Slam Dunk Monks from New York are ‘in the hood’ to help Moyross residents

THEY have worked in some of the poorest regions of the planet, and now a group of Franciscan friars will try and bring back a sense of hope and stability to one of Limerick’s most notorious crime black spots.

Dubbed the Slam Dunk Monks for their work in the slums of New York, the friars opened their chapel on the sprawling Moyross estate on Saturday.

Brother Shawn O’Connor is one of five members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The 45-year-old taught disturbed children in New York before joining the order, which was formed in New York in 1987 with eight friars.