Former superintendent of Parks Department reflects on 45 years of service
Michael Sheehan reflects on four decades working with the local parks department
LAST month, Michael Sheehan completed his role as parks superintendent for Limerick City and County Council, to begin a journey into a new and unknown chapter of his life - retirement.
It is now 45 years since Michael walked through the gates of the People’s Park, a public park he would soon know like the back of his hand.
Through the highs and the lows, the now-former parks superintendent watched Limerick change across four decades, from his own viewing stand - the local parks and greenways.
“I am extremely proud to have been a part of a team that helped to improve Limerick’s image by citizens and visitors alike,” Michael said.
Other areas the department was responsible for included the protection and restoration of biodiversity, adhering to the All-Ireland pollinator plan, according to Michael.
“We increased perennial planting which provided colour and interest in every season, and the continuation of the Bridges in Bloom project, urban tree planter project and seasonal flower-shrubs which all enhance our parks.
“Our city centre playgrounds also received upgrades with new and enhanced play features and improved accessibility,” Michael said.
A lot of memories were made during his time as parks superintendent for Limerick council but two events stick out in his mind, the Special Olympics opening ceremony and the Limerick hurlers’ homecoming last year.
Thousands of people lined the streets of Limerick city as 1,500 Special Olympic athletes from every county in Ireland paraded through the city towards the People’s Park for the Special Olympics Ireland Opening Ceremony.
A grand stage was erected at the back of the People’s Park at the St Joseph Street entrance and the park never looked grander.
“To see the excitement on the children’s faces, to see how excited they were during the ceremony, and to see the parents proudly standing by, there was nothing like it.
“It was a brilliant atmosphere. It was certainly a highlight of my time in the Parks Department.”
A more recent occasion saw a sea of green in and around the People’s Park - no, not St Patrick’s Day but the homecoming celebrations after Limerick’s fourth All-Ireland hurling win in-a-row.
That glorious day back in July saw a stage erected in Pery Square as the Limerick senior hurling team, fresh from their victory over Kilkenny in Croke Park the day before, brought the Liam MacCarthy Cup back to Limerick.
The official ceremony was held inside the People’s Park.
Michael recalls the whole occasion as another one of his highlights as parks superintendent.
Another feat of Michael’s was the day the People’s Park became the first park in Ireland to be awarded a green flag back in 2008.
Going from the day-to-day management of the parks in the metropolitan area of Limerick to retirement is a massive change for the Cappa man.
His job involved a lot of liaising with public representatives and local communities.
“I am looking forward to retirement and exploring other avenues,” Michael said.
There have been major changes in the parks of Limerick throughout the years, according to Michael.
“A lot has changed, in particular the facilities that were provided to the public, such as playgrounds and walkways. They have improved enormously in recent years.
“We’ve also had a lot more footfall. A lot more people are using our parks, greenways and walkways in recent times, in particular since Covid.
“The UL walkway, the Baggot Estate and Cleeves Bank are some of the areas that have been improved over the years,” he added.
According to Michael, the works and improvements over the years were a massive team effort.
“I wish my colleagues all the best and I’m sure they will carry on the good work into the years to come to the best of their abilities,” he said.
Being the parks superintendent was a job Michael loved throughout the years and a quote that comes to mind for the Limerick man is one by Mark Twain.
“Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”.