MAYOR John Gilligan’s appeal for a strong community spirit to celebrate the St Patrick festival has been taken on board by the people of Limerick.
They are refusing to let the turbulent economy affect their celebrations.
Carol O’Sullivan, a student in Mary Immaculate College, told The Limerick Post that she is really looking forward to joining in the fun on the day with friends, and this was the general sentiment on the streets.
The ‘Go Green’ theme appears to be a big hit, with people eagerly awaiting the spectacle of colour and sound that is promised to fill the streets.
The current slump is clearly not affecting the atmosphere in the lead up to the celebrations. Ann Fleming said that she attends the parade every year and she will continue this tradition. She added:. “There is always a great atmosphere around town for the festivities”.
Last year, 55,000 attended the parades through the streets of Limerick, making it the second largest in the country, and 2009 is set to be even bigger.
Even though resources may not be as plentiful as previous years, the parade promises to be awash with colourful floats and displays.
“Celebrations will not be affected by the current downturn, the floats and music are sure to lift the mood,” said Karen McHugh.
“It’s a day of celebration that has to be enjoyed, there is no point been pessimistic about it”. The air around Limerick is clearly positive as the festival approaches. Those blues that have plagued us all over the last few months certainly can be erased with the entertainment that the St. Patrick festival has to offer”.
