'We have different recollections': Limerick mayor claims council director 'manhandled' him

Pat Daly described altercation as a 'fairly robust exchange' and that John Moran threw council staff 'under the bus' during radio interview

John Moran: 'My focus is on delivering for Limerick, driving local government reform, and making the directly elected mayor model work.' File picture

Limerick mayor John Moran has claimed he was “physically manhandled” by council director general Pat Daly.

Claims of the altercation come as tensions have been brewing inside Limerick’s council chambers.

John Moran told The Currency he was “physically manhandled out the way” by Mr Daly after the pair clashed over an interview given by Mr Moran to a radio station in Limerick in October 2025.

Mr Daly described the altercation as a “fairly robust exchange” and claimed Mr Moran threw council staff “under the bus” during his radio interview.

Mr Moran told the Irish Examiner: “As Pat says in the article, he was 'upset' that morning following the interview, and he has described what followed as ‘a fairly robust exchange’. 

"My own account is also set out there. We have different recollections, but I don’t intend to add to that. My focus is on delivering for Limerick, driving local government reform, and making the directly elected mayor model work."

It comes as Mr Moran launched a broadside at a number of councillors in February, accusing them of being “hostile” towards him.

He issued a statement on his website outlining what happened during the seven‑hour meeting held to finalise a corporate plan, during which he became unwell. 

In his absence, councillors proceeded to pass the plan — despite some members arguing that the meeting should have reconvened once the mayor had an opportunity to review it.

Last week, Limerick Chamber called on the Government to initiate an immediate review of the mayoral legislation. They said there is an urgent need for decisive action to address flaws in the legislation governing the office of the directly elected mayor.

The review may not take place until next year, despite Tánaiste Simon Harris previously stating he wanted to see the assessment begin this year.

Limerick City and County Council was contacted for comment.