by Kathy Masterson
ANTI-Austerity Alliance councillor Cian Prendiville says he is disappointed that Limerick City and County Council voted against his proposal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the visit of revolutionary icon Che Guevara to Limerick.
Cllr Prendiville had submitted a motion to “erect a plaque at or near Hanratty’s Hotel, Glentworth Street, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Che Guevara’s visit to Limerick on March 13 1965” to the Metropolitan district’s monthly meeting.
“Che Guevara is a figure who has inspired millions of people around the world and continues to do so today. His image is seen on protests across the globe from anti-austerity movements across Latin America, to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
“Thousands of people here in Limerick have his image on their walls, t-shirts or bags. Yet few realise his connections to Limerick and the Mid West. Another little-known fact is the famous image of Che Guevara was produced by a local artist called Jim Fitpatrick who met him in Kilkee,” commented Cllr Prendiville.
Pointing out that Guevara’s full name was Ernesto Guevara Lynch, the City North councillor said he had hoped that a plaque would help to raise awareness of Che Guevara’s Irish connections, but added that he would “definitely be involved in other efforts to commemorate this anniversary in March”.
During the meeting, Fine Gael councillor Michael Hourigan suggested that a committee should be established to “decide what statues and plaques” are erected in Limerick.
Sinn Féin councillor Séighin O’Ceallaigh commented: “A couple of years ago Clare remembered Muhammad Ali’s visit, and Che Guevara is no different.
“It’s something we should be proud of, that such a figure who travelled the whole world knew where little old Limerick was.”
However, Fianna Fáil councillor Shane Clifford warned that the Metropolitan district “should be careful” who it decides to honour.
“Che Guevara was an iconic figure for revolutionaries but there were also a lot of accusations about the executions of thousands of people who didn’t agree with his political views
“I have no problem with the plaque. I’m neither condemning nor condoning Che Guevara, I just think there’s too many unanswered questions,” he said.
