A major science-fiction convention planned for Limerick had to be cancelled because of lack of public support.
The event was to be held in April and sci-fi stars such as James Doohan, known as Scotty in the original Star Trek series, Richard Briggs, who plays Dr Stephen Franklin in Babylon 5, and Andrew C Robinson, who plays Garak in Star Trek, were to have taken part.
Ms Anny Wise, one of the organisers of the event, called Cosmocon, explained that they did not get enough advance bookings and stars are now demanding payment up front as there were problems at other conventions when they were not paid.
She said they needed at least 230 bookings in advance, with tickets costing £25 each, and they were hoping to get as many as 1,000 people. Any profits from the event were to go to local charities. Shannon-based Star Trek fans have run eight conventions and this was the first time it was being held in Limerick.