On Friday last, Limerick City and County Council hosted a Civic Reception, (one of the highest accolades at the disposal of Limerick City and County Council for any individual, group or organisation,) to honour our local newspaper, the Weekly Observer, on the occasion of its fortieth year in publication. The reception was held at Áras Seán Finn, the area office of Limerick City and County Council, Rathkeale, and hosted by Cathaoirleach Adam Teskey. The owners, Mary and Jerry Morrissey were presented with a scroll in honour of their great achievement. Congratulatory speakers included Councillors Kevin Sheahan and Stephen Keary. Adam Teskey said that the Weekly Observer is “part and parcel of West Limerick.” In the era of global media ownership, it’s heartening that Mary and Jerry Morrissey are as enthusiastic today as they were when the first Weekly Observer was published forty years ago. The paper has been and still is the heartbeat of West Limerick, with its extensive coverage of local news, sport, and social activities. The photographic coverage is incredible, there hasn’t been a child or adult in West Limerick who hasn’t had their photo in the paper at some stage,” Councillor Teskey added.
Kevin Sheahan spoke about the paper’s ability to report without prejudice and applauded the fact that every voice is allowed to be heard within the community. Councillor Keary reiterated this and said “there isn’t a home in West Limerick that doesn’t have a copy of the Weekly Observer on its table every Wednesday.
Mary graciously accepted the scroll on behalf of all who work at the paper, thanking the Council, and made special mention of those who had sadly gone to their eternal reward, Michael Hanley and Jerry Molyneaux. The families of both of these great contributors were present, including Jerry’s wife Bernie and daughter Cora and also family members of the late Mike Hanley, Nancy Markham, Joan Markham and his sister Catherine who lives in England, Both Jerry and Michael played pivotal roles during their time with the paper, and they will never be forgotten and always appreciated. May they rest in peace.
As previously stated by Councillor Teskey, a family-run publication, independent of global media is an invaluable asset to any locality. The Weekly Observer has survived financial recessions in the past, and more recently, the Covid Pandemic, which proved challenging for so many businesses. There’s no secret to the success of the publication, but, as Mary stated in her address, the contributors and staff have always been resolute in their efforts to make it the best paper for both local and national events. She paid tribute to long standing contributors, and to younger writers who are currently on board.
The paper can be justifiably proud of its coverage and support of small and medium businesses and is never found wanting in its reports of the many start- ups that have taken place in the area. It also features and celebrates the lives of many people, those who have achieved much, and the many people who have contributed voluntarily to their localities. These stories are invaluable historical accounts that will serve providence well. Community groups and organisations have always been given space, and the paper has never shied away from reporting events at national level.
Afterwards, people mingled and enjoyed catching up over a superb buffet laid out in honour of the event. The employees and contributors to the paper are one big happy family, and with Mary and Jerry at the helm, it’s to be hoped that the Weekly Observer and its sister publications will continue to celebrate success for the next forty years and more. Congratulations to all.