Dr Paul O'Brien @FearStairLmk Twitter profile

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Dr Paul O'Brien

26 days

What a night! Thanks to absolutely everyone who showed up the the launch of our book @mothermacspub , it was a brilliant night. Huge thanks to the Mayor of #Limerick @moranjohna1 who launched the book. Thanks to our partners @DSLimerick & thanks to @Heineken_IE for their support.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

11 months

Three of the greatest Irish internet stories of all time. #Portmarnock #Dave #Ireland

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

9 months

Caught in time. Remarkable pub left untouched for over sixty years. I recently had the please of exploring it.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

10 months

Despite the great service and food @murraysofdublin , the sting in the tail of €3 for a dash of cordial in a pint of water, left a bad taste in my mouth! Do you think €3 too much for a pint of mi wadi?

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Just found an @one4allireland voucher in my room, dated Xmas 2019, to the value of €60. Checked the balance and there’s only €23.75 left on it! What a joke! Probably missed it as Covid emerged. I never buy these vouchers anymore, it’s always best to buy direct from the shop.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

I’m tired. I’m exhausted. Stop abusing me on the street. Stop harassing me. I’m a gay man. I’m tired of feeling surveilled in the place I live. I’m fed up of making statements. I’m a nervous wreck. You know who you are… stay away from me. I’m scared. This is a plea.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Dr Tony Holohan is the Irish person of the year! So calm and reassuring. #LateLateShow #Covid_19

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 months

One of the most authentic pubs in all of Ireland. This is Frawley’s in Lahinch.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

6 years

McDonalds in Castletroy this morning. Does anybody know if this was deliberate? #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

I’m obsessed with this gorgeous farm house in Co. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

8 months

Another roadside cottage conversion.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Dear @rte , can you please replay all of Mary Fitzgerald's iconic Make and Do series?

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

1 year

An incredible discovery. Time to put a plan in action. Open to suggestions and collaborations. Date range is ca.1695-1960 (that’s after a cursory glance). #Limerick #archives Thanks also to my co-finder and researcher @JHOD1852

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

11 months

Spotted in Ballybunion. #SaintBrigidsCross

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

It can be done and done well. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

6 years

The removal of compulsory history from the junior cycle is short sighted and utterly damaging to the Irish education system. Please continue to share Liam Whelan’s excellent article:

The Removal of Compulsory History in Secondary School is a Tragedy for Irish Education

This September’s first-year students could leave school with next to no knowledge of history or why it’s important.

universitytimes.ie

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Surreptitiously recording a video of a person on a night out and sharing it on social media is the lowest of the low. People have a reasonable right to expect privacy. Nothing is sacred anymore.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

This video haunts me. This 18th c. house should have been afforded protection. Brick by brick the Georgian fabric of the city is being lost. We will lament these losses in future. The site of Curragower House is now on sale as a development site. Quelle Surprise! #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

1 year

Just your typical Sunday morning in #Limerick City

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

8 months

After months of being wrapped in scaffolding, the end product looks great. Another beautiful building in #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Deeply disturbing news coming from #Sligo . Solidarity with the gay community of which I am a proud member 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

15 days

The real king unveiled! #AllIrelandHurling #Clare #TonyKelly

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

10 months

@AbbyNrgHealing @murraysofdublin Abby, thank you for your enlightened contribution. I admire your ability to conflate topics.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

1 year

While walking through Herbert Park this morning, I said hello to a lovely couple, both in their late 80s. They said hello back and I’ve just spent the most incredible hour hearing all about their life and times. Sometimes just a simple “hello” unlocks the most interesting chats.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Embarrassing. The absolute hack of these people.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

8 months

Reposting this clip to highlight the skill of the craftspeople who built Fernbank, #Limerick . It shows ⁦ @RHODLIMERICK ⁩ opening a concealed shutter for the first time in over 100 years. This feature along will be lost when the house is demolished by the local authority.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

7 months

Do people still use electric knives?

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

The Illustrated London News of 29 December 1849 carried a sketch of Judy O'Donnel's habitation under the bridge at Doonbeg. It survives to the present day. The hole under the bridge can be seen in this photograph. #TheHunger #TheIrishFamine

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

The #Titanic took three years to build. The #EiffelTower took just over two years to build. The new O’Connell Street, #Limerick is taking forever!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Ranks mill building on the Dock Road. Sitting empty. So much potential.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

The Shannon was like a sheet of glass at 8am. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

9 months

I’m very pleased to say that the pub will be preserved and put back exactly as it was found. The owners have hired conservation architects and engineers. It will be done right.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Master craftspeople. Fernbank House, #Limerick . Purchased by the Salesians in 1924 and recently sold to the local authority as part of the wider Cleeve’s site. The clip shows ⁦ @JHOD1852 ⁩ opening a concealed shutter for the first time in over 100 years.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

When I was 23, I had a nervous breakdown and spent 6 moths in St John of God’s, Stillorgan. Through sheer determination and with the help of my family, I rebuilt my life. Being relentlessly trolled by the same three Limerick people reminds me of how fragile ones mental health is.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Describing Gemma O'Doherty as a "journalist-activist" is an insult to all activists and journalists. She is a public menace.

