In keeping with a longstanding tradition, the mayors of Limerick City add a ring to their golden chain of office upon retirement. Each ring inscribed with the name of the donor and a reference to a notable event during their administration. Alderman Daly, a former dynamite prisoner and Mayor of Limerick, has presented a ring with a unique design: two crossed pikes and a pair of handcuffs.

The symbolism on Alderman Daly’s ring pays tribute to his involvement in the Fenian Rising and the subsequent time he spent in Portland Prison. The crossed pikes represent his participation in the rebellion, whereas the handcuffs signify his imprisonment.

This custom allows each mayor to leave their mark on the city’s history, with each ring serving as a reminder of their accomplishments and challenges faced during their tenure. As Alderman Daly’s administration comes to an end, his symbolic ring becomes a part of Limerick City’s storied past – capturing a moment in time when the city was shaped by his leadership.

The continuing tradition of adding rings to the chain of office not only honors the service of each mayor but also serves as a historical record for generations to come. Future mayors will bear the weight of this chain, both literally and figuratively, as they take on the responsibility to lead the city and contribute to its ever-evolving narrative.

Nottingham Evening Post – Wednesday 11 February 1903