Limerick mayor says Natasha O’Brien is a ‘national symbol of courage’

MAYOR John Moran has publicly commended Natasha O’Brien for speaking out and for her dedication as she advocates for legal reforms following her recent traumatic experience.

The mayor met Ms O’Brien and her friend Shauna Daly at City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. The council’s night time economy advisor, Ashlene Reyburn also attended the meeting.

Ms O’Brien has rose to national prominence after she spoke out last week after the soldier, who viciously assaulted her to the point of unconsciousness was given a suspended sentence. She received a standing ovation in the Dail on Tuesday.

Prior to the early morning attack on O’Connell Street in 2022, Ms O’Brien and her friend told a group of men, which included the accused Cathal Crotty, not to use a homophobic slur.

After the meeting with Ms O’Brien, Mayor Moran said people intervening in the harassment of another person, when others may just walk away, is “exactly how we expect our communities to look out for one another”.

“The assault on Natasha that followed her intervention should never have happened and should not be allowed to happen to anyone else.

“Since she first spoke out on Thursday of last week, Natasha has become a national symbol of courage, striving to change laws to ensure others in Limerick and elsewhere don’t endure the same ordeal.

“Natasha has articulated her concerns directly to me and we discussed how the new office of mayor can help to push for positive change. Despite that the mayor does not hold specific policing powers, Natasha and I do, however, believe that the office can and should be used as an agent of positive change,” said Mayor Moran.

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He said we all want a safer Limerick, indeed, a safer Ireland.

“Speaking generally, people need to understand that there are serious consequences to their actions when they decide to act inappropriately on our streets. We want to empower people to act positively for safer communities.

“Our national legislators need to ensure all of us feel protected by the law and in this particular case, I am also looking for the Defence Forces to show leadership.

“I have asked Natasha to keep me informed of progress she makes and I encourage others in Limerick who have been similarly impacted to reach out and contact me at mayor@limerick.ie ,” said Mayor Moran.

The mayor and Ms O’Brien have agreed to a further meeting in mid-August to identify if his office can support further.

“As security on our streets is a priority for me, I have already met this week with senior Limerick gardai and local business owners to discuss similar issues of concern in Limerick city centre,” concluded Mayor Moran.