Journey away from gang era recalled

A journey away from murder, extreme violence, gang law, and social upheaval was recalled yesterday when a priest spoke of better times now embracing Southill, through the regeneration programme targetting four of Limerick’s most troubled housing estates.

Fr Pat Hogan, parish priest of the Holy Family parish, lived in the heart of Southill, including during the dark times there.

A Canadian government expert visiting prior to the Regeneration programme had said the only other place he had seen such “damaged” children was in Gaza, the priest recalled.