In an unprecedented display of unity, all the principal establishments in Limerick found themselves draped in signs of mourning, reacting to the startling news of the untimely death of King Edward. The profound shock that reverberated through the community was palpable as the city grappled with the sudden loss of a monarch who had, over the years, earned a place as a friend to Ireland.

On Saturday, acting on behalf of the citizens, the Mayor extended a heartfelt telegram to King George at Buckingham Palace. The message conveyed the collective sorrow and condolences of the entire Limerick community on the passing of King Edward, an august father figure whose demise had sent shockwaves through the city. The late monarch was not merely considered a distant ruler but as a friend to Ireland, someone who had shown genuine concern for the welfare and prosperity of its people.

The telegram to King George was a poignant expression of Limerick’s shared grief, highlighting the depth of the bond between the city and the royal family. The unexpected news had prompted an outpouring of emotions, and the Mayor’s message aimed to convey that the sorrow felt in Limerick was reflective of a nationwide sentiment mourning the loss of a monarch who had transcended political boundaries.

In a parallel gesture of sympathy, another telegram was dispatched to Queen Alexandra, expressing the deep condolences of the citizens of Limerick. The Queen, like her late husband, was acknowledged as a figure of significance, and the city sought to extend its sympathies to her at this moment of grief. The act of sending a separate message to Queen Alexandra underscored the respect and regard the city held not only for the monarch but for the royal family as a whole.

The mourning signs adorning Limerick’s principal establishments stood as a visual representation of the city’s collective grief. From government buildings to local businesses, the sombre atmosphere reflected a community coming to terms with the sudden void left by the passing of a king who had been a stalwart supporter of Ireland.

As news of King Edward’s death continued to permeate every corner of Limerick, the city became a tapestry of shared sorrow, with residents from all walks of life joining in a collective moment of reflection. The unexpected demise of the monarch had momentarily transcended differences, bringing together a diverse community in a shared expression of mourning.

The events in Limerick painted a vivid picture of a city grappling with the immediacy of loss. The Mayor’s telegrams, sincere in their condolences, were not just formalities; they were heartfelt expressions of grief from a city that had lost a friend. The unity in mourning, evident in the widespread signs of grief and the dispatch of condolence telegrams, emphasized the profound impact of King Edward’s reign on the hearts and minds of the people of Limerick.

In conclusion, Limerick found itself in a state of collective mourning, with all major establishments displaying signs of grief in response to the unexpected demise of King Edward. The Mayor’s telegrams to King George and Queen Alexandra were poignant expressions of the city’s sorrow, underscoring the profound bond between Limerick and the royal family. As the city navigated the emotional aftermath of this unforeseen loss, it stood as a testament to the enduring connections that transcend political boundaries and shape the shared history of communities.

Dublin Daily Express – Monday 09 May 1910