Limerick’s only licensed tobacconists is to stop selling cigarettes because of an “epidemic” of illegal trading of smuggled packs on city streets.

As Limerick city centre stands on the cusp of massive transformation through major initiatives by the Limerick City/County Council and the University of Limerick, three businesswomen who steered commercial ventures for decades amid great challenges, are now looking forward to exciting times in the projected new capital of the Mid-West.

ONE of Limerick’s longest established shops which faced closure with the introduction of a new law on the sale of tobacco tomorrow is set to puff on thanks to a special exemption.

WHERE does the time go? Seems like yesterday Jim Purcell was giving a pal a dig out, walking divots back into the Semple Stadium turf.