THE FAMILY and friends of murdered rugby player Shane Geoghegan gathered in Limerick yesterday to mark the first anniversary of his death. And while it was a sad and deeply emotional occasion, his family is determined that he will be remembered for the manner in which he lived and contributed to his community. As part of that process, the Shane Geoghegan Trust has been established to provide children across Limerick with alternatives to anti-social behaviour by making a range of sporting activities available.
The trust was launched recently by former Irish soccer international Niall Quinn and is modelled on the work of the Sunderland FC foundation which encourages children in Britain’s most deprived communities to become involved in sport. A street games project has already been planned for Limerick and Quinn has confirmed that Sunderland will play a charity game in the city next summer to raise funds.
Last year, President Mary McAleese travelled to Limerick to launch the most ambitious regeneration programme undertaken by the State. Areas of the city are blighted by drug dealing and gang wars, with intimidation and anti-social behaviour forming part of a toxic mix. The same kind of conduct that once made life unbearable for law-abiding citizens at Dublin’s Fatima Mansions is being experienced here. The Government must provide the funding if its commitment to community values, basic fairness and social progress is to mean anything.
At this time of economic gloom and high unemployment, the need to reach out to children at risk and to engage them in sporting activities has never been greater. The physical regeneration of deprived districts is only part of the solution. The exercise must involve the provision of recreational and cultural facilities, along with improved health and education services. The newly-refurbished Fatima Mansions complex in Dublin provides a good example of what can be achieved through local co-operation and official commitment.
Involvement in sport will not, of itself, transform the grim situation in which many children find themselves. But it may convince them that people in authority care and that there are positive and enjoyable alternatives to anti-social behaviour. The return of Sunderland footballer Andy Reid to Fatima Mansions at the weekend and the presence of many admiring young fans sent a positive signal. Such community involvement enriches us all. It can be the same for Limerick.