Limerick Council staff raise over €4,500 in memory of much-loved colleague

Agnes Donnelly Cosgrave, Anne Buckley, Pat O’Leary, Ann O’Dea Buckley, Marie O’Neill, Ger O’Connell, Anne Linnane, Jean Enright at the cheque presentation to the IMNDA

placeholder image — Agnes Donnelly Cosgrave, Anne Buckley, Pat O’Leary, Ann O’Dea Buckley, Marie O’Neill, Ger O’Connell, Anne Linnane, Jean Enright at the cheque presentation to the IMNDA

Popular lady Nora O'Leary passed away from motor neurone disease two years after retiring

THE late Nora O’Leary’s work colleagues in Limerick City and County Council meant so much to her that they were included in her death notice.

The feeling was more than reciprocated by those that she worked with as they have raised over €4,500 for charity in her memory.

Nora O’Leary (née O’Sullivan), of The Grove, Shandrum, Charleville, County Cork and Dromcollogher, County Limerick, passed away on June 18, 2025 after an illness bravely borne.

Her passing was deeply regretted by her best friend and heartbroken husband Pat, loving children Jonathan and Brid (her partner Eoin), brothers Edward, William and Martin, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces Norma and Áine, nephew Séan, her colleagues in Limerick City and County Council, neighbours, relatives and friends.

One of those colleagues in the council is Ger O’Connell, Pallasgreen.

The former long-serving kitman to the Limerick senior hurling team said Nora was a very popular lady and held in very high esteem among her colleagues and friends.

“She succumbed to the dreaded motor neurone disease in June 2025 after many years working in Limerick City and County Council.

“She had only retired from her job two years prior to this and unfortunately didn't get the chance to enjoy her well-earned retirement,” said Ger.

He said a number of them came together and decided to hold a coffee morning to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) in memory of Nora (pictured below).

“It turned out to be an amazing success with so many staff turning out and supporting it in different ways.

“It shows the respect in which Nora was held within the organisation.

“In total, along with the staff humanitarian fund, a magnificent sum of €4,517 was raised,” said Ger.

IMNDA has a special place in the hearts of Pallasgreen people due to the care that the charity gave to the late Cllr Mary Harty, who passed away in 2014 from the rare, progressive neurological condition.

IMNDA is the primary care and support organisation for people living with motor neurone disease, their families, caregivers, and friends.

Poignantly, the cheque presentation took place in Nora's own home in recent times where warm memories of her were shared around.