initiative could potentially create another point of interest in Limerick's expanding cultural trail, connecting the city's past with its future development plans.