On 23/7/23 Limerick became 4 in-a-row All Ireland Senior Hurling Final winners. A fitting way to mark this historic achievement for future posterity, could be to rename Limerick's Castle in honour of John Kiely.

These castles are currently attributed to King John of England who led the conquest of Ireland in the 12th century. By renaming Limerick's Castle in honour of John Kiely, the people of Limerick could exercise their rights to self-determination that was enshrined in the Treaty of Limerick.

Did you know King John Lackland of England died in 1216 AD but never actually visited our Castle in Limerick. Although John was King of England, he only ever held title as "Lord of Ireland", which is why the name "King John's Castle" is incorrect in respect to Ireland.

In Spring of 2022 ownership of King John's Castle was officially transferred from Shannon Heritage to Limerick City & County Council. This means that the Castle is now in full public ownership and is being managed on behalf of the people of Limerick by Discover Limerick DAC.

Prominent Limerick historians including Liam Irwin, Sharon Slater and Joseph Lennon have proposed and supported calls to rename King John's Castle as Limerick Castle.

Popular arguments include:

+King John of England was never King of Ireland, he held title only as a Lord here.

+King John never visited or lived in Limerick Castle.

+Early maps refer to the Castle as "The Castle at Limerick".

+ The name "King John's Castle" was popularised following the Act of Union in 1801 by historian John Ferrar.

+King John commissioned several other Castles in Britain & Ireland none of which bear his name. These include Dublin Castle, Trim Castle, Carrickfergus Castle.

Vocal support from people in Limerick is needed to prompt political representatives to act.

King John Lackland led the conquest of Ireland by confiscating lands from native peoples and is commonly remembered as "Bad King John", the evil villain from Robin the Hood and the reason there has never been a King John the 2nd !

Some of his most infamous actions include personally murdering his nephew Arthur of Brittany, starving Lady Maud de Braose and her son Owain to death in the dungeon of Corfe Castle, having unsolicited affairs with the wives and daughters of his subjects and divorcing his wife to marry Princess Isabella when she was only 12 years old !!!

During diplomatic talks in Ireland King John mocked Irish Chieftains and pulled on their long beards like "an ill-mannered child" before confiscating Irish lands on behalf of the Crown of England.

"Foul as it is, Hell is made fouler by the presence of King John." Matthew Paris

Changing the name to "King John Kiely's Castle" could help to attract more visitors to the City, which has been struggling with many business closures.

If you agree and want to play your part please sign and share this petition.

#LuimneachAbú #KingJohnKiely