The Muslim Sisters of Eire Limerick have had a remarkable start to 2025, marked by significant community engagement, successful events, and strategic planning. Our organisation is committed to fostering unity, understanding, and empowerment within the Limerick community.
April: Focus on Family
Eid Party at Direct Provision Centre
Date: April 6th, 2025
Our first-ever Eid celebration at the Ballysimon Road Direct Provision Centre was a joyful and heartwarming event, bringing together around 30 women and 75 children to celebrate in a truly inclusive atmosphere. The event was filled with laughter, music, and delight as children enjoyed face painting, henna, storytelling, and games—activities that brought smiles and excitement throughout the day.
The arrival of an ice cream van was a highlight that added a touch of magic and celebration. This gathering was more than just a festive occasion—it was a statement of compassion and solidarity. It reflected our ongoing commitment to ensuring that families in Direct Provision feel valued, included, and celebrated, especially during meaningful times like Eid.
Kid’s Fun Day
On April 21st, 2025, the Limerick branch of Muslim Sisters of Éire (MSOE) organised a truly special outing for local children and volunteers—a day filled with learning, laughter, and inspiration at the Kiddies Club in the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Thanks to the valued partnership with the Community Gardaí, our young participants were safely transported to the venue where they were warmly welcomed by the hotel’s dedicated team. The day’s programme was thoughtfully curated, offering the children a chance to pet farm animals, get creative with arts and crafts, watch a movie, and enjoy a hearty meal. The smiles and excitement on their faces were a beautiful reflection of the joy such experiences bring.
While the children were enjoying the day’s activities, the MSOE Limerick team had the honour of hosting MSOE Founder, Sister Lorraine, who travelled from Dublin to join the event. Her visit marked an important moment of reflection and growth for the team.
Sister Lorraine shared:
"On the 21st of April, I had the absolute privilege of spending time with our incredible Limerick branch. Watching the team in action—seeing how far they’ve come, how passionately they’re working, and how beautifully they are networking within the community—filled me with pride and hope. The energy, the dedication, and the love they pour into every effort is inspiring. This branch is truly flourishing, becoming more powerful and purposeful with each step. I’m so excited for what lies ahead for this team, and I feel honoured to witness this journey firsthand."
Her words brought encouragement and renewed vision to the Limerick team, who engaged in a productive brainstorming session focused on expanding their reach and deepening community impact. The session concluded with a warm and well-deserved afternoon tea, generously hosted by Sister Lorraine.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Radisson Blu Hotel for their kind hospitality, and a very special thank you to Dagmar, whose attentive support made the event seamless and enjoyable for all. Our sincere gratitude also goes to the Community Gardaí for their continued partnership and dedication to the well-being of our youth.
This event reflects the spirit of MSOE—uplifting communities, empowering women, and creating safe and joyful spaces for our children to thrive. The Limerick branch continues to grow in strength, compassion, and unity—and we are so proud of all they have achieved.
March: Reflecting on Faith
Iftar Gathering: Cultural Feast & Community Spirit
Date: March 16th, 2025
Our first Iftar gathering in Limerick was a beautiful evening of connection, reflection, and celebration. Women from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds—both Muslim and non-Muslim—came together to share food, stories, and laughter in a warm and welcoming space. Guests enjoyed a rich cultural feast with cuisines representing different parts of the world, alongside Ramadan-themed activities designed to engage and inspire children.
The presence of special guests, including Garda Inspectors Rose O’Connor and Rebecca, local historian Sharon Slater (Limerick’s Life), and Mary Bradshaw (Women’s Collective Ireland), added to the significance of the occasion. Their participation reflected a wider community commitment to unity, inclusion, and mutual respect. The evening was a shining example of how shared experiences—especially during sacred times like Ramadan—can foster deeper understanding and meaningful connections across communities.
February: Celebrating Culture and Community
World Hijab Day at The Hunt Museum: A vibrant celebration promoting understanding of the hijab, with guest speakers from An Garda Síochána.
We celebrated a vibrant gathering of culture at our World Hijab Day event on February 8th, 2025 at the Hunt Museum. The event highlighted the beauty of choice and the power of self-expression, fostering understanding and appreciation of the hijab and its significance in Islam.
Attendees enjoyed complimentary tea, coffee, and refreshments while exploring our ‘Try on a Hijab’ stall. They also had the chance to experience beautiful henna artistry throughout the day. Our information booth offered insights into the hijab's importance within our community.
It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, learn about different cultures, break down barriers, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Pre-Ramadan Bazaar: A platform for small businesses, featuring food stalls, hijabs, Islamic books, and fun activities for children
Date: February 22nd, 2025
Our first-ever Pre-Ramadan Bazaar in Limerick was a vibrant and inclusive event that brought together women and families in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan. The bazaar featured a variety of local vendors showcasing hijabs, jewellery, handmade crafts, and artwork—supporting small businesses and celebrating the rich creativity within our community.
More than just a marketplace, the event served as a cultural bridge, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. Many non-Muslims attended, eager to learn more about Ramadan and to engage with the local Muslim community. This spirit of openness and curiosity fostered meaningful conversations, strengthened community bonds, and highlighted the importance of intercultural understanding.
The Pre-Ramadan Bazaar not only enabled attendees to prepare for the month ahead, but also promoted unity, shared values, and the joy of coming together in the spirit of generosity and connection.
January: Building Strong Foundations
- Meetings with Community Garda: Productive discussions on collaborative efforts and future visits to the direct provision center.
- Training Session with Lorraine and Jamila: A SWOT analysis session that laid the groundwork for 2025 events and activities.
The first half of 2025 has been incredibly productive for the Muslim Sisters of Eire Limerick. We look forward to continuing our journey and making a positive impact in the community.