The Irish Times

@IrishTimes

4 years

Covid-19: Questions raised over Garda response to Debenhams and Four Courts protests

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

I’m speechless! #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

My favourite door in #Dublin

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

11 months

Had a lovely chat with a woman at a bus stop this morning. She was reading an old history book that I recognised. A lifelong civil servant, she has embarked on a PhD in a Scandinavian university. Hi to Aine. 👋 81 is not too old. ♥️

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be writing a bi-weekly column for @Limerick_Leader focussing on the history and heritage of #Limerick . It will tell the story of the so-called ordinary people who shaped the city and its environs over the years. Please retweet. @AineFitzgeraldA

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

More “temporary” repairs at the train and bus station in #Limerick ? I just don’t get why this is acceptable. Why does the public realm have to suffer every time a repair is carried out?

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Can some people just give it a rest or leave Limerick if they are so unhappy living here? Always complaining about the city. Never offering solutions. Moaning, whinging, being outraged. What a waste of energy. #Limerick is not without its faults but it’s a great place to live.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

I will just never understand why people sit in reserved train seats with names overhead. It causes situations than can be avoided.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

The level of constant #Limerick bashing by the same group of people is very tiresome. While the city is far from perfect, it’s not the awful place they make it out to be. It’s a huge world - go find a spot in it that makes you happy. See photos for a reminder of our great city.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

I had a rocky ride in my early 20s and went back to college ( @MICLimerick ) at 26, worked very hard with excellent teaching (undergrad) and supervision (PhD) and yesterday received the royalties from my first book ( @FourCourtsPress ). An incredible feeling!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

5 months

Moonlight over #Limerick ’s ancient cathedral.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Bought in a charity shop in #Limerick for 50c. Can anyone confirm that it’s Dev’s signature?

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

The comments made by adults on this secondary school student’s tweet are pathetic, disgusting and utterly immature. A young person expresses an interest in politics and he is subjected to disgraceful comments by adults.

Piotr Michalak

@_Piotr_Michalak

2 years

I had the absolute Honour today to meet the Tánaiste, someone I really do look up too @LeoVaradkar and also another incredible Person that it was a honour too meet was Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD .

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Then and now. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Thank you to all who attended my walking tour. Locals, residents, those who traveled from Dublin and Belfast, descendants of builders, friends and family. If today was anything to go by... we are only getting started. #Limerick is where it’s at!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

I’m saddened to discover from a well placed source that these two early Georgian houses may be demolished owing to structural issues. Soon, all of Georgian #Limerick will be lost. Stop destroying our built heritage.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

I cannot understand why this building needs to be demolished. Cecil Street, #Limerick Thanks to @JHOD1852 @A2Architects @tararoonies and others for highlighting this ludicrous proposal.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Built c.1850, Knockmore House, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow was owned by the late parents of Shane Ross TD. More recently, it was the location of Marianne's family home in the incredible TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's, Normal People. #NormalPeople

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Just spent ages with a neighbour picking up litter strewn on the street. People who drop litter whether sober or drunk are scumbags and there is NEVER an excuse for it.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Found on O’Connell Street…

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

What an extraordinary transformation! #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

7 months

I’m horrified to discover that Elm Hill (1750), Co. #Limerick has been delisted by councillors and is in the process of being dismantled and sold off. The NIAH describes it as ‘imposing house retains much of its former grandeur. A high level of technical and artistic skill is…

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

1 year

What a transformation! Jesuit Lane, #Limerick . This house lay empty and in ruins for many years. Recently sold by the local authority and renovated. More of the same please.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 months

We are very pleased to announce that our book chronicling the history of #Limerick pubs is complete & will be available to purchase on presale from Sunday. It’s packed full of unpublished photos from private collections. We researched over 1,000 pubs. All proceeds to @DSLimerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Dear @LimerickCouncil , with the blessing of her family, can we please have a statue or a mural of the late Dodo Reddan (1922-1995) in an area of the city that is soon to be pedestrianised?

