Gerard Hartmann Sports physiotherapist "I don't think the national impression of Limerick . . . that of 'stab city' . . . is justified. Like every city, there are some nogo areas. My wife is a doctor, and she has to have a garda escort when she is called into certain areas. But on the other hand, my family has had a business on the main street of Limerick for 128 years and we've had no problems. The only minor problem I've had was in 2004, when one of my athletes was pushed into the canal. But I could live anywhere and I still choose to live here. I certainly prefer it to Dublin."

Bill Whelan Riverdance composer "It hurts me as a Limerick man to see what has happened to the city's reputation. I loved growing up there, and the tales of violence that have emerged over the last two decades are foreign to me. I experienced a far higher level of violence living in Dublin than in Limerick. In reality, it's a vibrant, growing city, with a great university and historical and architectural attributes. But there has been an unfortunate emphasis on the bad side of Limerick that is found in any city, and I think it is up to the people of the city to do something to challenge its negative reputation."