Full coverage: Limerick

An infamous seven-hour meeting was a new low in John Moran's short reign, but case studies of how directly elected mayors have been introduced elsewhere offer some hope that Ireland can still address its dismal record in empowering local democracy.

John Moran says he won a mandate for change and he has been driving it hard, convinced that the prize is big for Limerick and Ireland. Amid the fallout, there is a challenge: locating the truth in the fog of conflict and the murk of accusation and counter-accusation.

John Moran became Ireland's first directly elected mayor in 2024. Willing to upset even JP McManus, he compares his uncompromising approach to Roy Keane's – but a three-month investigation including more than 40 interviews reveals deep divisions.

The Limerick start-up has raised funding from Frontline Ventures and angel investors like Des Traynor but has scheduled a creditors meeting next month with a view to appointing liquidators.

The family business, run from Limerick, works with airlines and lessors to move aircraft engines and parts around the world and has more than €38 million in turnover.

Swiss tax resident JP McManus’s hotel and golf resort stands to benefit most directly from up to €238m in State funding for the 2027 event, but the business doesn’t even disclose its owners.

The Limerick transport software company is preparing to raise outside funding to power an acquisition strategy in the UK and further internationalising.

JP McManus built the Rugby Experience as a public monument. Limerick's council walked a fine line to outline liabilities without criticising his generosity.

Ubiquitous LCD screens contain valuable recoverable materials, as well as poisonous mercury. Votechnik has robotised their disassembly and is now exporting to Sweden and the US.

Democracy is always interesting. It is rarely experimental. Limerick’s mayoral election is different.