Posthumous honour from UL considered

THE University of Limerick is re-examining plans to honour members of The Cranberries with honorary doctorates, including a posthumous award to be gifted to the family of its late lead singer Dolores O’Riordan.

Metropolitan Mayor of Limerick city, Cllr Sean Lynch, who is a member of UL’s Governing Authority, told the Irish Mail on Sunday that he fully supports the proposal.

The idea of honouring The Cranberries, was brought to the attention of former UL president Dr Roger Downer more than a decade ago by Ber Angley, who promoted the band during their early days. A separate UL source confirmed to the MoS that proposals were also examined in 2015, but the ceremony did not materialise due to logistical reasons as the band were then on tour. Dolores later fell ill due to back pain and their further tours were cancelled. ‘We tend to forget to celebrate people who made a significant contribution to Irish life during their lifetime,’ said Mayor Lynch.

A major memorial concert, possibly in Thomond Park, will also be considered, he said.

Not since the sudden death of rugby legend Anthony Foley in 2016 have Limerick’s citizens been plunged into a week of such mourning.

Large crowds are expected to pay their respects to the late singer as she lies in repose in St Joseph’s Church on O’Connell Avenue in Limerick city today from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Her requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday at 11.30am in Ballybricken, Co Limerick.