AS Mayor of Limerick, I would like to congratulate and thank everybody who participated in the St. Patrick’s Day and International Band Festivals. We were steeped in luck with the weather.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade had the highest number of participants in the country – just short of 5,000 I believe.
They reflected all aspects of Limerick from Sport to Community and many businesses as well.
I congratulate all those that made the effort to participate and decorated the various floats. Our local bands also gave great support and entertainment and we were delighted to host the Santa Clara High School Marching Band in Limerick for the week.
The International Band Parade on Sunday was very enjoyable comprising as it did our local bands, bands from Northern Ireland, our friends from Santa Clara High School Marching Band and also bands from other counties in Ireland.
Speaking to the adjudicators later, they complimented the standard of the performers and said that their job was extremely difficult.
We are very fortunate in Limerick to have a great group of committed workers who give time throughout the year to planning and preparing for the St. Patrick’s Festival.
I would like to thank the various sponsors (including Fáilte Ireland, Stryker, HMV, Live 95FM), Shannon Development, the Army, the Gardai, the media and the staff of various departments of Limerick City Council for their work.
I want to thank in particular the Limerick Communications Office and Futureama Productions and all the businesses who opened to cater for the very large crowds that visited the city centre. Our new Milk Market was a superb addition to the festival.
A special tribute must be paid to staff of the Cleansing Section of the City Council who swept the streets both before and immediately after the parades to ensure that they were litter free.
These events showcased Limerick in the best possible light and demonstrated how strong our different community and sporting groups really are.
Yours
Cllr Maria Byrne
Mayor of Limerick
