Limerick Soviet note estimated at €1,500

ECHOES of the Limerick Soviet, which ran the city, printed its own money and organised a food supply in 1919, come up at the next sale at Limerick Auction Rooms on Oct 23.

Among the lots is an extremely rare Limerick Soviet shilling note which is estimated at €1,000- €1,500.

In Limerick the Soviet, which drew world attention, ran from Apr 15 - 27 in 1919. At the beginning of the War of Independence a general strike was called by the Limerick Trades’ and Labour Council to protest the British Army designation of Limerick city and parts of the county, as a special military area. The strike ended after two weeks.

The ten shilling note is inscribed: “April Limerick 1919. General Strike Against British Militarism. The workers of Limerick promise to pay the bearer ten shillings. The Limerick Trades and Labour Council.” The note is signed by George Cronin, chairman and James Casey, treasurer.