The following are the clues and solutions to the Limerick History Quiz 2 created by the Tweety Stone

Q.1. Last Word by the Listener and I Mo Scríobháíl Féín (In My Own Scribble) were popular columns in The Limerick Leader in the 1960s, ’70s & ’80s. Who was the author of these often wry accounts of local politics, history and cultural affairs?

  1. Paschal O Grady
  2. Mainchín Seoighe
  3. Séamus Ó Cinnéidé
  4. John B. Keane

Show Answer 1

Séamus Ó Cinnéide

A selection of articles written by Séamus Ó Cinnéíde, who died in 1992, appeared in Last Word by the Listener (University of Limerick Press, 1999) edited by Eoin Devereux (Séamus’ nephew).

Q.2. Which of the following was located on Limerick’s Thomas Street (late 19th to mid 20th Century)?

  1. National Hotel
  2. Geary’s Hotel
  3. Hanratty’s Hotel
  4. Finn’s Hotel

Show Answer 2

Geary’s Hotel

Geary’s Hotel was once located at 45 Thomas St, and  later of 49/50 Thomas Street

Q.3. Pete St. John, who wrote The Fields of Athenry, is a brother-in-law of which former Mayor of Limerick?

  1. Gerry McLoughlin
  2. Jack Bourke
  3. Tony Bromell
  4. Jim Kemmy
Show Answer 3

Jack Bourke

Jack Bourke’s uncle Peadar O Cearnaigh wrote the words of [i]Amhrán na bhFiann[/i]

Q.4. Where was the 1919 Munster hurling final between Limerick and Cork played?

  1. Thomond Park
  2. L.P.Y.M.A. Grounds
  3. Gaelic Grounds
  4. Markets Field

Show Answer 4

Markets Field

Cork won the match; it was the first time Cork wore red jerseys .

Q.5. What was the name of the Unlucky Cabin Boy who lost his life in very gruesome circumstances aboard the Francis Spaight in 1835?

  1. Patrick O Brien
  2. Patrick O Sullivan
  3. Patrick O Connell
  4. Patrick Ryan

Show Answer 5

Patrick O Brien

O Brien’s short life and tragic death are recalled in Mike Finn’s musical play, The Unlucky Cabin Boy

Q.6. In what year was Limerick department store Todds completely destroyed by fire?

  1. 1939
  2. 1949
  3. 1959
  4. 1969

Show Answer 6

1959

Todds was rebuilt and reopened in 1963.  In recent years, Todds was rebranded as Brown Thomas.

Q.7. Which of the following was a brand-name used by the world famous Limerick Clothing Company?

  1. Treatywear
  2. Shannonwear
  3. Sarsfield Suits
  4. Taitwear

Show Answer 7

Shannonwear

“Shannonmac” was another highly regarded L.C.F. brand

Q.8. In 1820, the ‘Colleen Bawn Trial’ was held in the old City Courthouse on Bridge Street in Limerick. At this trial, the great Daniel O Connell defended John Scanlon.  What was the name of the young girl Scanlon was accused of murdering?

  1. Mary O Brien
  2. Bridget Hayes
  3. Catherine Byrne
  4. Ellen Hanley

Show Answer 8

Ellen Hanley

Daniel O Connell was on the losing side on this occasion. Scanlon was found guilty of murder and hanged.

Q.9. What was the name of the large island in the Shannon chosen by Norse/Viking  settlers over 1,000 years ago as a perfect site to establish a colony? (This colony eventually became’ Limerick City’).

  1. St. Thomas Island
  2. Shannon Island
  3. Inis Sibhtonn
  4. Inis Cealtra

Show Answer 9

Inis Sibhtonn

The Norse/Vikings called their new colony on the Shannon ‘Hlymrerkr’.

Q.10. In the 6th Century, who is supposed to have prayed that strangers would always prosper in Limerick but the natives would be unfortunate and unsuccessful?

  1. Sarsfield
  2. St. Munchin
  3. St. Ita
  4. Dónal Mór O Brien
Show Answer 10

St. Munchin

While building Limerick’s first church, some locals refused to help Munchin’s workers, but passing strangers gladly assisted them. The ‘Curse of St. Munchin’ soon followed…

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