The following are the clues and solutions to the Limerick History Quiz 1 created by the Tweety Stone

1. What was the former name of Limerick’s Sarsfield Bridge?

  1. Wellington Bridge
  2. Wellwisher’s Bridge
  3. King John’s Bridge
  4. Wellesley Bridge
Show Answer 1

Wellesley Bridge, completed in 1835, named after Arthur Wellesley, ‘The Duke of Wellington’

2. Those operatic career was the ‘Opera Centre,’ a major development proposed for the Patrick St./Rutland St. area, intended to celebrate?

  1. Lola Montez
  2. Lola Hayes
  3. Catherine Coll
  4. Catherine Hayes
Show Answer 2

Catherine Hayes, born in Patrick St., Limerick (born 1818? – died 1861)

3. Who wrote, “Comic History of Limerick,” (Mercier Press, 1979)?

  1. Karl Spain
  2. Mike Finn
  3. Paddy Lysaght
  4. Joe Malone
Show Answer 3

Paddy Lysaght from Thomondgate, a great stalwart of the Thomond Archaeological Society in his day.

4. According to legend, who became Mayor of Limerick simply because he was the first man across Thomond Bridge on a designated Saturday morning?

  1. Seán a’Chóta
  2. Seán a’Scuab
  3. Seán Ó’Méara
  4. Seán de Mórdha
Show Answer 4

Seán a’Scuab (a broom-maker from Cratloe … allegedly!)

5. What was founded by Captain Henri Belletable in 1844, arrived in Limerick in 1868, and soon became the largest of its kind in the world?

  1. Limerick Civic trust
  2. The Belltable Arts Centre
  3. Arch Confraternity
  4. The Wild Geese Association
Show Answer 5

The Arch Confraternity of the Holy Family. Founded in Liege, Belgium in 1844 by Captain Belletable (a Dutchman).

6. The last time an Irish rugby team (male!) beat the ‘All Blacks’ of New Zealand was in Thomond Park, Limerick. What was the year?

  1. 1963
  2. 1966
  3. 1973
  4. 1978
Show Answer 6

1978. The score was 12 – nil!

7. What was Limerick’s main street, O’Connell Street called until it was renamed after Daniel O’Connell?

  1. St. John’s St.
  2. George’s St.
  3. Sarsfield St.
  4. Ború St.
Show Answer 7

George’s Street (named after Britain’s King George IV).

8. Peter Tait’s factory on Edward Street was considered the most modern clothing factory in Europe in the mid 19th Century. Where was the man commemorated by Tait’s Clock in Baker Place born?

  1. Shetland Islands
  2. Channel Islands
  3. Scattery Island
  4. Blasket Islands
Show Answer 8

Shetland Islands (born in Lerwick)

9. What was the ‘Bard of Thomond’s’ real name?

  1. Michael Hogan
  2. Noel Hogan
  3. Galloping Hogan
  4. Aubrey de Vere
Show Answer 9

Michael Hogan (1826? – 1899)

10. William Harvey (1811 – 1866) was born in Limerick. He was a world famous botanist and a friend of Charles Darwin. He was born on the grounds of one of the following Limerick 3rd level institutions – which one?

  1. Limerick College of Art & Design
  2. University of Limerick
  3. Mary Immaculate College
  4. Limerick Institute of Technology, Moylish
Show Answer 10

Mary Immaculate College. He was born in Summerville House, his parents were Rebecca & Joseph Massey Harvey (a Quaker merchant).

You can find another Limerick History Quiz by the Tweety Stone HERE