After 31 years of employment and even longer as a local volunteer, Paddy Flannery retired today, Friday, June 28th, as manager of Moyross Community Enterprise Centre (MCEC). The Mayor of Limerick John Moran joined staff past and present, Paddy’s family and community, academic, Garda and local government agency representatives at a retirement celebration to honour his years of service.
Paddy and his wife Linda first came to Moyross in February, 1975, at an exciting time for residents. They moved into their new home in Cliona Park and 50 years later it’s still their home.
Moyross’s eight housing estates, built in the mid-1970s initially lacked services such as a school, a church, supermarkets, reliable public transport, a library and employment opportunities. However, the community had spirit and spark.

• Centre staff Nicole Hogan, Paddy Flannery (retired) and Karen Lynch.
Paddy – originally from Co. Galway – was a member of the committee that built the first community centre which opened in May, 1992. He was employed as a Community Employment supervisor in the centre in June, 1993, and he became manager of the centre in 1995. This came with responsibilities that went far beyond the centre’s front gate.
Paddy was a key member of the local ‘Moyross Partners’ umbrella group and became recognised nationally for being an action-orientated, optimistic and ambitious community leader and for being willing to speak up during difficult times.
He helped to bring people together and campaigned for the provision of vital services within the community. He helped to develop strong partnerships between local groups and state agencies to tackle issues facing the community.

• People from far and near who came to wish Paddy the best on his retirement.
At the retirement event today, MCEC chairperson Tony Lynch wished him the very best in retirement. He said:
“When Paddy became manager in 1995, we had five core staff and 74 more employees through Job Initiative (JI) and Community Employment (CE) schemes. What is remarkable is that today the company – rooted in the community – directly employs 50 people and there are 47 people on JI or CE. He leaves this organisation is in a strong position going forward.”
“Throughout the years, Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, under Paddy’s guidance, maintained a steady focus on doing what was best for Moyross. Regeneration proceeded, the potential for greater employment opportunities locally has improved, and stigmatisation of the area has decreased. It is a remarkable turnaround and Paddy has contributed to making Moyross a better place today,” he said.

• The Mayor of Limerick John Moran, Paddy Flannery and family members at his retirement celebrations.
At home, Paddy and Linda were involved in fostering children. Their children, now all adults, joined Paddy’s siblings and in-laws today in paying tribute to Paddy on his many years of services as centre manage, but also as a family man.
Today Paddy spent his last day in the job. He received presentations from various groups that his work had supported over the years, including from Moyross Youth Academy, and from Changing Ireland Community Media CLG which is based in the community centre.