Bruff
Bruff (Brú na nDeise in Irish) is a town in east County Limerick, in the midwest of Ireland, located on the old Limerick–Cork road (R512). The town lies on the Morning Star river, with two bridges in the town itself. The area around Bruff is quite scenic,[citation needed] and the horse-shoe lake of Lough Gur is nearby.
History
Historical artifacts around the area date back to the Stone Age, with various buildings up to the early Christian still extant. Bruff is the hometown of American missionary and bishop John Joseph Hogan. The town suffered heavy fighting in the Battle of Killmallock during the Irish Civil War. Near the Catholic church, there is a large statue of Sean Wall, a volunteer of the War of Independence. The imposing building which formerly served as the Garda station in the town is listed for preservation, and its current owner has converted it into living accommodation.[citation needed] Another notable attraction is the number of murals that have been painted on the walls of buildings in the town over the last few decades.
Sport
The town's sporting background is evident in the town's active Gaelic Athletic Association, Pitch & Putt club, Hockey Club,[1] soccer club, and rugby union. Bruff R.F.C. is the home club of Irish International player John Hayes.[2]
Development and economy
Once described in the Sunday World newspaper as "the town that the Celtic Tiger Forgot",[citation needed] it has of late seen an increase in population and a general renewal, mainly due to its classification as a satellite town of Limerick City. Major expansion for the town is planned with a new development plan by Limerick County Council in the final design stages. The population is expected to double over the next ten years or so.[citation needed] There are five pubs (one with a restaurant), another restaurant, a Eurospar, a Centra, a pharmacy and a Post Office in the town. Bruff is located near the edges of the Ballyhoura Fáilte tourist area. Bruff has an active Cultural and Arts Society which organises an Annual Summer Festival and a celebration of Bloomsday. The Morning Star Rose festival has been held in the Bruff for the last four years since it's beginning in 2005.