WITH an estimated 4,000 participants and a whopping 70,000 spectators, Limerick turned several shares of green for its massive St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Ireland’s National City of Culture hosted the country’s largest regional St Patrick’s Day Parade with on March 17 with 100 different community groups, bands, sports clubs and companies taking part in the lively festivities.
Local dignitaries including Mayor Kathleen Leddin, joined members of Limerick City and County Council and invited guests to witness the spectacle make its way down O’Connell Street.
“The Parade has become a major community event in recent years with a growing number and variety of participants, and this year I am honoured to have taken part as Mayor of Limerick in a year that sees the City celebrate its status as Ireland’s City of Culture,” said Mayor Leddin.
“I was particularly delighted to see a strong multicultural element to this year’s Parade with lively performances from Limerick’s vibrant Filipino, Indian, Eastern European and African communities,” she added.
Internationally renowned festival favourites including highly acclaimed street theatre group Macnas and Buí Bolg Productions once again took their place in this year’s parade line-up. The Parade Flag Ambassadors were the students of Coláiste Chiaráin in Croom, who carried Ireland’s largest tricolour, while athletes from Special Olympics Ireland were this year’s Grand Marshals.
Music Generation won Best Float while Limerick Filipino Community took the honours for the Most Entertaining group. Northside Learning Hub scooped the Most Eco-Friendly Award and Corpus Christi Band winning Best Musical Performance.
The Parade formed part of a comprehensive St Patrick’s Festival in the city. Another festival highlight was the free City of Culture event — Paddy’s Day Unlocked— featuring musical performances, a screening, dance, theatrical performances and spoken word at The Milk Market.
Well-known Limerick landmarks including King John’s Castle and City Hall were also illuminated in green light to as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