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 months

Reflections on the river. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

1 year

Amazing what a lick of paint can do!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Dr Mike Ryan of the WHO is Irishman of the century. 👏👏👏

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

8 months

The original 1878 interior of the Church of the Sacred Heart, #Limerick has been meticulously restored by Randel Hodkinson & his sons Gerard and James. They used the original designs created by James Hodkinson in the 1870s. The result is breathtaking and worth the visit.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Letter of the day, via @IrishTimes : A chara, The vaccines appear to herald the end phase of all this Covid awfulness. I suggest we call this phase, “The Road to Demask Us”. Is mise, JERRY TWOMEY, Limerick.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

6 months

The destruction of our built heritage laid bare. Remember, the loss of Elm Hill House in Ardagh, Co. #Limerick was voted on by a few cllrs with no expertise in architecture. Video is copyright of Ballingarry Heritage on Facebook. A damning indictment of the local authority.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

It never ceases to amaze me what can be found in skips!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

9 months

Love this prayer on the bar shelves.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

The gilt statue of Satan being vanquished by Archangel Saint Michael atop the roof of Saint Michael's Church, Denmark Street, set against the sunrise over #Limerick city. Captured from my drone.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Frozen rooftops in #Limerick .

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

A new addition to Limerick’s culinary offering. I love the signage. 🍕

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

1 year

The charred remains of the #Limerick Sailors' Home after a fire swept through the building last night. The foundation stone was laid on 11 July 1856 and it was opened in 1859. A terrible loss to Limerick's built heritage. Photos captured from my drone.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Unforgivable.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

One of my favourite recent restoration projects in #Limerick .

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

1 year

I hate to labour the point but after a €9m project, delayed multiple times, and funded by the taxpayer, how is this an improvement on what it replaced? Who sanctioned the use of this particular material for the local authority? What quality checks were undertaken? #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

Probably the most perfect house I’ve ever seen! #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

I was half expecting Gemma O’Doherty to turn up at Capitol Hill.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

Some good personal news! I've been elected as the Irish member of the Council of @europanostra following my nomination by @AnTaisce . Founded in 1963, Europa Nostra is the European Voice of Civil Society committed to Cultural Heritage.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

As someone who is affected firsthand by the Mother and Baby Homes Report, I hope that people, especially politicians, are mindful today of the women and children before they comment. Behind every tweet is a victim. #motherandbabyhomes

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

It’s 25 years since I came out. Here’s a photo of me from that time (transition year, 1996). It was 3 years after the law was changed. I told a friend and when another friend found out I did not tell her first, she refused to speak to me for a week. Oh, the innocence of it all!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Teacher bashing needs to stop. Making ridiculous comments such as “they’ve been sitting at home for months”. Any teacher I know has been busier than ever. It’s been stressful for everyone. Some people think they have the monopoly on stress and outrage. Take a breath!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Limerick is the greatest city in the world. The end.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

The end of an era. Eileen Dunne’s final broadcast on the nine o’clock news @rtenews @rte

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Harry Clarke stained glass window in St. Joseph’s Church, #Limerick #HarryClarke

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

This month marks 25 years since I came out. Teenage me in rural Ireland with no internet, no social media, no literature... but plenty of friends and a great family. I told one girl at school and she told another who said to me "I can't believe you told her first." Teenagers! 🏳️‍🌈

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

The absolute hack of this proposed building. This building will face people as they leave the central bus/train station. A lovely late Georgian street leading to Baker Place, overshadowed. Is this the best they can come up with? Mediocre and over scaled. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

What a day! On foot of a recent walking tour, we were invited into a house. An exceptional archive (22 boxes) from c.1660s - 1890s #Limerick & #Clare has turned up. An account of a Cromwellian soldier is one document. What similar sources exist? @BridMcGrath @tait_clodagh

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

Curraghchase, Co. Limerick.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Curragower House as captured from my drone before its needless destruction. We need better protection of our built heritage. We need local cllrs to be consistent in their support of built heritage.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

For the past number of months, @FionanCoughlan & I have been recording & editing footage for our video for @LimerickWild . We think it neatly tells the story of #Limerick . We’d love if it was shared far and wide. Thanks to @paddy_mulcahy for the use of his music. #LimerickandProud

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

Detail from the Saint Brigid Window by the Harry Clarke Studios in Saint Senan’s Church, #Kilrush , Co. Clare #SaintBrigid #HarryClarke #SaintBrigidsDay

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

7 months

Kilrush Convent. 1997 vs 2023. Hard to believe that I did part of my leaving certificate in this once fine building.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

More of this please and thank you. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

The most beautiful city in Ireland. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

You absolute beaut. #Limerick

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

Delighted to discover that this large house situated off Laurel Hill Avenue, #Limerick has finally received some attention (it’s a work in progress).

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

4 years

Dear Costello’s, I can’t wait to meet you again in a post-virus, sticky carpet world.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

3 years

New day, thousands more letters discovered. That’s my reading, cataloging, and research output sorted for the next twenty years!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

7 months

St Senan’s Church, Kilrush. The stained glass windows are by Harry Clarke.

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

10 months

@DavidPa03067190 @murraysofdublin My comment is not related to the good decent food served by a lovely member of staff in spotless surroundings. It’s about the excessive cost of cordial. It also has zero to do with gender. I’m sure plenty of dads are capable of commenting on the price of food too!

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Dr Paul O'Brien

@FearStairLmk

2 years

No words can describe these losses #Limerick

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