Southill Dalai Lama appeal

APPEALS were renewed yesterday for Southill to be included in the Dalai Lama’s visit to Limerick on April 14.

It was originally hoped the spiritual leader would pay a short visit to Southill, but his plans were altered due to a tight schedule.

Southill-based Cllr Jim Long, designated by Fine Gael to be the next mayor of Limerick, yesterday made another appeal for the Dalai Lama to visit the huge estate.

He said: “There was great excitement when it was reported in the media he would be coming to Southill. Plans were made for a big welcome with flags and buntings. People in Southill are now asking are they not good enough for the great man to come among them? The Dalai Lama is a man of forgiveness and that is the type of person Southill needs to meet and listen to.”

Cllr Long added: “As a local representative I have no issue with the Dalai Lama over the change of plans but I am disappointed with those who have organised his Limerick visit.”

The Dalai Lama will visit the University of Limerick where he will talk to an audience who will include invited dignitaries.

Such has been the demand for places it has been moved form the 1,000 seat UL Concert Hall to the UL Sports Arena which can hold 3,000.

Tickets costing €25 were snapped up within hours of going on sale.

A spokesperson for UL said yesterday while there had been media speculation the Dalai Lama was going to visit Southill, it had never been confirmed.

The spokesperson said: “It was always just a UL visit and it will be the biggest indoor event we have ever held such has been the demand for tickets.”

The Dalai Lama will be in Limerick for just three hours.