As a Dub blessed with County Limerick parents, I was always – maybe not even consciously – promoting Limerick to people of the capital. Once, on a lunch stopover on a school field trip to the Burren, I trooped the whole of fifth year off the bus and up to Burgerland on William Street. They were much impressed, and my stock momentarily went up, at least until we crossed the border into Clare.
I made my own stopover a shade more prolonged, coming first to study at Limerick School of Art and Design, and working and living here for the subsequent 30+ years.
It’s safe to say that Limerick today is a changed place in 30 years. In fact, those three decades probably coincide with its greatest metamorphosis (I take no credit). The city skyline has transformed, it faces – and embraces – its river and modern infrastructure now seamlessly blends with Limerick’s many historical landmarks, which seem more visible than ever.
The city and county community thrives with ever more diverse cultures and ideas.
This evolution mirrors the dynamic shifts in the branding and marketing landscape. And, in the last six years, we’ve experienced the greatest change, driven by leapfrogging digital advancements.
However, amid all these changes, some core elements remain steadfast. People still yearn for authentic narratives—stories that resonate on a personal level. Whether through a branding campaign or a community event, the human fabric prevails. Individuals are drawn to tales that evoke emotion and foster connection, whether they come from local entrepreneurs, artists, or even people sharing their daily lives.
Limerick, much like the broader marketing realm, has embraced both tradition and modernity. While the tools and techniques have evolved, the fundamental desire to engage and connect with others through storytelling endures. Like all of us here in Southern, I’m still energised by the ongoing journey of transformation and the promising potential for future connections rooted in the powerful stories we share for our clients. The heart of Limerick beats strong, reminding us that no matter the changes, our desire for connection remains timeless. Below are just a few stories we’d like to share.
Sustainability
Amgen Irish Open / Mr Binman
Promo Video
There’s always a fun way to communicate a serious message. Last weekend saw golf enthusiasts descending on County Down for the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, and, regardless of the result, Mr Binman wanted the Irish to clean up.
They asked Southern to create this video piece which ran on the big screens and on their socials, drawing spectators’ attention to their Recycling Centres located throughout the course.
The video’s errant golf ball conveniently bounced people’s notice to the correct bins to use for their recycling.
Reaching Your Audience
Carlow Tourism
At Southern, our communications team has had the privilege of partnering with Carlow Tourism’s CLG team for several years. Together, we’ve been promoting the splendour and uniqueness of Carlow through innovative digital and social media campaigns.
Our collaborative efforts highlight one critical factor in any campaign’s success:
A clear and targeted communication strategy.
Our communications team employs a variety of tools and media formats, such as reels, static visuals, engaging videos, and interactive content across multiple social media platforms. By integrating these elements, we craft and communicate a compelling story of Carlow, tailored to each audience.
Branding
Flightlink
In 2023, this brand new bus service launched, providing a direct link to Dublin Airport from Killarney.
Southern created a forward looking, bright and friendly branding solution for the company – including livery in the most vivid orange – and we’re happy to say, you can’t miss the FlightLink bus!
The in-demand service has since extended to Ennis and Limerick, and Southern’s work has included signage and bus shelter advertising at Dublin Airport, newspaper and social media ads, and website graphics.
We are constantly developing new creatives, enhancing the Flightlink Brand as we continue on this journey.
The Importance of Reading
Libraries Ireland – Children’s Book Festival
The third calendar event in the national Right to Read programme for 2024 is the Children’s Book Festival. Like the preceding two phases, the aim of the Festival is engagement with reading – one of the key components to early development. It also encourages reading by adults to children, to help them begin their lifelong journey with literature.
Our work for the Children’s Book Festival included animations, stamp cards, posters, banners and social media asset creation.
Student City
Z-Card – Limerick City & County Council
Southern Marketing Design Media is excited to once again play a part in welcoming students back to universities and colleges with our latest project. We’ve created a handy Z-card format that features a detailed map of Limerick on one side and an extensive events guide on the other. Available in both printed and digital formats, this guide is designed to be a valuable resource for returning students and those beginning a new chapter in a new city.
We’re always thrilled to contribute to this project and help make the transition easier for students.
Arts & Culture
Éigse Festival – Limerick City & County Council
The Michael Hartnett Literary & Arts Festival – Thursday Oct 3rd to Sunday Oct 6th 2024.
We are thrilled to once again be part of this unique Limerick literary festival. This iconic event, held annually, draws passionate artists and literary enthusiasts from across Ireland and beyond to Newcastle West County Limerick.
Merchandising
NOAC – Local Government Management Agency (LGMA)
Southern Marketing Design Media was commissioned to design and source merchandise for an event hosted by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), which also coincided with their 10 year anniversary.
Organisations and public bodies find merchandising like this to be a great value way of reaching out to their audiences, and we were delighted to provide this quality work for NOAC.
Presentations
We help our clients to build effective and engaging presentations, that allow to showcase and discuss complex subjects in a dynamic and accessible way.
