Collection offers readers stroll down memory lane

AUTHOR Seán Curtin is more acquainted than most with the people, streets and changing face of Limerick for a period spanning more than 100 years.

For the past 30 years he has amassed thousands of old photographs and, with great perseverance and research, has put names to many faces long gone.

His research has gone into publications called Limerick: Stroll Down Memory Lane.

Now he is ready to launch his ninth edition – a 103-page coffee table size high quality volume.

Sean said: “I started collecting old Limerick photographs in the 1970s after meeting the great Limerick historian Kevin Hannan who worked with Jim Kemmy to publish and edit the Old Limerick Journal. I felt it important to record the changing face of Limerick and its people over the decades through pictures taken by its citizens..”

The latest volume, he said, is more historic than social.

Seán said: “A former colleague of mine, Martin Naughton and his wife Norma, have given me some heretofore unpublished Civil War pictures from Limerick.”

Seán’s collection includes numerous images taken at the motor grand prix events staged through the streets of Limerick in 1935, 1936 and 1938.

He said: “International drivers came from many parts of the world to race in the grand prix.

“The Duke of Grafton was killed in the 1936 race and I have a picture of the accident scene. I also have pictures taken of him before the fatal crash. Another driver who came was Prince Bira of Siam. The cars travelled at speeds of over 83mph.”

While collecting the pictures has taken up lots of time, Seán puts a huge amount of research in getting names of people in various photographs.

“I have only got one name wrong,” he said.

nMore information can be obtained on www.memorylanelimerick.com