Limerick Post Editorial
THE decision taken by JP McManus to request a low profile ceremony in City Hall this Wednesday, for the handing over of a medallion in his honour, to be included on the Mayoral chain, is to be applauded.
The corporate sector section at City Hall advised Mayor Jim Long that the media was to be excluded from the event and that a press release and photographs would instead be issued.
Former Mayor Cllr Kevin Kiely, had initiated the idea to honour Mr McManus for what he described as the success of his horse Don’t Push It in the Grand National at Aintree, but as the Limerick Post reported, went on something of a solo run and did not adhere to protocol.
It emerged that leading figures in City Hall had reservations about the wording.
There is a train of thought that Mr McManus is a person who values his privacy and while it will not be disputed that he was a worthy recipient of past honours bestowed on him in his native county, his request for a low profile ceremony on this occasion might be construed as sending out a veiled message to others who might entertain thoughts of further recognising his contribution to local life.
Limerick City Hall must be unique in that it has a hall dedicated to Mr McManus’ Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq, and the Mayoral Chain featuring a medallion celebrating the success of another horse, Grand National winner, Don’t Push It, also owned by Mr McManus.
