The Lions Tour

Monday April 27th, 2009

Statement by the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan, on the announcement of Paul O'Connell as captain of the British and Irish Lions and the inclusion of Limerick men Keith Earls, David Wallace and Jerry Flannery in the squad

"I'm absolutely delighted that Paul O'Connell has been given this huge honour. He’s been exemplary for Munster and Ireland and I have no doubt he will be an inspirational captain for the Lions. The signature tune of Munster is Stand Up and Fight, that's the one thing Paul has always done, he has lead from the front. As Mayor of Limerick city I'm delighted that a Limerick man has been accorded such an honour. We look forward to him coming back from South Africa as one of the most successful Lions players ever.
We are a city that loves all sports, but we are particularly proud of our contingent of rugby people. These are the people that represent the true face of Limerick, the true nature of Limerick.
We say to Paul O'Connell, Keith Earls, David Wallace and Jerry Flannery; go out there, and do Limerick proud. That's all we can ask for because we're all very proud of you."